Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

Henson Le
South Bend Alumni Association Scholarship
A senior at John Adams High School, Henson Le plans to major in Studio Arts and Art History at the University of Notre Dame. He hopes to pursue museum education and project management. By studying the arts, he wants to better his community in South Bend, allowing young scholars to tap into their creativity, innovation, and interpersonal skills.
Over the course of 4 years, Henson became President of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Club, carving out a necessary space for the Asian diaspora to find relevance in their unique experiences. He also served as a representative of the International Student Organization for two years, creating engaging events to honor the customs and traditions prevalent throughout the student body.
Henson has always been inspired by the visionary, dedicating himself to establishing his own voice within visual media practices. This commitment led him to receive an apprenticeship at the Raclin Murphy Museum and the Scholastic Art and Writing Award (Gold Key), both recognizing a student’s passion for multidisciplinary studies.
Overall, Henson Le is honored to have received a plethora of support from his peers, family, and counselors. As a first-generation immigrant student, attending the University of Notre Dame once felt like a distant dream—something written in the stars. However, with encouragement, he chose to reach for his goals and now aspires to amplify his community, instilling city pride everywhere he goes.

Mariella Escobedo
Connie S. Varga Scholarship
Mariella Escobedo is a senior at John Adams High School and will attend Ball State University in the fall where she will major in Construction Management.
Mariella is in her second year of the Building Trades CTE class and is currently constructing a home near Riley High School. She has found her passion through construction and is extremely grateful to have this hands on experience. Through her construction class, she has learned the importance of teamwork and dedication in order to maintain a steady and positive workspace.
Mariella is also involved in many different clubs at Adams including National Honors Society, John Adams Volunteer Association, National Technical Honors Society, and Spanish Club. She also sings for her church choir at Holy Cross and volunteers throughout the community at such organizations as the Christ Child Society of South Bend, Toys for Tots, and the Fusion Festival.
Mariella is extremely appreciative for all of support and encouragement from her family, friends, and teachers and wouldn’t be where she is today without them. She is thankful and proud to have won the Connie S. Varga Scholarship and will continue live out her values by uplifting others within the community by continuing to give back.

Vicky Lopez-Leanos
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Vicky Lopez-Leanos is a graduate of Riley High School and will be attending Purdue University where she plans to major in Robotics Engineering.
During her time at Riley High School she was involved with activities such as the robotics team, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, being president of NHS, JROTC, girls Tennis, and Mock Trial. Through her involvement with the Riley Wildbots, the robotics team at Riley High School, Vicky discovered and explored her passion for robotics and innovative technology.
Vicky is extremely thankful for the support and guidance provided to her by teachers, peers, and family. She recognizes the hard work done by others on her behalf to better and further her education. She hopes to honor their efforts through achieving her goals, giving back to the community, and supporting others as she was supported.

