Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

Henson Le

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

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

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
Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Kelsey Weber (Adams), Hannah Branchick (Clay), Sarah Stroud (Riley), and Amber Kish (Washington)
 
Endowed Scholarship Recipients:
Rachel Bonek (Buchanan), Taylor Jackson (Washington)
 
Davis Scholarship Recipient:
Sarah Bond (Washington)
 
Shields Scholarship Recipient:
Brianna Warren (Washington)
 
Fragomeni Scholarship Recipient:
Vikas Agtey (Riley)
 
Second Chance Scholarship:
David Shafer (Marian), Elizabeth Arndt (Clay), Emily Lyon (Washington)
 
Simon Grant Award:
Joseph Schell (Clay), Emma Velazquez (Adams)
 
 
Valparaiso, Grand Valley State, Trine University, Indiana University, Saint Mary’s, Oakwood University, Ball State, Xavier University, Purdue, Indiana State, Indiana University South Bend
2013

Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Miles Bolden (Adams), Malcolm Cannon (Clay), Kathleen Price (Riley), and Nicole Figueroa (Washington)

Endowed Scholarship Recipients:
Andrew Gnott (Edwardsburg), Emily Lyon (St. Joseph)
 
Davis Scholarship Recipient:
Melissa Konter (Washington)
 
Shields Scholarship Recipient:
Toria Sullivan (Clay)
 
Fragomeni Scholarship Recipient:
Elizabeth Arndt (Clay)
 
Second Chance Scholarship:
David Shafer (Marian), Jacob Freske (Adams)
 
 
Butler, IUPUI, East Carolina University, Indiana University South Bend, Notre Dame, Indiana University, Ball State, Marquette, Purdue, Indiana State University

 

2012
Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Bethany Green (Adams), Kipchumba Kibet (Washington), Sarah Mee (Riley), and Emil Talic (Clay)
 
Endowed Scholarship Recipients:
Monica Chan (Washington), Jacob Freske (Adams)
 
Davis Scholarship Recipient:
Courtney Netzer (Clay)
 
Simon Scholarship:
Cody Schell (Clay)
 
Fragomeni Scholarship Recipient:
Chrishana Stoner
 
Second Chance Scholarship:
David Shafer (Marian)
 
 
Indiana University, Purdue, IUPUI, Indiana University South Bend, Ball State, Manchester College

 

2011
Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Bridget Hickey (Clay), Lauren James (Riley), Nora Mansfield (Adams), and Stacey Hogan (Washington)
 
 
University of Florida, Indiana University, Loyola Marymount, Florida A & M
1995 - 2010
2010 Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Samantha Marley (Adams), Charnelle Maefield-Martin, Kristina Patzkowsky, and Anna Sobieski
 
St. Mary’s and Ball State
 
 
2009 Superintendent Scholarship Recipients:
Jasmine Allen, Hollin Bolden, Stephanie Firehammer, and Jashay Johnson-Martin
 
Indiana University South Bend, Ball State, and Purdue
 
 
2008 Scholarship Recipients:
Anna L. Otero-Torres (Admas), Joshua A. Lukas (Clay), Gabrielle S. Dutrieux (Riley), Blanca N. Alvarado (Washington)
 
Endowed:
Allison Shafer (Riley), Matthew Mackowiak (Washington) Stephanie Orlowski (Washington)
 
Simon Grant:
Cody DeShone (Riley), Laura Fitzgerald (Adams)
 
 
2007 Scholarship Recipients:
Alyssa Dunn (Riley), Madeline Haller (Adams) Andrew Ewald (Washington), Evan Yungquist (Clay)
 
Endowed: Ryan Orlowski (Washington), Ashley Timm (Clay)
 
Frangomeni: Kimberly Manigault (Riley)
 
Simon Grant: Dan Seitz (Clay)
 
 
2006 Scholarship Recipients:
Delphine Keza (Clay), Alida J. Marroni (Clay), Adam R. Huff (Washington), Rene Alonso (Riley)
 
Fragomeni: Michael Padberg (Riley)
 
Endowed: Emily Haller (Adams), Jean Paul Jaume (Adams), Cameron McMichael (John Glenn)
 
Simon Grants: Amy Marsh (Adams), Christy Kollar (Clay)
 
 
2005 Scholarship Recipients:
Rachel Marley, Adams; Laura Schalliol, Clay; Thy Ca Nguyen, Riley; Marteve Gray, Washington.
 
 
2004 Scholarship Recipients:
Donald Perkins III, Adams; Rachel Ford, Clay; Danilo Rodriguez, Riley; Lorraine Chan, Washington.
 
2003 Scholarship Recipients:
Kimberly Ballin, Clay; Melanie Duncan, Adams; Brandon Patton, Riley; Anthony Glenn, Washington.
 
2002 Scholarship Recipients:
Kevin Alby, Adams; Lindsey Carl, Clay; Elyse Chudzynski, Riley; Matthew Ciesielski, Washington; Margaet O’Sullivan, LaSalle.
 
2001 Scholarship Recipients:
Alice Dymally, Washington, and Craig Ziolkowski, Washington.
 
2000 Scholarship Recipients:
Jennifer Brison, LaSalle, and Amanda Myers, Riley.
 
1999 Scholarship Recipients:
Aprell Carr, Washington, and Bryan Ziolkowski, Washington.
 
1998 Scholarship Recipients:
Chandra Najdek, LaSalle, and Eric Fey, Riley.
 
1997 Scholarship Recipients:
Mary Wisnewski, Riley, and Derek Dabrowiak, Washington.
 
1996 Scholarship Recipients:
Kimberly Gruber, Washington, and Martin Owens, Washington.
 
1995 Scholarship Recipients:
Traci Borkowski, LaSalle, and Jason Whitmer, Washington.
1994 Scholarship Recipients:
Genevieve C. Morrill, Clay.