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
2023 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.
Catherine Nollie
Catherine has chosen Columbia University to study Computer Science. Growing up in a low-income family Catherine chose to become “earnest”. She wants to help create communities that allow everyone, especially low-income families, to feel like they belong. In high school she participated in conferences that introduced her to technology and urban planning. She is a Questbridge National College Match and a Horatio Alger National Scholar. She did a vocal performance at the Orlando International Film Festival. She was a member of the Opera Orlando Youth Company and volunteered at the Orange County Regional History Center.
Faith Aretha Lewis
Faith plans to attend University of Florida to become a nurse. She will graduate with her A.A. degree from dual enrollment at Valencia. Being a radiation oncologists or medical surgery nurse with the intention of becoming a travel nurse appeals to her. Living in a single-parent household this scholarship will help her get through college. Faith is a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and Edgewater’s Student Government Association. She volunteered with Advent Health and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Taylor Gale
Taylor plans to attend Advent Health University in Orlando training to become an Ultrasound Technician. Taylor is on the Edgewater Varsity Cheerleading Squad. She worked at the Tap Room and Mead Gardens.
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.
Neah Varisara Montgomery
Neah plans to attend the University of Florida to major in Psychology. She plans to research the roots of multicultural mental-health stigma. She wants to help struggling individuals carve personalized paths to happiness. Eventually Neah wants to earn her doctorate in psychiatry, specializing in psychotherapy. Neah balances her academic work with a busy sports and volunteering schedule. Her Leadership Activities are numerous – National Honor Society, Asian Culture Club, Advent Health for Children Art Cart, Best Buddies and the list goes on. She translated documents for her mother from English to Thai.
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.
D’Juan Gilbert
D’Juan is to receive a football scholarship at Ferris State University and wants to become a mechanical engineer for Mclaren. His senior year he enrolled at Orange Technical College to expand his knowledge in the Automotive Engineering field. He has been involved with Edgewater’s Varsity Football all during high school. As team captain he is proud of Edgewater’s success. He has been awarded a Pell grant. D’Juan has a passion for football and cars. Ferris State offers him the opportunity to venture into both worlds.
Lyric Hughes
Lyric plans to attend Spelman College to study Biology and wants to become a physician’s assistant in pediatrics. Lyric often helps other students complete their assignments. In addition to Lyric’s academic prowess, she is a student athletic trainer, a highly responsible position that requires long hours as she is on duty at many sporting events.
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.
Jackson Thevenin
Jackson plans to attend Valencia College to study Computer Science, but with music one of the big pillars in his life since he was a kid, he wants to play in a college marching band and play in the jazz band. On a personal note, he loves Haitian music. As a Haitian kid who was born around that type of music and as a musician himself he hopes to play in one of the big name Haitian groups. Jackson would like to come back to high school to help with the percussion section. He also loves to make music on “garageband”.
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.
Kelly Gallagher
Kelly plans to attend the University of North Florida to study nursing. Kelly says that for as long as she can remember she has wanted to be a nurse. Throughout high school she participated in Varsity Sports (Swim Team and Lacrosse), worked a part-time job and learned leadership skills through her community service. She has helped kids without homes through her church; worked with the National Honor Society and the Interact Club; and served as the Vice President of Best Buddies.
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.
Riley Olivero
Riley wants to attend Stetson University to study Communications and Media Studies. She wants to work with communication and marketing of medical sales. Growing up her twin sister had a fight with cancer. The sister is now healthy. Riley wants to help people be able to afford the medicine they need. Riley mastered the curriculum in Creative Photography, Portfolio Development 2D Design Honors, and Advanced Placement Studio Art & Design. Her strength is shooting on location with a keen eye for composition. She explored visual approaches for documentation of pollution and the encroachments of habitat in nature. Her Oration School final was a chance for her to work on her public speaking. Riley was a Freedom Ride Volunteer with her 4H group. She did a paid Internship as a teller with Addition Financial at Edgewater High School.
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.
Abigail Grace Barner
In Abigail’s sophomore year, her first at Edgewater, she was seeking purpose following several years of health issues. She joined her brother in his community service with adolescents with learning and developmental disabilities. She became determined to make the world a more kind inclusive place for them. She will be living out her purpose at Vanderbilt University where she will study Special Education and Cognitive Studies at their Peabody School, renowned for its work in the field she is dedicating not just her career, but her life to…. Bettering the lives of those with disabilities. Her academic honors at Edgewater include National Honor Society, Capstone Certification, AP Scholar with Distinction, and Honor Roll. Abigail was a Private Peer Therapist/Aide to a middle school student with nonverbal autism and provided one on one peer support to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Educational Student Education Summer School.
