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Olivia was raised by her grandparents for most of her childhood. Both of her parents died before she was 13. At 15 her grandmother also passed away, leaving her in the care of her 87 year old grandfather. Despite the trauma in her life, coupled with COVID lockdown, Olivia kept her spirit and found her way to be hopeful about writing a better story for her future. She finished her senior year taking AP classes and succeeding. Olivia wants to study psychology so she can help others with their struggles.

Taylor faced many challenges as a student. Her mother was a single parent who was in and out of prison over the years forcing Taylor to live with friends, and, at times, be homeless. Taylor persevered through times when she had to drop out of school activities due to her lack of a home. She lived out of a bag at friend’s houses. The music program was her saving grace and has been a lifeline for Taylor keeping her linked to her school family and positive influences. Taylor plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania or another 4 year university to study psychology.

When Danielle was 13 her brother passed away when he was 16. This took a very big toll on her life. He was not just her brother, but her best friend. She decided to continue living through him for him. Since her brother was not able to graduate and pursue a career her goal is to do this for him. Danielle plans to attend Messiah University majoring in Pre-med.

Cecret started high school the year the world shut down for COVID. Her lack of school supports during COVID impacted her. She started her 10th grade year with not enough credits to move to 10th grade, but persevered, working hard and improving her grades. She started her Junior year caught up on credits and out of virtual school. She finally started to open up to adults about her ability to read and was connected with a reading specialist. Within a few short months, Cecret soared. She was confident and building relationships. Her support system helped her identify her challenges and overcome them and she is planning on attending Empire Beauty School to get her license in cosmetology.

Mohamed “Mo” struggled with the transition from middle school to high school and then COVID hit which made it extra hard for him. He only earned one credit his freshman year. He started his turnaround and took summer school classes and attended after school academic programs to help improve his grades. He became part of Susquehanna’s pilot partnership program with Harrisburg University NuPath’s program focusing on Computer Science and Information Technology. Mo hopes to attend Harrisburg University, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology or Penn State Harrisburg.

Jerry was an ELL student from the Congo and had to try to navigate being an immigrant in the US. He thrived with the mentorship of his soccer coaches and teachers. Jerry will be the first in his family to attend college in the US. He is role model for other students despite the obstacles of having limited income and resources. Jerry plans on going to college to earn a degree in Computer Sciences.

Mariana has faced numerous challenges in her life,. She was adopted at a young age and struggled with substance abuse early in her teenage years. In 9th grade, she was caught with alcohol in school and was placed in our Alternative Education program. That consequence provided her with a new perspective on what school is and should be along with a newfound faculty relationship that helped her to shift her focus to her own success. The teacher of that program challenged her on a daily basis to choose better and to choose her pathway in a way that no one else could. She has shown incredible resilience, determination, and strength in overcoming these obstacles and turning her life around. Mariana plans to attend a four year college to major in sports/entertainment marketing. She has been accepted to Indiana University of PA and Wilson College.

Ne’Veah struggled with her home life, confidence and held a lot of guilt as a child. She decided she had to learn to love herself before allowing anyone else into her personal space. She started to find joy in her friendships and excelled in academics. Ne’Veah is a sweet and personable young lady that has overcome more at her age than most adults. She is pursuing a major in forensic psychology with a goal of working for the FBI.

While in 9th grade, Ocean was a huge disciplinary problem. He struggled with maturity, poor self-image, and negative attention seeking behaviors. He didn’t seem to care about the consequences and school didn’t matter to him. He took one of Mrs. McPoyle’s art classes and asked for feedback. He slowly improved his behavior and by senior year became friends with someone who introduced him to weigh lifting. He started working out daily and the discipline changed his whole life. He improved his grades and started to set goals for himself. He is graduating and plans to attend a two or four year college for business and open a tattoo parlor.

