Scholarship Recipients

I am convinced that receiving the Lighthouse Guild scholarship will play a significant financial role in empowering me to continue pursuing my passion for educational equity and advocacy for diverse learners. The Lighthouse Guild Scholarship I received in 2014 was instrumental in enabling me to complete my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in early childhood education at Mercy College."

Amanie Riley, New York, NY, 2025 Graduate School Scholarship Recipient, Dominican University of New York

As a scholarship recipient, I would bring a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. This support would enable me to transcend financial obstacles, allowing me to concentrate wholeheartedly on my education and my mission to promote equity."

Andrea Hernandez, Laredo, TX, 2025 Daniel M. Callahan Memorial Scholarship Recipient, University of Texas at Austin

I aim to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, establishing a foundation in software development, algorithms, and systems design. This education will position me to contribute to emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing."

Andrew Gillespie, Loveland, OH, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Purdue University

Connecting my passions led me to my major: biomedical engineering. I am beyond excited to continue to learn about subjects I love. I am determined to participate in meaningful research and engineering projects, keeping individuals with disabilities in mind through it all."

Aubree Lautenschuetz, Plattsburgh, NY, 2025 Lighthouse Guild Scholar Recipient, Case Western Reserve University

This fall, I’ll be attending Creighton University and majoring in psychology. My minor will be in Spanish, so I can communicate with people from communities who often don’t have access to mental health treatment due to language or financial barriers."

Brooke Petro, Leawood, KS, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Creighton University

I plan to major in English creative writing and fulfill pre-requisites for Physical Therapy. I want to establish financial stability through a job in PT, an outstanding career where effort is required of both therapist and patient. I find it inspiring that I can walk with a patient from their lowest point of injury to the freedom of recover."

Daniel Gunderson, Chicago, IL, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Washington University in St. Louis

My path hasn't been without obstacles, but I’ve never let my albinism and low vision define me—nor will I ever. Whatever the future holds, I will approach it with the same determination I've applied to overcoming obstacles thus far. Whether in college classrooms, research laboratories, or eventually mission control, I will continue pursuing my passion for space exploration with an unwavering commitment to making the impossible possible."

Elektra Larson, Washington, D.C., 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Georgia Institute of Technology

People take their vision for granted; losing mine has taught me that nothing is guaranteed in life. It completely transformed me into the confident, optimistic, intellectually curious person I am today."

Elliott Lapp, Atlanta, GA, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, University of Georgia

I plan to earn a major in biomedical engineering (BME), with special interests in cancer treatment, prosthetics, health condition tracking, and accessibility technology. I also Intend to earn a major or a minor in psychology. I ultimately hope to go to med school potentially specializing in pediatric oncology or psychiatry."

Kaelyn McColl, Chicago, IL, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Harvard College

My commitment to academic excellence is reflected in my strong GPA, and I am eager to take on new challenges. Beyond academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I actively participate in community service by volunteering with groups that support the elderly, empower women, and assist incoming students."

Lucy Ye, Flushing, Flushing, NY, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Queens College, City University of New York

Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities and connect me with a supportive community of past, present, and future Lighthouse Guild Scholarship recipients, offering potential mentorship and guidance opportunities that will be invaluable throughout my academic journey."

Madeline Major, Plymouth, MN, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

As I graduate from high school and begin my college journey this fall, I am determined to succeed academically and overcome various obstacles that will stand in my way. This scholarship will assist me in achieving my goals because I wish to make a difference in a young person's education, and just one event can change someone's world for the better."

Makenzie Love, Commercial Point, OH, 2025 Dr. Neil S. Patel Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Miami University

Currently, my goal is to gain a bachelor's degree with a major in environmental engineering and a minor in sustainable energy. I would also like to get my doctoral degree relating to sustainable energy, so that I am able to continue to teach people in a laboratory or university setting."

Quinn Wagner, Reading, PA, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Cornell University

I am responsible, motivated, and dedicated to achieving independence, not only for myself but also to support and inspire others. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial resources to focus on my studies and further develop my artistic abilities as a graphic designer."

Sid Miller, Cedar Grove, WI, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Milwaukee Area Technical College

Passions, dreams, and goals alone cannot improve the lives of disabled students in academia if they are devalued, overlooked, and lack sufficient technology. I know that I must help equip others with tools that will improve their academic experience and with the scholarship aid provided by Lighthouse Guild, I am one step closer to making the world a better place for others."

Toban Harnish, Lebanon, PA, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, Messiah University

I believe that by listening and trying to understand others, we make each other and also our community better. I am excited to learn everything I can about psychology, and the mental processes, feelings, and motivations at work that unlock the positive potential in every person. I aim to pursue a path of understanding and comfort wherever I go."

Zoe Tseng, Tinley Park, IL, 2025 College Bound Scholarship Recipient, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign