The Balkhi Foundation is proud to announce the winners of its 2020 Higher Education Scholarship.
Each of the ten outstanding students chosen as a 2020 scholar have demonstrated outstanding academic ability, dedication to their school and community at large, and an unrelenting drive for success. The students in this list are all highly recommended by their teachers and each has displayed a commitment to academic excellence. Each student will receive a $1000 scholarship to the university of their choice for the 2020-2021 school year.
Aisha Chebbi is currently attending Princeton University and attended Coral Reef Senior High School in Miami, Florida. Aisha graduated in the top ten percent of her class in the International Baccalaureate Academy. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, and has dedicated over 1,000 hours of her time to community service. Aisha also served her high school as Senior Class President. At Princeton, she is involved with Princeton’s chapter of Partners in Health and will serve as a Residential College Advisor. Aisha’s undergraduate career will focus on Anthropology while preparing herself for medical school. Aisha’s ultimate goal is to be a physician and researcher focusing on global health and the impact of the socio-cultural environment on health.
What Aisha says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am so grateful for the generosity of the Balkhi Foundation. As an underrepresented student in medical and scientific fields, this scholarship has granted me a greater opportunity to pursue my education and passions!”
Ansley Elkins is currently attending College of Charleston’s Honors College following her graduation from South Carolina’s Governor’s Schools for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, South Carolina. During High School, Ansley created a Reading Buddies program for local children and completed research in celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Ansley is majoring in Biology and minoring in chemistry and women and gender studies. She is currently conducting research with Dr. Renaud Geslain, investigating the expression of tRNA in normal mouse tissues. After graduating, Ansley will continue her education through a doctoral program. She aspires to conduct biomedical research, while specializing in topics related to women’s health.
What Ansley has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am so grateful to have received the Balkhi Foundation Scholarship, which has allowed me to further my education and pursue my biggest dreams.”
Anyi Li currently attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill following her graduation from Norfolk Christian High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Anyi graduated with placement on the Director List and as Treasurer of the National Honor Society and founder of the International Club. During her time in high school, Anyi was organizer of International Weeks and International Festival, and a member of the Student Council Association, Honor Council, Academic Ambassador Club, National Art Honor Society and National Computer Science Society. Outside of school, she is a self-published novelist. Anyi is majoring in Economics and Global Studies. Anyi’s ultimate goal is to become an international attorney and novelist who dedicates her life to the women’s empowerment movement.
What Anyi says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am truly honored and grateful for receiving the Balkhi Foundation Scholarship as an international student. International students are often overlooked in scholarship and college financial aid processes. Balkhi Foundation has shown its special commitment to aid scholars on a global scale.”
Daniel Simone is currently attending Princeton University following his graduation from Miami Beach Senior High School. Daniel graduated high school Summa Cum Laude with an IB Diploma. Daniel is currently majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with two certificates in Sustainable Energy and Russian Language/Culture. His ultimate goal is to become Director of Research and Development for a large technology manufacturing firm in the computer processing or solar power industry. At Princeton, Daniel is the treasurer of the Princeton Racing Electric (PRE) club, where he is part of the Dashboard and Business Sub-teams.
What Daniel has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am very thankful to the Balkhi Foundation for helping me chase my dreams! Without the scholarship, I doubt that I could have been able to afford life on campus without a job or participate in exciting extracurricular activities!”
David Ho is currently attending Texas A & M University following his graduation from Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas. David graduated high school Magna Cum Laude as a member of the National Honor Society. David is also a previous finalist of the 2020 High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program for his lunar supply pod design. David is currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering with the ultimate goal of creating novel technology that improves the world.
What David says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am more than honored to be a Balkhi Scholar and to receive the Balkhi Foundation Scholarship that has helped make college possible for students like me.”
David De Souza is currently attending Pomona College following his graduation from Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George Community College in Largo, Maryland. David graduated in the top 10% of his high school with both a high school diploma and associates degree. David has mastered seven languages including French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Fon, Aja, and Ewe. David is currently majoring in Psychological Science with the ultimate goal of facilitating success for medical specialists in underrepresented communities.
What David says about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunity that the Balkhi foundation has provided me with. The money from the scholarship helped me be able to afford my books. Thank you so much!”
Erick Rocher is currently attending Johns Hopkins University following his graduation from Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida. While in high school, Erick was honored as a four-time All-County Band Trombonist and was a member of Project Lead the Way, National Honor Society, Aspire to Excellence Program, and Monticello Academy. Erick is an accomplished competitive wrestler and has continued his wrestling career as a Johns Hopkins Blue Jay. Erick is majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Immunoengineering on the pre-med track with the ultimate goal of designing innovative biomedical solutions to chronic health problems.
What Erick has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “I am truly grateful to the Balkhi Foundation for supporting me on my journey to college graduation and a career in biomedical research. The Balkhi Foundation is helping me to make my dream of saving lives a reality.”
Nada Maher is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University following her graduation from Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated high school with Merit Designation ranked 8th in her class and served as president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Nada is currently a member of various organizations including American Medical Student Association and participates in many volunteer services aiming to help her community. Nada is also a member of the college of science’s Soar-in-4 cohort of high-achieving students under the mentorship of the deans. Nada is currently majoring in Biology with the aim of attending Medical school with an interest in internal medicine along with a developing passion for science and research.
What Nada has to say about being a Balkhi Foundation Scholar: “The Balkhi foundation is a generous scholarship group that really sets their passion in aiding bright students by providing the opportunity and resources to succeed in college.”
Regina Garcia currently attends the University of California – Davis following her graduation from Highlands High School in North Highlands, California. Regina graduated first in her class of 137 students as an AP Scholar with Distinction. In high school, Regina was active in three varsity level sports and she carries this passion for sport with her to university. Regina is currently majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with an ultimate goal of attending physical therapy school to become an orthopaedic clinical specialist physical therapist. An accomplished athlete, Regina hopes to facilitate top athletic performance while improving access to health care for underserved communities.
Sade McIntosh is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University following her graduation from Medgar Evers College Preparatory School in Brooklyn, NY. Sade graduated with Advanced Regents and AP Capstone diplomas ranked fourth in her high school class. In addition, Sade graduated Summa Cum Laude from The City University of New York – Medgar Evers College with an associates degree in Biology. Sade is currently majoring in International Relations and Politics with a minor in Cybersecurity. Her ultimate goal is to become a peaceful advocate for change in developing countries by challenging systematic injustice and making technology, healthcare, and education more accessible and equitable.