Scholarship Winners
Thanks to the generosity of Edgewater High School friends, fans and alumni, the Edgewater High School Foundation has the honor of administering several scholarships each year. Here is the list of scholarships offered this year and in the past.
If you would like to apply for one of these scholarships, see your EHS Guidance Counselor for an application.
If you are a scholarship recipient, you should have received the details on how to access your scholarship at the Awards Ceremony. If not, please contact the EHS Office: 407.835.4900.
The EHS Foundation Scholarship
The Gala Family Scholarship
The EHS Foundation Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Award
Robert Swoszowski Scholarship
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”
Charles Rohrer Principal’s Achievement Award
Tommy Browning Scholarship
The Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship
The Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship
Nicholas T. MacNichol Memorial Engineering Scholarship
Previously Offered
The Patricia Fox Scholarship
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship
College Park Neighborhood Scholarship
2022 Winners
The EHS Foundation Scholarship
Three $1,500 scholarships awarded to three different EHS seniors who will enroll after graduation in a technical school, a professional career program, community or public or private college or university. The Foundation is looking for applicants who have overcome extreme circumstances. These are one time awards based on financial need, academic achievement, good citizenship, extra-curricular activities, personal accomplishments and/or spirit of volunteerism. Students are asked to complete an application and write an essay explaining why they need and qualify for this scholarship.
Ana Garibachvili
Ana plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study Finance and Accounting, eventually working on a Masters in Business Administration. She would like to work for a corporation like Vogue or possibly open her own Management Consulting business. At Edgewater she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Principal’s Honor Roll, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club and an AP Scholar. She was SGA’s Student Body President her Senior year, a member of Interact Club, Varsity Wrestling, and Varsity Lacrosse Manager.
Kacie Godek
Kacie plans to attend Louisiana State University, majoring in psychology. She enjoys community service and helping others doing service at Second Harvest Food Bank. She looks to a career possibly as a social worker or psychiatric therapist where she can help children who have gone through traumatic experiences. Kacie was Dual Enrolled at Valencia College; participated in Beta Club, Cross-Country, Interact Club, the Edgewater Yearbook and the National Honor Society.
Amani Williams
Amani plans to attend FAMU to study Business Administration and Technology. She thinks the business skills she would acquire will help her to start her own real estate firm and become an entrepreneur. She says that these skills are transferable and can be applied to many careers. At Edgewater she was involved with Beta Club, Interact Club, Best Buddies, Girls Volleyball, National Honor Society and was the Senior class president.
Gala Family Scholarship
A $5,500 scholarship awarded to one student who will receive $1,375 annually for four years. This student has excelled in areas of engineering, science, technology, or computers. This may be demonstrated through academic, extra-curricular, or personal accomplishments. The recipient is required to write a letter to the EHS Foundation annually with an educational update and a school transcript. The selection process for this largest and most prestigious scholarship is supervised by the EHS Guidance Office and requires a 300-word essay for the initial application.
Maddison Anneus
Maddison is planning to attend the University of Florida or possibly Duke University. She will study chemistry and connect her studies with sustainable energy or public health. Maddison hopes to be involved with research and do an internship with CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research and work with NASA or Space X. She was the President of the Edgewater Chess Club, a member of the National Honor Society and tutored 9th and 10th graders in human geography and world history.
EHS Foundation Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships
Two $1,500 scholarships awarded to a student in each of the two tracks of Edgewater’s Engineering, Science and Technology magnet program. These students are selected based on need, academic achievement, good citizenship, extra-curricular activities, personal accomplishments and/or spirit of volunteerism.
Shauna Fensler
Shauna plans to attend Rollins College to study Pre-Engineering and Architecture. Her goal is to become an architect and use her strengths in math and science. She is a problem solver. Over the past four years she has worked hard, taking challenging courses in science, technology, engineering and math. She comes from a single-parent family with disabilities and a limited income. Shauna and her mother are working hard to see she has the necessary funds to attend college. At Edgewater Shauna has been a member of the National Honor Society, Principals Honor Roll, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, Volleyball and Soccer team member, and received the Soccer Team Wave Award.
Frank Malatesta
Frank plans to attend the University of Florida to study Computer Sciences. Frank is exploring different careers – maybe marine biology prompting heim to develop a software program that helps track and repopulate sea turtles along Florida’s beaches; maybe he’ll us applied mathematics prompting him to create an app that helps streamline your work schedule, giving you more time in a day. His education offers possibilities for improving others lives! Frank participated in many things at Edgewater – National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Orange County Superintendent’s Advisory Council. He was also involved in Crew, Varsity Boys Tennis, and the Chess Club.
The Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship
An award of $1,000 made to a student in the Marching Eagle Band who has promoted fellowship among its members and demonstrated both musical excellence and Eagle Spirit and who intends to pursue a course of study in Music Performance, Music Education or plans to be part of a college band, orchestra or chorus while following another major. The candidate shall be selected by the EHS Band Director in concert with the Guidance Office.