Past Scholarship Recipients
2024
Evelyn Ringer
South Bend Alumni Association Scholarship
Tyler Marek
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Annasophia Martinez Blarasin
Connie S. Varga Scholarship
2023
Jennifer Leon
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Braylon Shambry
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Kimberly Ruiz
Connie S. Varga Scholarship
2022
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Matthew Williams II (Riley)
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Grace Regulinski (Riley)
2021
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Brianna Woods (Adams)
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Sophia Pirela (Adams)
2020
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Tania Gonzalez
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Jacqueline Juarez
2019
TCU Superintendent Scholarship
Jose Valle (Washington)
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Megan Jakubowicz (Riley)
2018
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Mia Utayde (John Adams), Grace Golichowski (Clay), Rylen Grundy (Riley), Kristofer Gaines (Rise Up Academy), Mireya Robles (Washington)
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Anna Jurgonski (Clay)
South Bend Press Club Scholarship
Abigail Myers (John Adams)
2017
TCU Superintendent’s Scholarship
Jacob Frame (Riley), Emmarie Ballard (Adams), Shumirai Marondera (Clay), Kiara Wickliffe (Rise Up Academy), Mercedez Moore (Washington)
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Samuel Moran (Riley)
Second Chance Grant
Anand Agtey (Riley)
Kurt & Tessye Simon Student Assistance Grant
Cassia LeBron- Williams (John Adams)
2016
TCU/Superintendent’s Scholarships
Jennifer Firehammer, Adams; Jacob Arndt, Clay; Kayla Jackson, Riley; Mariah Housing, Rise Up Dayonni Phillips, Washington
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship
Marissa Koehler, Adams
Endowed Scholarships
Anand Agtey, Riley; Cassidy Balciunas, Adams; Lucas Bonek, Buchanan
Lauren Davis Scholarship
Chariauna Foster, Adams
Joseph Fragomeni Sr. Scholarship
Conner Balciunas, Adams
Press Club Scholarship
Madeline Logsdon Riley
Simon Grant
Vikas Agtey, Riley
Second Chance Grants
Andrew Gnott, Taylor Jackson, Brianna Warren
2015
Superintendent’s Scholarships
Nicole Gorman (Adams); Rafiq Al-Zoughbi (Clay); Randy Costello (New Tech); Zachary Boocher (Riley); Myshai (Rise Up); Jayda Watkins (Washington)
Jack Champaigne Scholarship
Danielle Krug (Adams)
Endowed Scholarships
Nikolette Dallich (Edwardsburg); Corey Fletcher (Riley); Molly Schrager (Penn)
Joseph Fragomeni Sr. Scholarship
Caleb Geissler (Adams)
Lauren Davis Scholarship
Caitlyn Truax (Adams)
Press Club Scholarship
Andrea Keszei (Adams)
Simon Assistance Grant
Nicholas Weiler
Second Chance Grants
Vikas Agtey
Elizabeth Arndt
Andrew Gnott
2014
Kelsey Weber (Adams), Hannah Branchick (Clay), Sarah Stroud (Riley), and Amber Kish (Washington)
Rachel Bonek (Buchanan), Taylor Jackson (Washington)
Sarah Bond (Washington)
Brianna Warren (Washington)
Vikas Agtey (Riley)
David Shafer (Marian), Elizabeth Arndt (Clay), Emily Lyon (Washington)
Joseph Schell (Clay), Emma Velazquez (Adams)
2013
2012
2011
1995 - 2010
Samantha Marley (Adams), Charnelle Maefield-Martin, Kristina Patzkowsky, and Anna Sobieski
Jasmine Allen, Hollin Bolden, Stephanie Firehammer, and Jashay Johnson-Martin
Anna L. Otero-Torres (Admas), Joshua A. Lukas (Clay), Gabrielle S. Dutrieux (Riley), Blanca N. Alvarado (Washington)
Allison Shafer (Riley), Matthew Mackowiak (Washington) Stephanie Orlowski (Washington)
Cody DeShone (Riley), Laura Fitzgerald (Adams)
Alyssa Dunn (Riley), Madeline Haller (Adams) Andrew Ewald (Washington), Evan Yungquist (Clay)
Delphine Keza (Clay), Alida J. Marroni (Clay), Adam R. Huff (Washington), Rene Alonso (Riley)
Rachel Marley, Adams; Laura Schalliol, Clay; Thy Ca Nguyen, Riley; Marteve Gray, Washington.
Donald Perkins III, Adams; Rachel Ford, Clay; Danilo Rodriguez, Riley; Lorraine Chan, Washington.
Kimberly Ballin, Clay; Melanie Duncan, Adams; Brandon Patton, Riley; Anthony Glenn, Washington.
Kevin Alby, Adams; Lindsey Carl, Clay; Elyse Chudzynski, Riley; Matthew Ciesielski, Washington; Margaet O’Sullivan, LaSalle.
Alice Dymally, Washington, and Craig Ziolkowski, Washington.
Jennifer Brison, LaSalle, and Amanda Myers, Riley.
Aprell Carr, Washington, and Bryan Ziolkowski, Washington.
Chandra Najdek, LaSalle, and Eric Fey, Riley.
Mary Wisnewski, Riley, and Derek Dabrowiak, Washington.
Kimberly Gruber, Washington, and Martin Owens, Washington.
Traci Borkowski, LaSalle, and Jason Whitmer, Washington.
Genevieve C. Morrill, Clay.