Rania has faced several cultural, social, academic, and economic challenges during high school. As an Egyptian student in a relatively affluent community, Rania entered high school with limited English proficiency, a minimal number of close friendships, difficulty in classes due to her English proficiency, and financial challenges at home. She also faced overt islamophobia from students when she chose to start wearing a hijab to school. She worked hard and is exiting high school fluent in English. She has many close friendships and the best grades of her high school career. She was accepted into several major universities and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree and a career in the medical field.

Rayshawn was adopted at age 5.5 after his biological mother walked out on him. He struggled with the separation of his adoptive parents and the death of two immediate family members. Rayshawn struggled with mental health in his early teen years, but then became involved in athletics. Through wrestling and soccer he has thrived. He became a leader and team captain and is recognized as one of the best soccer players in the area. Ryshawn has also been recognized as employee of the month several times at Jersey Mike’s and even has a TikTok video a customer created about his excellent customer service skills. Rayshawn plans to attend Millersville in the fall to play soccer and major in business administration or trade school.

Rian is a student with autism who did not receive a diagnosis or services at his previous schools. He was at the end of his sophomore year when he was diagnosed. Rian worked hard to be successful during the years prior to his diagnosis, but without the proper supports, it was very hard for him to succeed. Autism affected his executive functioning skills, making it very difficult for him to initiate tasks, prioritize work, and stay organized. It also affected his ability to communicate socially and make friends. Once Rian had a diagnosis, he began working on his areas of weakness. He became a shining star his senior year and applied himself and master his academic life. He finished his senior year with distinguished honors and has been accepted to college. He plans on working in the field of art or graphic design and attending a four year college or university.

Throughout Kara’s high school years, she faced several adversities that have made her high school years a challenge. Due to several concussions, Kara was on a 504 plan and received support to help her learn at school. During COVID she struggled with health issues. While she figured out her health issues and worked through having Crohn’s disease she missed a lot of school. However, Kara advocated for herself and used her counselor to create a schedule that accommodated her challenges and goals. Through Kara’s resilience, she was able to prepare herself for college and was accepted to Moravian College where she plans to pursue work in the medical field with children.

Lauren Doyle, her nominating staff member, says of Kara, “Kara is a strong student, who despite her physical health struggles throughout her high school career, has worked hard to become a strong advocate for herself. Her desire to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life, while often struggling quietly at home, is a piece of her personality that speaks loudly of her strengths.”

Six years ago when Trinity was in Middle School, her father was killed in an automobile accident. She was the oldest of three siblings, which left her with the responsibility of helping her mother with her brothers and keeping up with her schoolwork.

By taking on the responsibility to help with her younger siblings, Trinity did whatever she needed to do to help with duties at home. In addition, she was able to keep raising her grades continuously throughout her four years in high school. Trinity also became involved with our Communities That Care Club which is a service club that gives back to the school and community

Trinity has applied and been accepted at Harrisburg Area Community College. She will be starting her college studies in the Summer of 2022 in the field of Dental Hygiene.

Trinity says, “I have learned that I can get through the tough times in life. There is a future in front of me. I just may take time to realize what I need to change to succeed.”

Joey has overcome many obstacles in her life, such as being abandoned by her birth mother and having to support herself financially throughout high school.

She regularly puts in extra time when working on projects and her school work. She helps other classmates and always puts other’s needs ahead of her own. She volunteers to help teachers when needed and has become a leader in her classes.

She has been accepted at Millersville University where she intends to study Art Education.

Joey says, “I came to realize that I do not need toxic people in my life. I focused on school and having healthy relationships.”

Izaiah moved at the CD East at the end of his 9th grade year after facing homelessness and betrayal by family members. He is very talented on the athletic field, but due to his family circumstances, his grades did not reflect his capabilities. He is close to his mom, a single parents who is an advocate for him. Izaiah worked hard on the field and in the classroom and stays on top of his responsibilities and made honor roll this year!

Izaiah is committed to Lock Haven University to play football and plans to build a career that will enable him to help students not make the same mistakes he did.

