Hello, my name is Ayla Zook, and I am an incoming Freshman at Dartmouth College planning to major in physics and neuroscience with a minor in public policy. I am dedicated to advocating for healthier and more supportive spaces for everyone.

I have led efforts to pass policies for tobacco-free public spaces and accessible water resources in localities across Virginia. In addition, I enjoy speaking on the critical role of youth in advocacy movements.

As an Eagle Scout, I created a virtual STEM education program for a local museum, helping young learners engage with original at-home science experiments.

In addition to these activities, I enjoy researching quantum neuroscience theories with a professor at the University of Waterloo, exploring the potential of physics in understanding the brain.

Through all of these involvements I am driven by a passion for making STEM innovation and healthy environments accessible, something I hope to continue to pursue in college and beyond.

This fall, I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my academic journey at George Mason University as a member of the Honors College. I’ll be majoring in Forensic Science with a minor in Psychology. My passion lies in uncovering truth, seeking justice, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I’ve always been someone who stands up for the underdog—whether it’s in the classroom, my community, or beyond.

Living with dyslexia has powerfully shaped my perspective. It’s taught me resilience, creative problem-solving, and the importance of advocating not just for myself but for others who face unseen challenges. Rather than holding me back, it has fueled my determination to rise above obstacles and turn them into opportunities for growth.

In the spring of 2026, I’ll be studying abroad in Greece—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself in a rich culture, expand my worldview, and deepen my understanding of human behavior on a global scale. I’m driven by a desire to help others and bring compassion into every space I enter, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.

My name is Caitlynne Henico, I am completing my senior year of high school currently. I start college in the fall of 2025 and will attend Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. In high school I played basketball, volleyball, and cheer and I will continue to cheer at college. I am going to get a degree in Human Services also possibly get my master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling and hopefully be able to go into the Social Working field after college. I am so thankful for this opportunity of winning this scholarship to help me further my education and be able to help people.

Hello! My name is Aneeshea Cason and I am from Loxahatchee, FL. Starting in Fall 2025, I will attend the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. I am a graduate from the University of South Florida, where I obtained degrees in biomedical sciences, sociology, and pharmaceutical nanotechnology. As a physician, I envision using my interdisciplinary background to conduct community outreach, engage in policy design, and promote holistic well-being that will directly benefit underserved populations. I’m honored to have been selected by the SFTS scholarship program and grateful for their support while I am in medical school!

Hello, my name is Brodie Mullin. Growing up, I loved constructing elaborate forts from Costco’s cardboard boxes, sparking my passion for engineering. This enthusiasm led me to design projects like a mouse-trap car and a Plinko game, honing my problem-solving and innovation skills.

As a future mechanical engineering student at Mercer University, I plan to use my expertise to positively impact my community. Through my nonprofit organization, the Warrior Kindness Initiative, I aim to combine my engineering knowledge with a commitment to fostering kindness and inclusivity, creating solutions that address both technical and social challenges.

I founded the Warrior Kindness Initiative to promote kindness and combat bullying in schools. The initiative provides grants to teachers to implement anti-bullying curriculum and kindness incentives in school.

I am also an urban-pop singer/rapper and I write songs for my community. My song “Warrior,” written in response to online bullying, reflects my journey of resilience and carries a message about kindness. I perform “Warrior” at anti-bullying events.

My other songs include “Bye Bye Bye,” which celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, with all proceeds donated to children with chronic and terminal illnesses, and “Bulldog Nation,” a hype song that amps up the crowd at games. My newest song, “Class of 2025,” is a tribute to the graduating class, taking listeners back to pep rallies, football games, and the journey through high school.

I am grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the Stand for the Silent Scholarship. This scholarship will help me pursue my education and continue my service to the community. Thank you for your support.

From a young age, I’ve always felt a deep calling to help others—not just in moments of crisis, but in every way possible. Whether through a listening ear, a kind word, or simply showing up, I’ve learned that even the smallest acts of compassion can create lasting change.

This passion has guided my journey and continues to fuel my determination as I pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and plan to continue earning my master’s in behavioral analysis. For me, this path is more than academic—it’s a mission.

I want to be a voice for the silent, an advocate for the unheard, and a source of strength for those who feel lost or forgotten. Every class, every hour of study, and every challenge I overcome brings me one step closer to that goal.

I believe that healing begins with understanding, and through this work, I aim to bring light to places often left in the dark.