Rayah Yenhert
Rayah plans to attend Stetson University to work toward a Bachelor of Music with an Outside Field and go on to complete a Master’s degree in conducting. She likes to perform in the orchestra for school musicals and would like a career in musical theatre. Her back up plan is Molecular and Cellular Biology. At Edgewater she has been involved in the band, both marching and concert. She has been drum major, made the all-county honor band twice, been a member of the Eagle Chorus and Chamber Choir. She has tutored at Edgewater and volunteered at a local daycare, Second Harvest Food Bank and Infinite Zion Farms and Joyful Music Therapy with autistic children.
Robert Swoszowski Scholarship
Bob Swoszowski was recognized for his outstanding community service and professional accomplishments by being inducted into the prestigious 2014 Edgewater High School Hall of Fame. In 2015 he was recognized for his outstanding work by being awarded the 2015 Philanthropist of the Year Award by the North Georgia Community Foundation. At that time, he and his wife decided to fund a scholarship for an Edgewater High School student.
This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student from a single-parent family who has worked at least part time, has at least at 3.0 GPA and is a legal resident or citizen of the USA. The applicant must submit a 300-word essay detailing why they need and qualify for this scholarship along with the application.
Mickaya Aiken
Mickaya plans to attend Florida Atlantic University to study Business Administration. Mickaya has started her own small business called Kaysthetics and believes that an entrepreneur should have a personal motivating connection to what they do. Along with being part of the National Honor Society, Principal’s Honor Roll and Upward Bound, Mickaya works extensively in the community with the Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank and UCF Children Painting Night. She also participated in an interesting project, Bright Minds and Fresh Ideas Think Tank. Groups were assigned to come up with temporary ideas to help businesses prevent bankruptcy during the pandemic. At the end of the internship ideas were shared with a group of judges at a symposium.
The Mike Lyons $500 Memorial Scholarship—”The Mike”
The Mike Lyons $500 Memorial Scholarship, called “The Mike” is awarded to a student planning to major in communications or journalism. It requires a 300-word essay outlining their career goals and an application submitted to the EHS Guidance Office.
Lilly Yandell
Lilly plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study Humanities and Theater. She found her passion for theater at Orlando Shakes’ Saturday classes for kids. Lilly was offered a scholarship to Orlando Shakes’ Young Company. She would like to make theater more accessible to children. She believes theatre is one of the oldest art forms and has caused incredible change in history. Shows about politics and soial issues have helped change the world for the better. She wants to make this art form accessible to everyone regardless of age or financial situation. She has been a sound technician at Edgewater High School events, received the Allstar Acting at District V Thespian Competition, and received nominations for the Applause Awards for Best Actor and Best Dancer.
Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship
The Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship is awarded to a senior who aspires to teach and attend a college of education. The recipient should embody the teaching values of Mrs. Leisher, thoughtful hard work, a passion for teaching and learning, and kindness. The candidate shall be selected through an application process facilitated by the Edgewater High School Guidance Office and the Leisher Family.
Flory-Anne Eliaza
Flory-Anne plans to attend the University of Florida and major in Elementary Education and on to a Masters in Early Childhood Education. After college she hopes to become an elementary school K-5 teacher. Flory-Anne took classes at Valencia College as a Dual Enrollment student and will graduate having completed 12 college level courses. In addition to this she has taken multiple AP courses. She is active in Beta Club, National Honor Society, the school yearbook, Upward Bound and the Achieve Program for first-generation college bound students. Beyond school life, Flory-Anne has been deeply involved in her community while volunteering at Fairview Shores Library. Flory-Anne and her mother escaped a difficult situation early in her life. She thinks that education played an important role in her life as a small child and wants to help other young children.
Charles Rohrer Principal’s Achievement Award and Scholarship
Charles Rohrer served as Principal of Edgewater High School. His family honors his dedication to students and Edgewater with these two $500 awards, to one female student and one male student who consistently model leadership qualities such as honesty, integrity, determination, compassion and true Eagle Spirit. The two Rohrer Scholarships are selected by the EHS Principal and Sue Nadeau.
Jack Stork
Jack plans to attend Valencia College to study engineering. He has a strong desire to create and do things that will serve others. While at Edgewater Jack has been on the National Honor Society, the EHS Troupe 557 working both backstage and in acting, Beta Club and Gaming Club. He has participated in multiple Eagles Market events and volunteered at Mead Botannical Gardens.
Jane Wiley
Jane is deciding whether to attend Florida State University or University of Florida to study Psychology or a Pre-Med track. She aspires to become a doctor of psychiatry. Jane has worked with Teens United Florida Chapter, EHS Interact Club, the International Thespian Society-Troupe 557 and Beta Club. Her volunteer work includes the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and Second Harvest Food Bank. She was on the Valenia College President’s List, a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.