He says, “To get through challenges, do not stop fighting. You have to get by no matter how hard it gets.

Chunyu began high school at Susquehanna when she arrived in the U.S from China. She spoke no English at all, but through her own dedication and work ethic earned straight As for all her classes her first semester. She was extremely diligent, neatly translating every word that she did not know onto her little notebooks each day. Chunyu was very timid and fearful of being targeted by bullies because of her language limitation. However, she quickly stepped out of her fear and eventually made a lot of new friends. She participated in the fashion program and showcased her creations at the fashion shows. She was inducted into the HSA.

Throughout these four years, she was also the main caregiver of her two siblings because her parents work late into the night in a restaurant. Chunyu cooked for her younger sister and brother, tutored them and read to them. As the most fluent English speaker at home, her entire family depended on her to handle the English world outside.

Chunyu plans to attend a collee to study data science or statistics.

Beth says of Chunyu, “I believe that Chunyu has overcome many obstacles with grace and determination. She is highly deserving of this award.”

Maurice endured a tough home life which caused him to act out in school and in the community. He struggled academically and socially in school and in the community. His grades suffered and he found himself first in the school district alternative school and then in the Juvenile Justice System. He spend spent several years in juvenile placement from 8th grade to 11 grade. Maurice returned to Steelton-Highspire in November of 2019. He came back a more mature, focused young man. His attitude and demeanor became positive and he was willing to work with his teachers to make sure he did well in his classes. He was more focused on his academics and participating in extracurricular activities and became a positive role model for our younger students.

Maurice plans on attending Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to learn a trade. His ultimate goal is to have his own business.

Willie says of Maurice, “Maurice was in danger of becoming a statistic. Instead he has become a success story. We are very proud of him and the young man he has become.”

Beth says of Chunyu, “I believe that Chunyu has overcome many obstacles with grace and determination. She is highly deserving of this award.”

Dhvani was an ESL student and had to overcome a language barrier. This was especially difficult in chemistry class, as it is a bit of a language on its own. She not only did well in chemistry, but took AP Chemistry scoring a 4 on the AP Exam . This was an extremely good score especially considering that she took it during the pandemic in a very confusing time. Dhvani has also had to work outside the home in order to help to support her family, giving her less time to study.

Dhvani plans to major in computer science in her post secondary school. She hasn’t picked a school at this point, but is excited about her choices.

Kim says of Dhvani, “Dhvani such a wonderful young lady. She always has a smile on her face, even though she has faced many challenges. She has a fun andlight personality and reacts well to set backs. She has a very kind heart and will benefit greatly from this scholarship.”

Alexis transferred to LDHS in early February. She had a bad experience at her previous school and was planning to drop out of Lower Dauphin once she turned 18 at the end of March. Her grades at her previous school weren’t good, and her attendance was poor as well. She dealt with bullying and mental health issues and didn’t want to be in school. When Lori explained to her that she could actually graduate in June if she made the commitment to attend school and complete work, she was shocked. She didn’t think she had a chance to graduate and wasn’t convinced that she would receive the necessary support here in order to make that happen. After talking about a plan, Alexis agreed to try coming to school for two weeks. Alexis continued to attend the remainder of the year and made full use of her resources at Lower Dauphin to support her personally and academically, and she earned grades that put her on the Honor Roll.

Alexis never thought she could attend college, but she has applied to HACC for this fall and is very excited.

Lori says of Alexis, “She is an exceptionally kind and personable young woman who has come out of her shell and blossomed with confidence since starting school here. Alexis has made friends and stands up for students who can’t or won’t stand up for themselves.”

Gyles experienced a period of racial injustice while in high school and chose to rise above it. He approached the situation with maturity and reported the issue through his parents who informed the school.

Gyles plans on attending Full Sail University in the Fall for music recording.

Sam says of Gyles, “Gyles deserves this!”

