2026 Scholarship Tea

The 2026 Scholarship Tea was held on May 18, 2026 Monday at the Stockton Education Center at Morven. 3-5 PM.  We had 21 applicants for 2026; we gave out 21 scholarship awards. 

Nina Barnes, is a senior attending the Hun School in Princeton and is the recipient of the Kathleen Hutchins Scholarship. Nina is among the academic elite at Hun, taking many challenging AP classes during her time there.  In addition to her classwork, she has taken leadership roles in the Computer Science Club, the Black Student Union and the vocal group, the Edgertones.  She has co-led a chapter of Doorstep Donations which combats food insecurity with food drives nationwide.  Nina is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Peer Leadership board.  Extracurricularly, she has worked with the Performing Arts Theater, the Community Foodbank, Girls Who Code and served as a Junior Counselor for Hun Summer Camp. Nina plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania and study Computer Science and PPE (Policy, Politics & Economics).

Ashley Batz, a senior at Stuart Country Day School, is a recipient a Bartlett Family Foundation Scholarship. Ashley is a gifted scholar, a diligent worker, and a brave and resilient young woman who shows a commitment to making her classroom environment an inclusive and justice oriented place. Academically, Ashley took six academic courses as a junior and maintained this heavy course load in her senior year including two honor and two AP courses. She also was chosen by the faculty for the Peer Leadership Course. Ashley is co-head of the Mock Trial group, co-head of the Latin Hispanic Heritage Club, captain of Cross Country and has participated in the Appalachia Service Project and Resistencia en Action NJ. Ashley plans to enter Colorado College in the fall and major in political science with a goal, “whether through law, public policy or community based work” to advocate for marginalized communities. 

Kirsten Brenya, a senior at Stuart Country Day School, is the recipient of the Marjory White Memorial Scholarship. Kirsten is an extraordinary student whose analytical ability, intellectual curiosity, and creative problem solving make her stand out among her peers. Academically, she took Honors Physics last year and AP classes in Physics, English Literature and US Government and Policies this year. Kirsten volunteers as a tutor in both the Writing Center and Stem Center at Stuart. In addition to other community volunteer activities, such as Share My Meals and working at a daycare center, Kirsten served as Team Captain for Indoor and Outdoor Track and is a passionate and highly competitive athlete. Kirsten plans to attend Wellesley College in the fall, majoring in Physics and compete in Track and Field.

Brynn Dandy, a senior at Princeton Day School, is the recipient of a WCCP  Scholarship. Brynn has maintained consistently high grades throughout her time at PDS.  She credits her courses in Psychology and Human Geography with giving her an understanding of how businesses and marketing strategies are intertwined and taught her how she could leverage her aptitude for social media to better understand human behavior.  What started as a hobby for her, ceramics has become an integral part of her experience that she has parlayed into a business and also a charitable pursuit, working with Empty Bowls which raises money through the making of soup bowls which go towards meals given to food insecure families in the area.  She has also been active in Teen Advisory Group and Student Board which creates events for elementary and middle school kids where they learn about substance abuse and peer pressure. Brynn has been actively involved as Captain of the school’s varsity ice hockey team and also played along with her sister on the varsity field hockey team.  This spring, Brynn started an internship at a start-up skin and body care company which will provide some of the marketing experience she wants for her future endeavors. Brynn will be attending the University of South Florida where she plans on majoring in Business and Health Science.

Quinn Gallagher is a senior at Princeton High School and is the recipient of the Barbara A. Hillier Memorial Scholarship. Quinn is described as one of the most outstanding students that teachers/coaches have had the pleasure of working with.  She demonstrates outstanding character, dedication and integrity.  Quinn is also described as extremely kind, genuine and hardworking.  She takes pride in doing her best because she genuinely cares.  Additionally, Quinn is a rare three sport athlete.  As a result she has also developed excellent time management skills. Quinn is active in the community and has also been employed during this time. Quinn looks forward to pursuing a career in healthcare.  As someone who has personally experienced healthcare issues she has shadowed various healthcare providers and is developing her own ideas on how best to interact positively with others.  Quinn hopes to provide a human connection in this age of digital interaction.  She is extremely enthusiastic and looks forward to meaningful, helpful interactions. Quinn will attend The University of Delaware in the fall where she will also play lacrosse and pursue Health and Behavioral Science.

