The Balkhi Foundation is proud to share the 2019 Balkhi Foundation Scholars.
Each of these ten talented students displayed academic success, community engagement, and a well developed career plan. Every student on this list came highly recommended by their teachers and displayed unwavering excellence in the face of significant academic and personal challenges. Each student has received a $1,000 scholarship towards the 2019-2020 school year and has had the opportunity to renew their scholarship annually if they meet GPA criteria.
Chhun Hong is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin following his graduation from Magnolia West High School in Magnolia, Texas. Chhun graduated with his International Baccalaureate Diploma and a Summa Cum Laude distinction ranked fourth in his class of 444 students. Chhun aims to become a Product Manager for a technology company. He also hopes to one day return to his home country of Cambodia to improve water supply access for rural residents. You can learn more about Chhun by visiting the Scholar Alumni.
What Chhun says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am truly lucky and honored to have received the Balkhi Foundation Scholarship that aims to empower and enhance the lives of many First-Generation students like myself.”
Gabriela Varela Guadiana is currently attending Texas A & M following her graduation from United High School in Laredo, Texas. Gabriela graduated in the top three percent of her graduating class of 1,127 as a member of the National Honor Society, with a dual language recognition, and endorsements in STEM, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. Gabriela is majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Spanish. Gabriela is actively pursuing a future in animal welfare. Gabriela’s ultimate goal is to improve the lives of animals through active participation in Animal Health Policy at the USDA.
What Gabriela says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “The Balkhi Foundation Scholarship has helped me tremendously and I wouldn’t have been able to afford my education without it. They aid low-income students like myself and give us the chance to pursue our dreams.”
Jennifer Vasquez Gonzalez is a 2022 graduate of the University of Florida following her graduation from John I Leonard High School in Greenacres, Florida. Jennifer was ranked fifth in her high school graduating class of 862 and was honored as both an Outstanding Cambridge Learner and as Most Outstanding Senior in Science. During her time in high school, Jennifer became a certified medical administrative assistant, electrocardiogram technician, emergency medical responder, and patient care technician. Jennifer has an ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician working in underserved communities. Learn more about Jennifer by visiting our Scholar Alumni.
Johanna Powell is currently attending the University of Miami following her graduation from Dreyfoos High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. Johanna graduated in the top 15 percent of her class. Johanna excelled academically throughout high school while also exploring her passion for dance. Johanna is majoring in health science while pursuing a premedical course of study. Johanna ultimately plans to attend PA or medical school and become an innovator in reconstructive surgical techniques and other possible specialties. She aspires to one day become a skilled surgeon and dedicate her time to traveling throughout the globe to provide care to those who need it most.
Marco Polimeni is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology
following his graduation from Pocono Mountain East High School in
Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. Marco graduated fourth in his graduating class with distinguished honors. Marco’s proudest contribution to his high school was co-founding the school’s computer science club. In college, he served as the president of his university’s computer science club. Marco is currently majoring in Computer Science while pursuing an accelerated Bachelor’s degree. He also plans to complete an accelerated Master’s degree – completing all requirements within the traditional four years of college attendance. His ultimate goal is to make a difference in the technology industry by applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to community service. You can learn more about Marco by visiting the Scholar Alumni.
What Marco has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation
Scholar: “The foundation’s value of charity through supporting students and encouraging community service inspires how I look to use my degree for the benefit of others!”
Mary Huang is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Wilson High School in Timmonsville, South Carolina. Mary graduated in the top three percent of her graduating class with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, Board of Trustees recognition, and as a member of National Honor Society and Beta Club. Mary is currently majoring in Biological Sciences with a goal of a future career in genetic research and gene therapy. Mary also hopes to become an advocate for accessible healthcare in rural communities within the United States and overseas.
What Mary has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “The Balkhi Foundation scholarship allows students like me to reach their collegiate goals by serving as a bridge for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education. I am one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a molecular biologist. My education has always been of utmost importance to me, and I am extremely grateful to the Balkhi Foundation for helping me afford an education at one of the best universities in the US.”
Maya Patterson graduated from the University of Pittsburgh following her graduation from Norwin High School in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Chemistry with a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Her ultimate goal is to become a physician and develop innovative ways to improve quality of life for patients around the world.
Megan Goulet is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute following her graduation from Conard High School in West Hartford, Connecticut. Megan graduated high school with Maximum Honors as a member of National Honor Society and as a Girls With Impact graduate. She is an active member of Coding && Community, a community service club that teaches computer science topics to local K-12 students. She is currently majoring in Computer Science, with a specialization in Algorithms and Theory, with the goal of expanding her computing knowledge to make a positive impact on society.
What Megan has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that the Balkhi Scholarship has decided to donate an additional scholarship to their well-performing community. During this unprecedented time, the Balkhi Scholarship has really helped me continue to pay for tuition, and I am very grateful for their generous donation.
Micah McGrath is currently attending Rutgers University following her graduation from Chatham High School in Chatham, New Jersey. Micah graduated in the top 10% of her class as a member of National Honor Society. Micah also received the Kenyon College Book Award. Micah is majoring in Criminal Justice with minors in Biological Science and Critical Intelligence Studies and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in relation to her interests. Micah’s ultimate goal is to work in the promotion of human rights and social justice.
Tito Ruiz is currently attending University of Florida following his graduation from John I Leonard High School in Greenacres, Florida. Tito graduated third in his high school class with an AICE diploma as a student of the Medical and Computer Academy. Tito is majoring in computer science and electrical engineering and strives to be the first in his family to graduate college. In the future, Tito hopes to help expand the solar energy industry to decrease dependance on fossil fuels.