Frank struggled early in high school to find the right peer group and focus. He changed high schools and found that didn’t change the problem. He returned to Harrisburg and committed to focusing on his academics and finding the peer group that would help him maintain focus. Once he returned to Harrisburg, he became an honors student and completed credit recovery classes to get back on track.

Frank applied to ten different schools and is excited to have the opportunity that hew as unsure would even come true. He is interested in the arts; acting, modeling, theatre and anything that could help him achieve his goals.

Mrs. Stockdale and Mrs. Cummins say of Frank, “Not only has Frank shown resiliency, commitment and determination, he also is fun, loveable, kind, considerate and has THE best laugh!”

During the Summer leading up to her senior year, Nadia tragically lost both of her parents within weeks of each other due to cancer. Nadia and her brothers were left on their own, bouncing between family members and in dire need of love, stability and grief counseling. Nadia took care of her younger brother. She poured herself in to her passion for basketball. She relied on teachers and staff members she trusted at school. Nadia advocated for herself and started therapy.

After months of turmoil in a negative environment, Nadia finally secured a happy, healthy place to live with her basketball coach and teammates where she has been thriving ever since.

Nadia will be attending Penn State Schuylkill to study Athletic Training and to play basketball. She wants to be an athletic trainer.

Mrs. Ross, who nominated Nadia, says, “Nadia is a shining star in this dark and scary world. Despite the tragedy that has surrounded her, she walks around with a smile and genuine love for life. Her future is bright, and her hard work and focus on creating a successful future for herself and her brother is the motivation she sues to continue on when times get tough.”

Eman has been strong and resilient as her mother battles stage 4 ovarian cancer. Eman took responsibility for assisting with the care of her younger siblings, a duty far beyond her years. She handled this responsibility well, rarely even bringing it up at school. In spite of all her adversity, she came to school cheerful and worked hard to keep up with her studies.

Eman hopes to become a medical doctor and is hoping to get into a pre-med program.

Mrs. Silvestri says of Eman, “In spite of schedule and family challenges, Eman has participated in the Medical Center’s PULSE program, Brain Bree (Neurological competition), Biomedical course at Robert Crook Honors College and, eventually, the Governors’ School for Medicine.”

Searia lived with her grandparents, away from her mother and brother, since Middle School. Due to financial family struggles, Searia had to keep a part-time job. In April 2019, Searia’s older brother passed away. She was very attached to her brother and his death was the worst moment of her life. The usually cheerful, optimistic, young woman came to school pale and quiet for months. In her own words, “it sent me down a rabbit hole of sadness that I didn’t think I’d come out of.”

Searia overcame these challenges by seeking the support of family and friends. She also says that her teachers and the school guidance counselor really helped her. Through all of the obstacles Searia faced, she never faltered in her level of effort to succeed at school. She continued to work hard and challenge herself with high level courses, earning distinguished honors. She also participated in numerous school activities such as band, chorus and musicals.

Searia will be attending Bloomsburg University to major in psychology. She is pursuing this career because she wants to help people.

Mrs. Lomma says, “Searia Calhoun is one of those people who demonstrates compassion and concern for everyone even when faced with her own challenges. I am very confident that she will use her future profession to give back to the community.”

Lillian applied herself for this scholarship, so her story will be shared as she wrote it, in the first person.

Once I returned to the classroom after a Traumatic Brain Injury left me having to learn how to do everything over again, life really began to pile up. I was the primary caretaker of my twin brother who suffered from mental illness as well as my younger twin brothers who were also struggling. With my focus being on my family I lost a great amount of friends. Other peers heard rumors about my parents’ struggles and projected them onto my brothers and I, steering clear of anyone with the Carney name. Unfortunately, on February 6th, 2020 my twin brother passed away causing me to question where my life was headed.

Rather than giving in to the negativity and the excuses to quit I chose to live by the phrase, “lead by example.” Today, after learning how to write again, I am writing this essay. Today, after being told people did not think I was going to graduate high school, I am writing a college essay. Today, after being told I was never enough, I was invited to apply for your scholarship. Today, after being told no one thought I was going to make it through the pain, I did. I hope that someday my younger brothers are able to see how I was able to create a new narrative for myself and begin to write their own. I also hope to share my story with others someday to show them that I am living proof that you can write your own story.

