It is with great pride that we announce the ten outstanding scholars chosen for the Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship for 2025. After a highly competitive selection process with hundreds of impressive applicants from across the country, these ten students stood out for their academic excellence, commitment to personal and professional goals, and demonstrated financial need.
The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship is awarded to talented high school seniors who have exhibited an unwavering dedication to their education, community, and long-term success—even in the face of significant challenges. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 renewable scholarship to support their college journey, access to educational resources, and membership in the Balkhi Foundation Scholar community—a growing network of high-achieving students and alumni committed to excellence and impact.
Meet Our 2025 Scholarship Winners:
Maks Annaev (University of South Florida; Cybersecurity) – A first-generation college student and high school valedictorian, Maks earned an Associate in Arts degree through dual enrollment while also serving as treasurer of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He hopes to educate others and protect digital infrastructure as a future cybersecurity expert.
Kendall Clemons (University of California, Santa Cruz; Environmental Science – Conservation and Policy) – Kendall graduated in the top 2% of her class and served as student body president, youth climate commissioner, and founder of a native plant pollinator habitat. Her vision is to combine conservation, policy, and education to protect the environment and uplift future generations.
Jayden Cox (University of Mississippi; Law Studies) – Jayden graduated as valedictorian with numerous leadership honors, including selection as a National Beta Club Leadership Representative and Legislative Page. His goal is to pursue a legal career focused on public policy and civic leadership to advance equity and justice.
Francisco De Jesus (University of Florida; Aerospace Engineering) – A top-performing student in the AICE Cambridge Program, Francisco was deeply involved in student government and service, volunteering over 350 hours. He hopes to launch a career in aerospace and eventually start his own engineering firm.
Nathan Lin (Johns Hopkins University; Electrical Engineering) – A National Honor Society president, Eagle Scout, varsity football player, and active church volunteer, Nathan is a first-generation college student dedicated to using innovation to uplift underrepresented communities and solve real-world challenges.
Brianna Obot (Johns Hopkins University; Neuroscience) – Ranking in the top 5% of her class, Brianna was an IB diploma candidate, National Honor Society president, and CU Anschutz Pre-Health scholar. She plans to pursue a career in neurology and make a difference in private practice settings.
Aniajah Prioleau (Florida State University; Political Science) – Graduating in the top 20% of her class with a 4.5 GPA, Aniajah is driven to become a corporate lawyer and ultimately open her own law firm, combining academic excellence with entrepreneurial spirit.
Regina Serrano (University of Texas at Austin; Psychology) – As her class salutatorian and a dual graduate with an associate degree, Regina aspires to become a clinical child or school psychologist. She hopes to provide accessible mental health care to underserved communities, particularly first-generation and Hispanic youth.
Kimbrie Lauren Smith (Oklahoma Baptist University; Nursing) – One of just two students in her class to graduate with both an associate degree and LPN certification, Kimbrie is on the path to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner committed to compassionate, specialized care for children.
Kunyu Yang (University of Kentucky; Pre-Pharmacy) – A Dell Scholar and Presidential Scholars Program candidate, Kunyu graduated summa cum laude while earning nearly 60 college credits. He aims to become a clinical pharmacist and advocate for equitable healthcare access.
These ten recipients represent the true spirit of Balkhi Foundation’s mission to support scholars who are creating change in their communities and beyond. We are honored to be part of their educational journeys and excited to witness their impact in the years ahead. Learn more about our scholars by visiting our Scholar Showcase.
The Balkhi Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all applicants and their supporters. While only ten students are selected each year, we remain inspired by the brilliance and potential of every candidate who applied.
This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the Balkhi Family and dedicated community supporters. You can help support our scholars by donating today.