Tommy Browning Scholarship
Two $500 scholarships awarded each year at EHS Graduation in honor of Tommy Browning. Tommy Browning was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and he was a graduate of Edgewater High School.
Nada El Oueryaghli
Nada plans to study at Valencia College and continue at the University of Central Florida in Health Science. She hopes to become a surgical assistant. Nada is bilingual. She is a Medical Assisting student at Orange Technical College in Winter Park to earn certifications and is a volunteer at Advent Health hospital. Nada was a part of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Edgewater High School.
William Bowers
William is still deciding which school to attend, but wants to major in Neuroscience. William was President of the Neuroscience Club at Edgewater. His interest in neuroscience became stronger when his grandfather was diagnosed with dementia. He feels a responsibility to help families like his with relatives suffering from dementia. He has been a member of the Edgewater High School EST Magnet, a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction, a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, as well as a participant with the UCF Stem Camp Connect. William is active with Varsity Tennis Team and Bowling Team, Neuroscience Alliance, Best Buddies and the YMCA Basketball Team. He served as Camp Counselor for the Orange County Regional History Center, Tennis Instructor and a volunteer for Clean the World.
The Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship
Julia A. Pierson, was appointed as the 23rd Director of the US Secret Service on March 27, 2013, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Director Pierson is a graduate of Edgewater High School class of 1977. Director Pierson was later assigned to the Presidential Protection Division in Washington, DC for the President George H. W. Bush’s detail. Director Pierson’s dedicated career spanned five Presidential Administrations, and included significant leadership roles in overseeing the agency’s worldwide Presidential protective operations, National Special Security Events, Cyber security, counterfeiting and financial crimes, human resources, training and information technology programs. Director Pierson was recognized for implementing innovative security programs, enhancing leadership and workforce skills, and modernizing the agency’s information technology and communicating systems.
This $500 scholarship recognizes an outstanding student who has an interest in pursuing a career in Public Service. Our Federal, State and Local governments require dedicated and highly skilled individuals to support and serve our communities. Interested applicants should provide a written summary of their community service experiences with their application.
Roxie Richbourg
Roxie plans to attend Florida State University to study Political Science and continue on and earn her Juris Doctorate to become an attorney. She has earned her associate degree at Valencia College. She states that she is an African American female pursuing a degree in a field where both her skin color and sex are underrepresented. While at Edgewater Roxie was involved with Student Government Association, National Honor Society, the Dean’s list at Valencia College, College Board National African American winner, Marching Band Color Guard and the Disney Dreamer Academy. She has volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank, the Pine Hills Clean-up and had a paid summer internship.
Nicholas T. MacNichol Memorial Engineering Scholarship
The Nicholas T. MacNichol Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Nick MacNichol who was a graduate of Edgewater High School (1988 or 1989) who went on to obtain an Engineering degree from UCF. We are looking for a deserving student who plans to major in Engineering.
Howard Michael Franklin IV
Michael plans to attend the University of Central Florida majoring in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. He has been a dual enrollment student with Edgewater and Valencia College who will graduate in May with his Associate’s in Arts degree. Michael aspires to one day own his own business. He has been an integral part of the EST magnet program. He is passionate about giving back to his community and has dedicated many hours to Mead Gardens, The Maitland Art and History Museum and his former middle school Orlando Junior Academy. Michael is passionate about new technologies and designing and making things. He maintained the Edgewater Gaming Club throughout many personnel changes that otherwise might have upended the club.
Scholarships Previously Given
The Patricia Fox Scholarship
Patricia Fox dedicated her life to bettering her community in any way she could. From running for Mayor of Maitland to running for School Board, her passion was to make an impact in the lives of others. She spent 15 years teaching and encouraging students at Edgewater High School in Orlando. Her ability to listen and council students by connecting with them is why she was able to impact so many lives. Her students were her second family.
This scholarship is awarded to an Edgewater High School senior who aspires to teach or participate in public service. This student can be selected based on need, academic achievement, good citizenship, extra-curricular activities, personal accomplishments and/or spirit of volunteerism. Applications are available through the Edgewater High School Guidance Office. The Fox family will participate in selection of recipient.
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of a long time Edgewater High School teacher Dr. Joseph Prochaska. He taught his classes creatively and with humor while emphasizing individual growth and responsibility.
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student that has a financial need and wishes to continue in post secondary education. The recipient will be selected by the Joseph Prochaska Family and/or their designees working with the EHS Guidance Officer.
The $500 College Park Neighborhood Scholarship
A $500 scholarship awarded to a deserving student based on need, academic achievement, good citizenship, extra-curricular activities, personal accomplishments and/or a spirit of volunteerism. The recipient is a student who is majoring in fields related to community (such as teaching, government or political science.