Lillian will be attending Albright College on the Warren L. Davis Scholarship to further her academic and basketball career. She will be in their 4+1 education program while majoring in Secondary Education and co majoring in psychology.

Mr. Espenshade says, “Lily has overcome more obstacles than any other student I have ever worked with in my 20 years in pubic education. She is an inspiration and has earned the respect of her peers, and members of our community.”

Lacy is from Millersburg High School and was nominated by Tracy Barcavage. Lacy overcame many challenges in high school including choosing the right friend group and making the right social choices, but more dramatically overcoming traumatic sports injuries. Lacy tore her ACL not once, but twice. She struggled mentally with the first tear, but was able to return to the field. However, her junior year she tore her other ACL which forced to hold off on plans to play in California and up and down the East Coast for the Summer. This was devastating to her. Lacy worked hard and returned to the field in four months from her second ACL tear. Through her recovery Lacy changed he friends group and her learned to stay out of drama. She now speaks to the underclassmen about making good choices, building a good reputation, the value of self-worth and the importance of good character.

Lacy plans on attending Millersville University to play softball and major in Sports Medicine.

Tracy says of Lacy, “I have been teaching now for nearly 20 years. It is a rare occasion to teach a high school student who has the character, integrity, and perseverance that I see every day in this young lady.”

Congratulations & Good Luck, Lacy!

Tito is from Steelton-Highspire High School and was nominated by Stacey Winter-Davis. As an underclassmen, Tito struggled with focusing on his classes which resulted in him having to repeat several classes. In 11th grade, Tito realized two things: education is important and his teachers care about him. He made adjustments in class to assist with focus. He started turning assignments in on time and became a positive member of the class of 2019.

Tito plans to attend HACC or PTC to study welding.

Stacey says of Tito, “Tito is a leader and not a follower. As a 12th grader he is an honor roll student”

Congratulations & Good Luck, Tito!

Tyah is from Susquehanna High School and was nominated by Richard Andries. Tyah struggled to find her place early in high school. She had a rough home life and was always in trouble for starting fights at school. After being bullied and struggling to find her way, Tyah decided to take on a new identity. Through her journey to her new identity, her mentor and “father”, Richard Andries helped guide her journey and gave her purpose and confidence. She now has goals and a plan for her future.

Tyah plans to attend HACC for two years then transfer to fashion school.

Richard says of Tyah, “Tyah makes us all thankful for our blessings. She now has a goal towards future education in the fashion industry.”

Congratulations & Good Luck, Tyah!

Samaria grew up in the Bronx, NY. She moved to rural Lykens, PA at the start of high school. After being kicked out of her home by her mother, her and her brother were left homeless. A local family was kind enough to take her and her brother in and eventually took guardianship of Samaria. This chain of events could have left Samaria a bitter, cynical young adult, but instead Samaria has chosen another path. Her Samaria worked to overcome her situation rather than let it define her.

Samaria plans to attend HACC to pursue a career in Social Work.

Janet says of Samaria, “If I were to sum up Samaria Duran in a word it would be compassionate. In spite of adverse life experiences she has developed an awareness of the positive influences in bot her own life and the lives of others.”

Congratulations & Good Luck, Samaria!

Griffin is from Hershey High School and was nominated by Brendan Hensel. Griffin struggled through a very traumatic family event in 11th grade that involved a close family member getting arrested in front of him and his family. The event shocked and destroyed Griffin. Through the help of family, friends and teachers he was able to cope with this life altering event. Even through this very difficult time Griffin continued to work hard and persevere.

Griffin will be attending Schreyers Honors College at Penn State University to major in Business.

Brendan says of Griffin, “Griffin is hardworking, kind, respectful to all and just an overall great person.”

