Reaction Statement: I am so honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2026 Forward-Thinking Future Scholarship! This scholarship will help me achieve my educational goals at Gettysburg College, where I am studying public policy and economics and developing my passion for civic engagement and public service. I hope that, in my educational and career journey, I can reflect forward-thinking and changemaking values that this scholarship promotes. Thank you so much for your support!
Biography: I graduated this June from Hershey High School, where I had many experiences working as a leader and advocate for my community. As a leader in the High School Democrats of America, I served as National Expansion Director and Chair of the Expansion Committee, Pennsylvania Policy Director, and President of my local chapter. In these roles, I worked to expand opportunities for students to participate in civic engagement, developed resources for student leaders, and helped young people become more involved in political and community life. I also participated in organizations including Model UN and Helping People, Period!, where I worked to advance menstrual equity and expand access to period products for students at my school and across the state of Pennsylvania.
My commitment to service has extended beyond political organizing. At the National Center on Education and the Economy, I serve as a Youth Policy Advisor, bringing student perspectives into conversations about education and career preparation. I have also participated in advocacy efforts at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, including Students Advocacy Day, where I helped bring high school and college students together with legislators. These experiences have strengthened my belief that young people should not simply be the subjects of public policy, but active participants in shaping it.
I am currently a first-year student at Gettysburg College, where I’m studying Public Policy and Economics. At Gettysburg, I hope to continue developing as both a student and a leader. In just my first few weeks here, I’ve been elected to the Student Senate, joined the cheerleading team, been appointed to the executive board for Pennsylvania College Democrats, and joined Relay for Life as a fundraising committee chair. Looking ahead to my career, I want to use the skills I develop through my education and experiences to help create policies that reflect the people they are intended to serve.
Reaction Statement: Thank you so much for this incredible honor! I am truly grateful to be selected as the 2025 Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. Forward-Thinking Future Scholarship winner. This opportunity not only helps me continue my academic journey in Computer Engineering, but also motivates me to keep striving toward making a meaningful impact through technology, leadership, and community service. Thank you again for this generous support of my education and future goals. I am excited to represent the values of this scholarship.
Biography: I am the proud son of a single mother who has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. Growing up, I witnessed her determination and sacrifices, which instilled in me resilience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to pursuing excellence no matter the
obstacles. Her support has been the foundation that drives me to challenge myself academically, serve others, and lead with purpose.
As a student at Plano East Senior High, I embraced every opportunity to develop as both a leader and a community member. Through programs like the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship, Plano Youth Leadership, and Peer Assistance & Leadership, I learned how to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Volunteering at organizations such as the North Texas Food Bank, Project Ramps, and Kinetics.org allowed me to give back to my community while gaining perspective on the importance of service, equity, and teamwork. At the same time, I have pursued my passion for technology and engineering. I enrolled in dual
credit courses at Collin College, working toward Cisco certifications in networking, as well as courses in computer hardware, software, and cloud computing. My hands-on experiences — from interning in IT at Josh McDowell Ministry to serving as a vending machine attendant in my family’s business — have taught me the value of problem-solving, adaptability, and responsibility in both professional and personal settings.
Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. My goal is to combine technical expertise with leadership to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. Inspired by my mother’s example and my community’s support, I strive to make a lasting impact through service, technology, and perseverance.