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.
Aziah Denmark
Aziah plans to attend Valencia College to study Business Management snd then on to Bethune Cookman. Her dream career was majoring in business and fashion design. Aziah struggled during COVID. After dealing with such a widespread virus, she felt isolated. She tried out for softball and cheerleading and says she really found her place on the cheer squad. Going to college is a long-time dream of Aziah’s. She was a Horizon Scholar with Take Stock in Children, a two-year Florida Prepaid college scholarship.
Rafael Gonzalez-Acosta
Rafael is looking to study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami. He sees medicine as a way to serve others in some of their most vulnerable life situations. Biomedical Engineering is rapidly evolving. Advancements from prosthetic limbs to robotic surgeries and 3-D printed tissue are redefining a practice as old as humans themselves. He would like to be on the forefront of this innovation. Pursuing this career will require years of further education. The accompanying time and financial commitment cannot be underestimated, but his passion for the subject makes the sacrifice worthwhile.
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.
Thao Nguyen
Thao plans to attend Valencia College to become a dental hygienist. She has been chosen for the “Bridges to Success” program at Valencia. She looks forward to getting practical experience working at regional dental clinics. While at Edgewater Thao was a member of the Interact Club, Asian Culture Appreciation Club, and National Honor Society while learning the English language. She volunteered with LGBTQ+ Center and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Jacob Dillon Kelvington
Jake looks forward to attending Florida Atlantic University to pursue a degree in veterinarian sciences. As Jake puts it, he is destined to be a veterinarian. Since he was young he has been fascinated by every animal he encountered. He realized and has experienced first hand the meaningfulness animals have in our lives. He’s been involved in rescues and is passionate about solving animal abuse and neglect. Jake states his strengths are in sciences and math and he was able to job-shadow a veterinarian last summer. He participated in the intake, evaluation and treatment process, as well as several surgeries. He notes that the veterinary industry is experiencing a high demand for practitioners! Jake has been busy while at Edgewater with National Honor Society, AP Scholar candidate, Principal’s Honor Roll, team captain for freshman football and golf, Chemistry Honors class tutor to name a few.
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.
Stephanie Faith Williams
Stephanie plans to attend the University of Florida to study Statistics and Actuarial Science. She plans to become an actuary. At UF she wishes to become a member of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting and participate in a study abroad program. She also wants to continue volunteering with poverty and hunger organizations like UF’s A Reason to Give. During her Edgewater High School learning she volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank and with the cardiovascular care unit at her local hospital. She was able to walk with a patient after surgery because he had no family present to help him. A big challenge! It took three weeks for the patient to walk on his own again. She says that the main thing she learned was patience and endurance.
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.
Chloe Annabella Smiles
At an early age Chloe’s mother was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She remembers how sick her mother became following chemotherapy. It is no wonder Chloe is fascinated by chemistry, biology, math, and psychology. The second unit of AP psychology goes into the “biological basis of behavior,” a.k.a. a crash course introduction to neuroscience, the perfect intersection of everything she is fascinated with. Her many extracurricular activities include: being a Varsity Rower; a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council; being a producer, co-director, editor and camera operator; and is a big fan of Dungeons and Dragons.
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
2022
Foundation Scholarships: Ana Garibachvili, Kacie Godek, Amani Williams
Gala Family Scholarship: Maddison Anneus
Engineering, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Shauna Fensler, Frank Malatesta
Robert Brendan Carr Musician’s Scholarship: Rayah Yenhert
Swoszowski Scholarship: Mickaya Aiken
The Mike Lyons Memorial Scholarship – “The Mike”: Lilly Yandell
Janice T. Leisher Memorial Educator Scholarship: Flory-Anne Eliaza
Charles Rohrer Scholarships: Jack Stork, Jane Wiley
Tommy Browning Scholarships: Nada El Oueryaghli, William Bowers
Julia Pierson Public Service Scholarship: Roxie Richbourg
Nicholas T. MacNichol Memorial Engineering Scholarship: Howard Michael Franklin IV
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