Mars Gambone is a Senior at The Hun School and is a recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. Mars was challenged by taking many high level AP classes and their transcript reflects straight A’s across the board! Mars is the Co-Founder of Academic Interest Club dedicated to natural sciences. They served as a research assistant for the Rutgers’ Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research,  Mars also has participated in The Hun Dance Company, Janus Players, Junior Volunteer at RWJ Hospital, Martial Arts World Tang Soo Do Association, Roman’s Shin Karate, attaining a 2nd degree Black Belt. They are a member of the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) and is honored to stand up for their community. Mars also studied Mandarin for 4 years and hopes to continue those studies at college. Mars plans to attend Franklin & Marshall to study Biology and Natural Science in the Fall.

Zuri Graham, a senior at Princeton Day School, is the recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. Zuri has performed well in a very rigorous curriculum with many AP classes, honors and accelerated courses.  She is fascinated by the way the human body works and plans to study biology or neuroscience in college with a goal to pursue a career in medicine.  She was inspired by her attendance at the National Student Leadership Conference for Medicine and Health Care at the University of Miami last summer where she practiced surgical skills such as suturing and knot tying, participated in anatomy dissections and worked with a team to diagnose simulated patients. She was a member and researcher of PDS’s Immersion Science Club where she conducted microbiology research, studying how growth conditions affect the efficacy of oil-eating microbes used to reduce soil contamination. At PDS she is a Panther Guide, Peer Leader, a member of the Black Student Union and is the 2^nd chair clarinetist in the band, as well as being on the captain of the hurdlers on Track and Field. Zuri plans on attending ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­University of California Irvine. in the fall.   

Andrea Gregorio is a senior at Princeton High School and a recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. Andrea is described as having demonstrated tremendous growth both academically and personally.  She has a strong work ethic and can be counted on to be inclusive and welcoming to others.  Additionally, she has had cultural and travel experiences that have introduced her to different cultures and expanded her world view. These experiences have enabled Andrea to become an effective team leader. Andrea shares that she transformed from an observer to a participant and how that experience enhanced her self-confidence and ability to encourage others and to work cooperatively on teams. Andrea is involved in many activities, both as a leader and a participant who enhances her school and her community, including Latinos Unidos, Cheer and has been the wrestling team manager for 5 years. Andrea is extremely interested in business/marketing and will be pursuing that as she enters St. Joseph’s University in the fall.  

Aolani Harris is a senior at The Hun School and is a recipient of a WCCP  Scholarship.  Aolani has dedicated herself to her studies taking many AP classes and helping others. Her high grades and kindness are reflected in her dedication. She received the 2024 Kiefer Community Kindness Award. She is a volunteer at the Nottingham Ambulance Squad where she received hands-on medical experience. Aolani is the Co-Founder and President of Doctors of Tomorrow, a Hun School Club. She serves as a member and President of the Black Student Union and a Senator of Hun Student Government. She is the founder of Lani’s Sitting and Tutoring Services where she has worked with Turkish-speaking students and their families. Aolani is a member of the Majesty Step Team, Varsity Track & Field and the Science Olympiad at Hun and also manages to hold down a part-time job. Aolani plans to attend Washington University and major in psychology and neuroscience with a concentration in social identity and continue to work as a volunteer EMT while in college.                         

Leila Hernandez-Lewis, a senior at Stuart Country Day School, is the recipient of the Dr. Marilyn E. Gonyo Aspiring Educator Scholarship. She is described by a counselor as someone who leads with empathy, encouragement, and the desire to take care of others. Academically, Leila evidenced her interests and strengths as a junior in APBiology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Journalism. As a senior, she was selected for the Peer Leadership course and took honors courses in Physics and English. Leila has also written a published volume of poetry and was a contributor, and then Editor-in Chief of The Tartan, the Stuart newspaper. Leila, a long time basketball player was Captain of the varsity team and founded and led an Athletic Mental Health Group. She was a leader in student government and the Latin Hispanic Heritage Club, a volunteer teaching assistant in aftercare programs for young children, a tutor at Stuart, and an active member of the Black Student Union. Leila plans to enter Temple University in the fall where she wants to focus on public health while following a pre-med track.

Deja Kelsey is a senior at Princeton High School and the recipient of the Luna Kayser Memorial Scholarship. Deja is described as persistent, kindhearted, and genuine.  She is the type of student that personifies the values of Princeton High School.  Deja has a quiet confidence and gets along with every group in school.  If she believes something is right Deja follows through regardless of peer pressure.  Additionally, Deja is quick to bring her own perspective to her academic work. She has also been described as the type of student that makes her community stronger. Deja is very interested in psychology.  This interest grew from some of her earlier experiences that helped her develop empathy and a real desire to understand what others were experiencing.  She truly wants to be supportive and encouraging of others.  Deja has been an active member in both the school and local community.  She’s worked with Operation Smile and Girl Up, an organization that trains young girls and young women to make social change and fight for equality, all this while also working to help with expenses. Deja is also interested in interior design and hopes to include that in her future endeavors. Deja will be attending Roanoke College in the fall.

