The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship 2022 Winners
Lara Kantman
Lara Kantman will be entering her first year at Douglas College in the fall of 2022, where she plans to study psychology or communications. Throughout her high school career, she displayed an exemplary educational performance, receiving top marks in every course, including several honors classes. In addition to her impressive academic achievements, Lara was a member of various teams and clubs at Westminster Secondary School. Lara also volunteered for countless organizations in her community, including the British Columbia Girls Choir, YoungLife, and Rec’n’Read summer camps.
“The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship changes my life in various ways. Financially, this scholarship will remove some of the post-secondary burdens and allow me to concentrate on my studies. Emotionally, my stress has decreased because I know I have monetary support. Physically, I will be able to focus more on my studies and less on my hands-on part-time job. This scholarship has inspired me to be innovative, brave, confident, and most importantly, believe that anything is possible with hard work and determination. My family and I greatly appreciate the support and kindness!”
Elliana Marchand-Correia
After graduating from the Moultonborough Academy in June of 2022, Elliana Marchand-Correia will begin her freshman year at Boston College. Elliana’s high ACT scores, coupled with her impressive academic achievements, made her an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Outside the classroom, Elliana played four varsity sports, was a member of the National Honor Society, mentored other students, and volunteered to support and protect the environment. When she wasn’t busy studying or helping her community, Elliana also worked several jobs.
“The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship means a lot because it enables me to go to Boston College with less financial strain. This will allow me to focus on my studies without stress about money. My family and I greatly appreciate this opportunity, and we cannot convey enough how impactful it will be on my ability to graduate college debt-free. Thank you so much!”
Kaylee Norton
Kaylee Norton will join the freshman class at Texas A&M University in the fall of 2022, where she plans to study biology. During her academic career at The Woodlands High School, Kaylee was at the top of her class and maintained a nearly full-time job after school and on weekends. In addition to her academic achievements, she was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and volunteered to raise funds for several charitable organizations. Outside of those commitments, Kaylee also found time to run track, fly drones at football games, and support differently-abled students in P.E. class.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to receive The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship. This scholarship will have a substantial impact as I work to earn my degree at Texas A&M and become a dermatologist.”
Aiden Fairchild
After graduating from St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aiden Fairchild will attend the University of Arizona in Tucson and study forensic psychology. In addition to completing several honors courses, Aiden was a member of the National Honor Society, an award-winning student-athlete, and consistently named to the honor roll. When he wasn’t busy studying, Aiden served as head captain of his soccer team, leading them to the school’s first-ever state championship in 2019. Outside school, he volunteered as a retreat and camp leader and worked part-time.
Jacob VanBenschoten
Jacob VanBenschoten will attend the University of Virginia in the fall of 2022 to study data science. During his time at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia, he excelled in academics, earning a wide variety of awards and accolades, including first place overall at the Distributive Education Clubs of America Automotive Service competition. Along with holding part-time jobs during high school, Jacob volunteered for several organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Night to Shine prom through the Tim Tebow Foundation. After college, Jacob hopes to combine his passion for athletics and analytics and work for a professional sports organization.
"This scholarship is a great honor for my family and me. The funds will help me greatly to pursue higher education."
Reagan Krueger
After graduating from Independence High School in Frisco, Texas in May of 2022, Reagan Krueger will be attending the University of North Texas in Denton, where she plans to study media arts. In high school, Reagan completed honors courses in all subjects, was a member of the National Honors Society and the National Debate and Speech Association, and held various part-time jobs. She also volunteered as a youth group leader, kept scores at little league games, and acted as the Social Media Chair and Historian of the Knight Theatre. Her work in theatre received several accolades, including Best Scenic Design at the 2021 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards.
“Reagan worked extremely hard during high school. Receiving the Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship from Associa encourages Reagan to continue working hard to achieve further academic and vocational success. We are so grateful to Associa and John Carona for this support of our daughter.” -John Kreuger, Reagan’s Father
Sofia Alayo
Sofia Alayo will be a junior at the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall of 2022. She is applying for a progressive degree, which will result in her graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Since enrolling, Sofia has earned a USC Presidential Scholarship and a spot on the Fall 2021 Dean’s List and discovered her passion for studying disparities in individual health based on gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Outside the classroom, she is an active volunteer in the community, serving as Fundraising Chair for the USC American Red Cross and a Violence Intervention Volunteers Club member.
“With this scholarship, I am given the opportunity to pursue my dreams and study the intersections of public health and business without worrying about a financial barrier. Next semester, I will be able to devote more time to an internship working on an app designed to keep women safe when walking alone. I’m not sure if I would have had the resources to do so without this award. I am very grateful for this scholarship that will help me progress my career goals and skill development while relieving my family and me of financial strain.”
Michael Wilson III
After graduating from New Braunfels High School (NBHS) in Texas this May, Michael Wilson III will be attending the Gateway Transition Program to learn skills that allow him to live as independently as possible. During his senior year, Michael was honored at a school board meeting with the Student of the Month award for his notable contributions to his school and community. He also participated in the Special Olympics, representing NBHS in bowling, track, and basketball. Michael has always been a leader amongst his peers, volunteering for every opportunity that comes his way. His positive impact on the community is far-reaching.
“I am very proud of Michael. Graduating and receiving the scholarship are definitely highlights in his life and a tremendous blessing for our family. I am still overwhelmed that he was chosen to receive the scholarship. It is so special—not just the money, but the recognition of how hard he has worked and how much he has overcome.” - Juanita Seekins, Michael’s Grandmother
Mitchell Pfieffer
Mitchell Pfeiffer will join the freshman class of Shenandoah University in the fall of 2022 to study exercise science. Mitchell excelled academically at Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Virginia, completing a wide variety of advanced placement courses and earning an AP Scholar award. He also served as varsity football captain, leading his team to the 2020 and 2021 Northwestern District Championship while being named first-team all-district center in 2020 and 2021 and second-team all-regional center in 2020. When not in the classroom or on the field, Mitchell was busy with several part-time jobs and volunteer work, including taking mission trips to support communities in need.
“My family and I greatly appreciate that you chose me to be one of the recipients of the Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship. It will be very helpful to have that much less student loan debt when I graduate. Every bit helps, and I am grateful. Thank you, Associa.”
Julia Washburn
After graduating from Palm Desert High School in Palm Desert, California in May of 2022, Julia Washburn will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara to pursue a degree in psychology. Throughout high school, Julia completed several advanced placement courses, earning Summa Cum Laude honors every year and an AP Scholar with Distinction award. She was heavily involved in her school’s marching band, serving as section leader and principal flute and piccolo, and performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. Julia also found time to hold a part-time job and tutor younger students in the community.
“I am so grateful to receive the Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship, as it will help cover college expenses, directly lessen financial stress, and inspire me to continue to make the world a better place. Most importantly, I am thankful to be recognized by such a renowned corporation that has acknowledged my potential for future success.”
Sarakate Levanti
Sarakate Levanti will join the freshman class at West Chester University in Pennsylvania in the fall of 2022 to study communication science and disorders. Sarakate completed several advanced courses during her time at Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and landed on the high honor roll. When not in the classroom, she was active in cheerleading for twelve years, leading her team to several competition wins and earning the top cheerleader award at cheer camp. Sarakate served her community by singing at a local hospital and nursing home, raising funds for children with cancer, and observing and assisting the local elementary school’s speech therapist.
“My family and I are honored to receive this scholarship. Being gifted scholarship money helps my college process run smoother. I am so very grateful to be selected. Thank you!”