Previous Scholarship Winners
2021
Foundation Scholarships: Sandra Koleva, Nicholas Bersche, Vance Boudreau
Gala Family Scholarship: Amari Terry
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Alexis Brown
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Walansky Richemond
Charles Rohrer Scholarships: Lauren Williams, Cole Apen
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Emma Sorenson, Patrick Griffin
Swoszowski Scholarship: Antonio Thomas
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Amaia Ariail
Tommy Browning Scholarships: Caroline Stringer, Cesar Contreraas
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship: Makayla Raphael
Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship: Riley Kelly
2020
Foundation Scholarships: Justin Curtis Floyd, Ty’Keya Battle, Akeem Muller, Jr.
Gala Family Scholarship: Samuel Benjamin Shoemaker
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Faith Soesman
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Donovan B. Hood
Charles Rohrer Scholarships: Sophia Lotz, John Douglas (Jack) Sommerville
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Alexander Kinbar-Clark, Bryanna Pajotte
Swoszowski Scholarship: Camryn Lane
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Caroline Formella
Tommy Browning Scholarships: William Bonhagen, Natalia Perez Zuniga
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship: Hannah Morgan Merritt
Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship: Carmen Anneliese Feucht
The Patricia Fox Scholarship: William Gilbert Abel
2019
Foundation Scholarships: Gracia Jeanty, Sofia Ann Brady, Dwight Collins Jr.
Gala Family Scholarship: Hazel Ruth Decker
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Sagan M. Simmons
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Adorah Michael Allard
Charles Rohrer Scholarships: Nigel Smith, Victoria Grace Fisher
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Zachary Schaumann, Natalie Aguayo
Swoszowski Scholarship: Seaira M. Sevison
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Lea Johnson
Tommy Browning Scholarships: Jennifer Salinas, Harper Self
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship: Eliana Adiva Mirra
Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship: Emma Gwendolyn Spraggins
2018
Foundation Scholarships: Jocelyn Tosen, Temia Hayes, Skylar Colvin
Gala Family Scholarship: Amari Assefa
College Park Neighborhood Scholarship: Samuel Chambers
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Emerald Paul
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Emmanuel Mantey
Charles Rohrer Scholarship: Kendall Merrill, Beau Gonzalez
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Larry Christian, Luan Tran
Swoszowski Scholarship: Tatyana Joyce
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Mary Ann Formella
Tommy Browning Scholarship: Jarian Truss, Alyssa Trahe-Valencia
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship: Vionn Welcome
2017
Foundation Scholarships: Cecilia Procacci, Jaime Remus, Mohammed Kordian Boroujeni
Gala Family Scholarship: James Smalley
College Park Neighborhood Scholarship: Yariseli Felix
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Job Isaac Critton
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Stanley Belizaire
Charles Rohrer Scholarship: Quinlan J. Brock and Abigael Winslow
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Jocivan Cabrera, Lenworth Thomas
Swoszowski Scholarship: Aliyah Johnson
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Angel Hampton
The News 13 Scott Harris Scholarship: Vanessa John
Tommy Browning Scholarship: Meghan Campbell and Jack Agar
The Dr. “Pro” Scholarship: Caroline Kurtz
2016
Foundation Scholarships: Aubry Ashby, Juliana Johnson, Angel Villalobos
Gala Family Scholarship: Alexander Trahe-Valencia
College Park Neighborhood Scholarship: Taylor Collings
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Khara Gibson-Taylor
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Tyra Miller
Charles Rohrer Scholarship: Seth Plank and Lily Taylor
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Kira Lockhart and Cessna Valley
Swoszowski Scholarship: Joshua Hanson
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Ayanna Wallace
2015
Foundation Scholarships: Tyler Lambright, Christy Joseph and Giselle Padrigone
Engineering, Science, and Technology: Greg Umali and Roshani Ekanayake
Gala Family Scholarship: Jazmine Forman
College Park Neighborhood Association: Annie Rattanasena
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Award: Curtis Mitchell
The Mike: Jahmiah Cyrus
2014
Foundation Scholarships: Alexandra Allen, Anna Garrison and Mariah-Krista Macalua
Gala Family Scholarship: Arita Harris
The Mike: Brandon Hogan
College Park Neighborhood Association: Jose Febo
2013
Foundation Scholarships: Delilah Diaz, Keira Lemmon and Will Rumplik
Gala Family Scholarship: Brendan Guthrie
College Park Neighborhood Association: Abigail Teague
Gierke Family Scholarship: Jeanine Patrick
2012
Foundation Scholarships: Klarissica Collins, Kalyn Kearrey and DeAngela LeGrier
Gala Family Scholarship: Josh Yandell
College Park Neighborhood Association: Taylor Clauss
FCA Service Athletes Award: Taylor Clauss and Alan Thomas