Congratulations & Good Luck, Griffin!

Brittney began battling an eating disorder when she was a freshman in high school. It continued until approximately mid-year of her sophomore year. Brittney spent some time in a treatment facility. She also utilized counselors, therapists, and a 504 plan on her return to school. Tracey, Brittney’s English teacher and Student Council Advisor had many wonderful things to say about her, including:

“Brittney is a student who tries hard and is persistent. Good grades to not come easy to her. She must study a lot an complete extra credit. Despite struggling in Honors English 11, Brittney decided she wanted to take AP English to further challenge herself.”

“Brittney oversaw the very first community vendor and craft show for student council this year and is in charge of many other community service events.”

“Brittney exudes positive attitude, leadership and positive choices…The qualities I look for in a role model for my own kids are people who are positive, make good choices rather than falling prey to peer pressure, and build their own priorities on being a good and kind human being rather than being petty and materialistic.

“In short, I remember a girl who walked into my classroom in 10th grade scared, reserved, and looking nothing more than bones, and today I see a young woman who is confident, healthy, and vibrant.”

Brittney plans to attend Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Eventually she plans to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Congratulations, Brittney!

Jayshun, known as “Bear” by friends, has overcome many challenges and obstacles throughout his years at Steelton. His grades have not always been on point and his determination has not always been what it has become. He has matured immensely and he has accepted responsibility in this process. Jayshun’s attitude has transformed and his strengths have evolved throughout his years in high school.

Jayshun has always taken pride in being a Roller. He has also always been a loving son. His parents are great people who have loved him through his challenges. His mom got very sick and Jayshun became a staple in helping her through the rough times. I believe this was a huge part in what helped Jayshun mature and focus on his strengths, goals and aspirations.

Jayshun is a phenomenal athlete, but more importantly, he is a leader both on and off the football field.

Chrisan notes, “It has been a privilege and honor watching Jasyhun become the young man he has become today. I look forward to the possibilities ahead for him. He is a kind and generous person with an amazing heart. He is always willing to help anyone at any time. Academics have not always come easy for him. His determination to want better for himself has allowed him to work hard and have brought him here today.”

Jayshun plans to attend college after graduation. He would like to study business while also continuing his football career. Congratulations, Jayshun.

Darnell had been labeled as a troublemaker all his life until a professional diagnosis of autism came into play. To compensate for the missing years of focusing on goals, Darnell had to adjust his path. Darnell had to endure the difficulties of his diagnosis as well as the reputation of his past. He found focus in a passion for fashion design. He worked very hard to prove his worth with his new found crafts.

Richard says of Darnell, “he is the exact example of a “turnaround” student He has grown exponentially in the two years he has been in the fashion design program. From class clown to a young man with high aspirations.”

Darnell plans to attend Fashion Design College. Congratulations, Darnell!

Jan Carlos came to high school without much drive, motivation or focus. He had rough academic freshman year, failing a math course and carrying a low GPA. This trend continued through sophomore year. Through many conversations about his future and recognizing that he was not meeting his potential, he began focusing more on his academics during and after the school day. He stopped failing courses and brought up his GPA significantly through his junior and senior years making honor roll consistently. Cheryl Friedman says of Jan Carlos, “He is a nice kid, respectful and although not involved in school activities, he has made attempts to come out of his shell and turn things around”

Jan Carlos is interested in theater film. He will start at Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall for two years and then continue his education and a four year school. Congratulations, Jan Carlos!

Nick was not focused on his education during his middle school and 9th grade year. He didn’t study or do much homework. Admittedly, Nick was addicted to playing video games and he wasn’t sleeping enough. Nick realized that his addiction was destroying his potential for college. He stopped playing and started focusing on school work. He went from a “B” student to a student who achieved all A grades the past three years.

Adding to his struggles, Nick’s mother died from breast cancer when he was young, but Nick decided to make himself and his education a priority.

Nick plans on pursing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Congratulations, Nick!