My ultimate purpose is to make a real difference—not just in the world at large, but in the everyday lives of those around me. To inspire hope, to uplift, and to remind people of their worth.

This is more than a career—it’s my calling. And I won’t stop until I’ve used every bit of knowledge, compassion, and strength I have to change lives for the better.

My name is Kaylee Danielle Elizondo. I am a senior at Tom C. Clark High School in San Antonio, Texas. In the fall, I will study journalism at The University of Texas at Austin.

Being involved in my high school’s journalism program has helped me build my self-confidence and opened doors to multiple leadership opportunities. Through the program, I’ve learned that everyone has a story to tell.

As a student reporter, I understand how to tell their story through various mediums: writing, design, and photography. Through words, I’ve discovered the power of storytelling, how to evoke emotion through photography, while creating purposeful designs.

Earning a degree in journalism will teach me how to crochet these three mediums together to become a versatile thinker and a strong voice for those that are different from me.

This scholarship will help me to pursue my dream in earning a degree in journalism while inspiring other student journalists about the importance of storytelling.

Hi!! I’m Lynsey Nguyen and I attend the University of Alabama. I am currently majoring in Graphic Design and want to be a graphic designer for a skincare, makeup, or clothing company and live in New York!!

Hello! My name is Alysia Johnson, and I am a Psychology major at the University of Utah, with a minor in Gender Studies. I am passionate about mental health and inclusivity, and I aspire to become a licensed sex therapist to support individuals and couples in navigating challenges with compassion and understanding. Beyond academics, I have had the privilege of engaging in cultural exchange programs in Iceland, Brazil, and Italy, as well as volunteering to support women in need. With a love for research, community engagement, and personal growth, I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

My name is Oluwaseye Mary Onasanya, a Biology major at Morgan State University, graduating in May 2026.

Passionate about healthcare and wellness, I actively engage in leadership roles, including serving as President of Women in Pre-med and Vice-President of Mentorship for the Student Research Center, while also contributing as a member of my school’s Culinary Council.

My interests in mental and physical health drive my commitment to research, focusing on healthcare disparities and the mental well-being of underserved populations. As someone who loves Zumba and Pilates, I embrace holistic approaches to health and balance.

Through research, community service, and global health initiatives like volunteering in El Salvador, I am dedicated to creating a healthier future and inspiring others to prioritize both physical and mental well-being.

My name is Annabelle Millsap, I am a high school senior in Boonville, IN. I have been very active in marching band and archery. I will start college in the Fall of 2025 at the University of Evansville to obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I intend to major in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology. As an individual who is from a smaller town, I hope to be able to provide a more accessible environment for my patients, and allow their quality of life to improve. I really appreciate being chosen as a recipient of the scholarship. It will assist in providing me the much needed funds to attend school. Thank you so much!

My name is Kara Matuella, and I am finishing my bachelor’s degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. I am a Mother to two teenagers and work in healthcare as a Vascular Sonographer at a Cardiology office.

I plan to continue my education at PBA and earn my master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have always had a passion for helping others in their journey to overcome personal challenges, and I feel called to be back in school so that I can be utilized in the field of Psychology.

Mental health awareness and anti-bullying programs are two areas of interest for me that I am proud to represent through Stand For The Silent. I am extremely grateful to have been chosen to receive this particular scholarship because I strongly believe in what SFTS is doing for the community.

I look forward to working as a licensed therapist after I graduate so that I can help “Stand For The Silent” and educate others on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

I am honored to be a part of SFTS and am incredibly thankful for this help with my tuition as a working Mom.

My name is Morgan Simpson, and I’m a first-year student at Spelman College, where I’m majoring in psychology and minoring in Asian Studies. One of the proudest moments of my first semester has been making the school’s Debate Team. Being part of the team has helped me strengthen my communication and critical thinking skills while staying involved in something I truly enjoy. I’m also a member of the Pre-Law Society, Chinese Culture Club, Students United for Justice, and the Unlocked Minds Matter Book Club, where I’ve been able to connect with others and pursue my interests.

Through Spelman Serves, I’ve participated in a range of service projects, such as the When We All Vote rally and Safe House outreach. These experiences have allowed me to give back to the community in meaningful ways and deepen my commitment to helping others. I plan to build on these experiences as I work toward my goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney, with hopes of contributing to organizations like the Innocence Project.