April Kopacz, a senior at Princeton Day School, is the recipient of The Chowsoon Chuang Ju Memorial Scholarship. April grew up on a farm where she initially developed her love, compassion and understanding for animals. Animals, she states, have taught her how to observe, listen, and recognize subtle signals in others and the natural world. Academically, April is a strong student who has deepened her interest in Chinese culture by studying Chinese since her freshman year. She is also deeply interested in Chemistry. In addition to academics, April is a leader of the Science Club, and an actor, dancer, and choreographer for PDS’s theater community. Ballet and figure skating have been major passions and activities for April since she was very young. In the fall, April plans to attend Franklin & Marshall College where she wants to major in Chemistry and continue with dance.

Gabrielle Kratee, is a senior at Princeton Day School and is the recipient of a Bartlett Family Foundation Scholarship. Gaby is described by a counselor as fiercely independent, self-motivated and optimistic. She and her mom moved from Minnesota in order for Gaby to attend PDS. Academically, Gaby is a strong student with a love for history, government and psychology. She has taken AP courses in Comparative Government and Politics and United States Government and Politics. As a junior, Gaby was awarded the Gwen Reed Promise Award which is presented to a student dedicated to building and sustaining a culture of belonging in the school community. Gaby chose Chinese as a language course because of its importance in foreign affairs. Additionally, she was able to study in Taiwan for a month which broadened her interest in international relations. Gaby has held leadership positions in Student Council, the Mental Health Awareness Club, and the Black Student Union. Gaby plans to focus on course work in political science and psychology in the fall and will be attending George Washington University.

Rowan Lacy is a senior at The Hun School and is the recipient of a WCCP  Scholarship. She has achieved academic success taking many AP classes and receiving A’s. She discovered a passion for the human brain after taking an AP Psychology Class. She then became a volunteer tutor her junior year. She has found success and interest in American Sign Language and believes it assists her in studying the human brain and has considered pursuing a career with deaf children. Rowan is a volunteer member of the Hun Community Service Club and Homefront. She participates in Softball, and has played all 4 years and now serves as Captain.  She is a member of Weightlifting, the Young Woman’s Leadership Cohort, and the Peer Leadership Program. Rowan plans to attend The University of Rochester in the fall and study psychology and brain and cognitive science.

Naomi Lygas is a senior at Princeton High School and also a recipient of the Nancy Lifland Memorial Scholarship. Naomi has been described as one of the most accomplished and admired students to come through PHS.  She is an extraordinary student and nationally recognized volleyball athlete.  However, it is the depth of her character that grounds her and sets her apart.  Naomi has also been noted for being as committed to service as she is to her academics and sports. Naomi has been interested in healthcare from an early age. Some early personal experiences and complicated athletic injuries have given her a clear picture of how she wants to serve.  Naomi attended Hindi school, as the only non-Hindi-speaking student for 10 years.  She has also taken Spanish for 11 years.  Naomi personally learned how difficult and confusing it can be to try to communicate when speaking different languages.  At this time, Naomi is hoping to become a multilingual sports physical therapist that patients feel heard by, cared for and safe with. Naomi will attend Tulane University in the fall and pursue her studies in Spanish and public health.

Arianna Malave, a senior at Princeton High School, is the recipient of the Florence Bell Hillier Memorial Scholarship. Ari has been an exceptional student at PHS, maintaining a high average throughout her four years. While in school she was a varsity cheerleader captain who led practices, and choreographed routines (she was also a competitive dancer for many years), the president of the MSAN (the Multi-cultural Student Achievement Network), a nationwide club whose mission is to improve access, opportunity and achievement for people of color and PULSE, a women-empowering club that donates clothes and care kits to women in the Princeton area. In her junior year she earned a “Gold Key” award which is a combination academic and service award. In addition to her academic achievements and community involvement, she shows her entrepreneurial side by creating an online business called Edens Jewels, where she sells handcrafted bracelets and necklaces.Ari has been playing competitive flag football since elementary school and currently plays on an all-girls travel team in Pennsylvania.  Her team recently returned from the ESPN Flag Football World Championships where they ranked 6^th in the world. Ari will be attending Marymount University in the fall where she plans to study nursing and was invited to play flag football for the school.

