Congratulations to our 2023 High School Juniors and Seniors!!
Summer Weitzman
Deerfield High School
I have struggled with my mental health for many years and it led me to be apart of Elyssa’s Mission. My passion is helping people who struggle just as I was able to get the help I needed. Getting this award portrays that my story has been heard and proves that I have been able to help others. I will continue to work with Elyssa’s Mission and help to better not only myself but others as well. Thank you so much for granting me this scholarship it means so much to me and my family.
Attending University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Nora McNabb
Loyola Academy
I am honored to receive this award, especially coming from Elyssa’s Mission which has been a constant presence and collaboration in my time as a Hope Squad member. Elyssa’s Mission gave my school the opportunity to start and sustain a squad, which has deeply impacted my life and others. I will use this scholarship to continue mental health advocacy and awareness in college and beyond. Thank you to all of my advisors, especially Ruth Stanton McAtee and Sheila Blanchfield for being amazing role models and blessing me with numerous opportunities as you step away from the Hope Squad program.
Attending Saint Mary's College
Jacqueline Hart
Geneva High School
Receiving this scholarship is one of my greatest accomplishments of 2023. I feel honored to be recognized for my work with mental health through art, and the impact I’ve been able to have on my community. This scholarship was extremely personal for me, and having received it gives me huge pride in surviving my own struggles, in addition to finding the courage to help others and share my story. Thank you so much for your support in my future. Only a short while ago I feared I wouldn’t even be here to celebrate.
Attending Waubonsee Community College
Brandon Cowhey
Geneva High School
I’m incredibly honored to have received this scholarship. It will not only help me with my schooling, but is a reminder of everybody’s growing commitment to fighting the mental health epidemic plaguing our country. As somebody who has witnessed the mental health struggles of friends and elsewhere within my community, it truly means a lot.
Attending United States Naval Academy
Matthew Swolsky
Lake Zurich High School
I am very grateful to receive this scholarship, as mental health is a very important aspect of not just my life, but all of societies. We all go through challenges in some way, shape, or form, and music has always been an outlet for my emotions when times are tough. I am continuing my education in audio engineering, which keeps me close to music. This scholarship helps allow me to continue to work within my passion and stay in a good mindset while going away to college.
Attending Indiana University
Katherine Voreis
Geneva High School
I am incredibly grateful to be awarded with this scholarship. Through this scholarship, I will continue to spread awareness and uphold the values of Elyssa’s Mission to the best of my ability. For me, this scholarship represents a conversation that I was able to add to in a way that showcased the value of life. Learning about the ACT message has helped me immensely and with these funds I will continue to spread that mission in pursuing higher education.
Attending University of Iowa
Liam Sheedy
Loyola Academy
I am honored to be a recipient of the Elyssa’s Mission scholarship as this organization provides integral support to others. I believe that everyone should know that they are important and matter. I have experienced a loved one who has struggled with this concept and know that the message communicated by Elyssa’s Mission has helped me support her through her struggles. I appreciate the acknowledgement and support awarded to me by the organization.
Attending Purdue University
Ella Maxwell
New West High School
This scholarship is one step closer to my dreams. It is one step closer to a future I never thought I would get. I am so happy to receive this scholarship as it means I can keep working toward not only my degree but building my non-profit. Thank you to everyone at Elyssa’s Mission for this chance and this opportunity.
Attending Casper College
Luke Bielawski
Prospect High School
This award is meaningful to me because it is a recognition of the growth that I have exhibited during my time throughout high school. The values of Elyssa’s Mission and ACT have and continue to help people, and I am grateful to able to be a recipient of this award. It will serve as a reminder to always approach the world with kindness and to embody the change that you want to see in the world.
Attending University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Amelia Perona
Plainfield Central High School
This scholarship means more than any other scholarship I have received. It encourages me to continue to spread happiness around my community and always help others no matter what. This scholarship will also remind how much Elyssa’s Mission has helped me. Elyssa’s Mission helped me gain confidence to speak in front of many people, which I had a great time doing so. This scholarship will help me pay for my future goals in helping those while being a nurse.
Attending Belmont University
Kaitlyn Genske
Geneva High School
I feel very blessed and honored to be awarded this scholarship. Elyssa’s mission is a program that helps and educates so many and it feels great knowing I am now taking part in this amazing program. I would say I’ve always been passionate for being there for others and helping others and too be recognized for that feels very awarding. This scholarship will help me further my education in college where at the moment I wish to major in sociology or psychology.
Katie Lentz
Loyola Academy
I am incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship! This opportunity will not only help me in my academic goals but also allow me to pursue my passions and leave a positive impact in this world. I have always tried to do my part in helping others and myself with mental health and I am so excited to continue to learn more and provide support to all the people around me. I am extremely thankful for the sense of community within Elyssa’s mission and feeling like I am a part of something bigger than just myself. I can’t wait to continue to pass on my knowledge of mental health awareness and be a part of destigmatizing mental health needs.
Gionamaria Maccaferri
Maine South High School
Receiving Elyssa’s Mission scholarship is a great honor. Unfortunately, the death of a friend by suicide directly impacted me. I am very passionate about spreading awareness about suicide and preventative measures. I will continue to work guided by the values that I hold to be true; I am committed to spreading kindness and helping people through difficult times. The Elyssa’s Mission program has helped me increase my confidence in reaching out to others and attempting to help people who are suffering.