This scholarship will help me continue to pursue my education and service, allowing me to live up to and honor Spelman’s motto, “A Choice to Change the World.” I am committed to using the opportunities this support provides to create meaningful change for others.

My name is Oakley Strauss, and I am currently a senior at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona.

I have a passion for giving back to the communities that have influenced my life, and have become actively involved in my Jewish community, Gender Sexuality Alliance, and the mental health community.

I am a leader with the national mental health organization Bring Change 2 Mind on a school and state level. I am a representative of BC2M’s Arizona Teen Advisory Board and LGBTQ+ Mental Health Task Force. I work to acknowledge the intersectionality of my communities and promote awareness, as well as breaking down barriers that lead to bigotry and hatred.

Next year, I plan to study Human Rights at Bard College in NY and continue my passion of awareness and giving back. Stand for the Silent inspires conversation surrounding mental health and works to create a more open future.

I live by this belief and am constantly working to shape the future. I believe that you must create the world that you want to live in, shaping a better future in the process.

My name is Molly Chen and I’m a high school senior at Torrance High School in Torrance, California. I plan to study Computer Information Systems at California State Polytechnic Pomona. I’m Captain of Academic Decathlon and will continue academic competition through collegiate cybersecurity defense and pen-testing. I’m dedicated to the Kellogg Honors College and hope to support/do Musical Theatre. My dream job of Security Analyst combines my love for ciphers with my love for protecting others. I hope to serve as a role model for budding women in STEM, future leaders, and standers for the silent. Thank you for selecting me for this scholarship!

My name is Arden Morgan. I am a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Chemical Engineering. I serve as the junior representative for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at CU Boulder and am actively engaged in the Engineering Leadership Club. Upon graduation, I aim to work in the polymer engineering field or the renewable energy industry. Over the summer, I will be a chemical engineering intern at TDA Research working on various patent projects.  In my free time, you can find me rock climbing, backpacking, camping, or gardening. I am beyond grateful for the invaluable opportunity provided by Stand For The Silent and their support in shaping my future.

Hello. My name is Kira Lee. I am from Dallas, Texas. I am a senior at Richland Collegiate High School in Dallas.

In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at my local food bank, reading, and listening to music. I am a hard worker. For example, I have received the President’s Gold Service-Learning Award, the Chancellor’s Gold Service-Learning Award, and the Dallas College Honor Roll.

For the last one and a half years, I have researched food insecurity and how it negatively impacts mental health and have made recipe cards and a website to decrease food insecurity within the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

I also intend to become a school psychologist to help children with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities.

I love public speaking and advocating for others; for example, I actively advocate for others to improve their lives.

My name is Cady Aruanno, and I am a senior at Windermere High School in Orlando, Florida. After high school, I plan to attend Florida State University Honors College to study business. I am an active member in my community. In high school, I participated in water polo, weightlifting, Student Government Association, and Travel Club. I was the captain of both my weightlifting and water polo teams, and I served as the treasurer of the Travel Club. I have enjoyed volunteering for Give Kids the World, Young Life, Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, and Pack with a Purpose. I am so honored to be recognized by such a meaningful and important organization.

My name is Wes Ferguson and I’m a senior at Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kansas. I plan to study Industrial Engineering at UC Berkeley this fall. In my free time, I enjoy running XC and track, doing NY Times crossword puzzles, and volunteering at a thrift store ministry. I also manage an online vintage clothing business focused on sustainability. I grew up in China and know how important it is to welcome and respect people from all over the world, so I’m thankful for the work that Stand for the Silent does. I’m very appreciative of this scholarship.

Hello! I am Rhett Krug, and I am currently a senior attending Lincoln County High School in Stanford, KY! When I graduate, I am going to attend Eastern Kentucky University where I intend to get a degree in computer engineering. I could not be more grateful to the Stand for the Silent organization for this opportunity!

My name is Kennedi Robinson, and I plan to attend college this fall to get my bachelor’s degree in biology or biochemistry. As a member of an underrepresented community, it is my dream to become a doctor so that I can advocate and care for patients from my community. I hope that I can be a leader of meaningful societal change as a part of my career in medicine.

Hi, my name is Zach Van Horn and I’m currently a Sophomore at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.  I’m majoring in Agribusiness and plan on pursuing a career in banking after college.  While attending Texas Tech I’ve been involved in a student spirit organization and worked part time for the University.  I am very grateful for the SFTS Scholarship.  This will be a huge help in getting me one step closer to obtaining my degree.