Gabriela Maldonado, a senior at Princeton High School, is the recipient of Carol Stawski Memorial Scholarship. Gabby started her scholarship essay with a quote from Benjamin Franklin – “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”, and she has spent her time in high school achieving high grades and stowing away what she has learned in her academic studies and applying that knowledge to her curiosity about human behavior.  She assists in the ESL classroom, providing support to her peers and makes sure that they have the tools they need to succeed. In her extracurricular activities her leadership abilities and exuberance make her an asset to any cause or project.  She spearheaded a blood drive at school and through organizations like PULSE and WOWY, she has orchestrated successful fundraising events to support various community initiatives.  As a varsity cheerleader, she has raised school spirit and demonstrated her commitment to teamwork and collaboration.     Gabby will be attending Penn State and majoring in psychology in the fall. 

Layla Saint-Pierre, a Princeton High School senior, is the recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. Layla, a California transplant, came to PHS in the fall of 2024.  Despite the challenges that came with having to adapt to an entirely new social environment and set of academic expectations, she embraced her new setting with enthusiasm, passion and resilience.  Layla has meaningfully contributed to the PHS community though her work with the school’s cultural initiatives.  She has contributed to the PHS newspaper, the Tower, and created a fashion club blog, called Campus Couture.  She is a proud member of MSAN (the Multicultural Student Achievement Network) a club whose objective is to give students of color a voice and to advocate for inclusion at the school and district levels. Layla is an avid and talented writer – her poem entitled “Is the World Capable of Saving?” is a work which shed light on inequalities and unfortunate events throughout the world, and the urgency to come together and combat them.  As a member of World of Work for Youth (WOWY), a local mentorship organization, she has helped prepare students for college. Layla will be attending Kean University in the fall and majoring in Journalism.

Taylor States is a senior at Stuart Country Day School and is a recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. Taylor is described as someone who is generally excited to learn and loves to test out new abilities and knowledge.  Additionally, Taylor is described as someone who is thoughtful and warm, whether she knows someone or not.  She has consistently taken a rigorous schedule, proving she is always up for a challenge.  At SDS she has played on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and is active in the Black Student Union and the Yearbook staff.  She’s looking forward to going to Appalachia next month on a service trip. Taylor spent time in a hospital setting as a young teenager.  The experience taught her a lot about herself and what others often go through medically and emotionally when hospitalized.  As a result, she is committed to a career in nursing. Taylor will be attending St. John’s University in the fall.

Valeria Trujillo-Monroy, a senior at Princeton High School, is the recipient of the Mary Lincoln Memorial Scholarship. Valeria is an outstanding student, achieving high marks in her all her AP classes.  She has a knack for languages – she is tri-lingual, speaking English, Spanish and French.  At school she is a powerhouse of leadership and spirit.  Valeria is a founding member of Latinos Unidos and PULSE where she celebrates culture, empowers her peers and leads by example.  She is a proud varsity cheerleader (now captain) and was honored as an All American Cheerleader.  She is also one of the few girls on the wrestling team. As a member of the Princeton Youth Advisory Committee, Valeria has actively contributed to civic conversations on critical issues ranging from mental health access to environmental justice and educational equality.  Her guidance counselor summed her up like this “Valeria is a rare kind of leader:  One who listens first, serves always, and never loses sight of the greater good.” She will be attending Rutgers University and taking courses in psychology, sociology and neuroscience with the aim of a career in medicine.

Joselyn Winslow, a senior at Princeton High School, is a recipient of a WCCP Scholarship. From the get-go, Joselyn let us know that she wanted to be a registered nurse.  Her scholarship essay stated the “Nursing isn’t just a career choice for me – it’s a calling rooted in advocacy, service and making sure people feel seen, heard and respected, especially those from under-resourced communities.”  In school, she was a change-maker and advocate – when cultural celebrations like Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month performances were cut by the administration, she co-wrote an appeal and worked with school leaders to bring the programs back.  It showed how fiercely she believes in representation and justice.  Joselyn is an avid and accomplished athlete.  She was a 4-year varsity cheerleader and manager of the wrestling team.  In her junior year, she made the brave decision to join the wrestling team and compete despite few other girls being on the team. Joslyn has been a volunteer with the School to Work program and Princeton Mutual Aid, where she demonstrated a deep empathy and social awareness. She will be attending Delaware State University and working toward a degree in nursing.