Mahone Carthage College Access Education Awards
GRACE GRASSINGER
High School: Case High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Pre-Med & Musical Theatre
Career Aspiration: I hope to pursue a career in the medical field in order to offer treatment for those in need. I also would love to continue my involvement in theater and music to provide entertainment for those in my community.
Fun Facts: I play several instruments, including the alto saxophone and flute. I love seeing live theater performances, additionally I have performed in 5 shows.
XICLALY LEON
High School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Post-Secondary: Carroll University
Academic Program: Marketing
Career Aspiration: I want to become a Marketing Manager and create messages that connect with people and support important causes. I will use my creativity and bilingual skills to help local groups and bring the community together.
Fun Facts: I started a small business, “Laly’s Strawberries”, making homemade chocolate-covered treats. I enjoy time with my two German Shepherds and love live music.
ANAYA GRAY
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: As a future pediatric nurse, I will provide compassionate and skilled care to children, supporting their health and development during critical stages of life. My work will positively impact the community by promoting wellness, educating families, and advocating for better healthcare access for all children
Fun Facts: I’m an only child, and I love to speak different languages!
LILLIAN HOFFMAN
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: English & History
Career Aspiration: My Career plan is to become a teacher. This will impact my community by allowing me to inspire the next generation and provide a safe space for them to grow.
Fun Facts: I have stage managed 7 school theatre productions. I also played varsity tennis for 3 years.
LAYLA MIXON
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: I plan to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist to provide compassionate and skilled care to patients undergoing surgery. My goal is to improve access to quality healthcare and positively impact underserved communities.
Fun Facts: I learned the entire American Sign Language alphabet in an hour! I also love connecting with people and finding joy in everyday moments.
ASHTON SOUTER
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Engineering Science
Career Aspiration: After college, I plan to pursue a career in engineering, where I will design innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world problems. By applying my skills to improve infrastructure and technology, I aim to uplift my community and create lasting, positive change.
Fun Facts: I enjoy writing and drawing comics. My favorite video game is Minecraft. I also love spending time with my family.
HEAVEN TANNER
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. I love the process of pregnancy birth and being a part of that experience would be a dream come true. I will be impactful in my career by making patients feel loved and cared for during this amazing time.
Fun Facts: I work at the hospital on the mother/baby floor. I love theatre. I’ve been a part of many productions and I’m going to continue to be in shows while in college!
BRIANNA ONTIVEROS
High School: Tremper High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: I want to be a Nurse Practitioner and hope to give back to my community with my knowledge and skills by improving the healthcare system and making a positive impact on those in need.
Fun Facts: I have been on the honor roll every year. I am also a member of the Latinos Unidos and Student Government at Tremper.
Mahone Herzing University Full-Tuition Scholarship
ELLIE GONZALEZ
High School: Harborside Academy
Post-Secondary: Herzing University
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: Nursing for me is about being a comforting presence and offering support to individuals during their most valuable moments. It’s an opportunity to give back to my community, fostering an environment where entire feels recognized, and inspired to find hope while maintaining their dignity.
Fun Fact: I was a finalist at the UCA Nationals High School Cheerleading Championship. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and my Corgi Mochi. I assist my mom with volunteering at 1Hope- which supports the foster care community and also serve on the Tabernacle church- tech team.
MELANY PERALES
High School: St. Catherine’s Academy
Post-Secondary: Herzing University
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: As a future nurse I am excited to share my compassion and skills to take care of patients and helping them heal both emotionally and physically. I also aim to strengthen my community with wellness and reduce as much health disparities through what I learn in my educational journey.
Fun Fact: I play high school soccer, a sport in which I have grown to love. I also have over 10 Honor Roll Achievements in which I am very proud!
Mahone Carthage College Full-Tuition Scholarship
JOSIAH WADE
High School: Lakeview Technology Academy
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Engineering
Career Aspiration: I aspire to become a Mechanical Engineer. I want to create machines that will help with efficiency and make life more convenient.
Fun Fact: I am very easy to get along with and take pride in my relationship building skills. I am also proud that I was chosen to be Student of the Year two times at my school.
Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone CEO Scholarship
EMELYN PAZ HERNÁNDEZ
High School: Bradford High School
Post-Secondary: Gateway Technical College
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: My hope is to be a voice for the underrepresented minorities in the medical field. Being bilingual will allow me to make authentic connections with more patients and create trust and give comfort to those who often must rely on translators during difficult and stressful times.
Fun Facts: Captain of Bradford JV Soccer Team. I also really enjoy cooking!
MADISON AVILA
High School: Case High School
Post-Secondary: Macalester College
Academic Program: Political Science – Legal Studies
Career Aspiration: I plan to attend college and start my career in Legal Studies and continue on to law school to become an immigration lawyer. My passion is to help others and make an impact on the community.
Fun Facts: Poetry is my passion; I love writing and reading it. My favorite place in the entire world is my grandmother's kitchen.
IMANI LEWIS
High School: Case High School
Post-Secondary: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Academic Program: Biomedical Sciences
Career Aspiration: My passion for science and helping others has inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical sciences. My goal working in the field of biomedical science is to help in the development of life-saving treatments, advancing medical research, and improving the overall quality of life.
Fun Facts: I have earned high honors all 4 years of high school and am a member of National Honor Society.
KAMERON SIMPSON
High School: Case High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Milwaukee
Academic Program: Graphic Design
Career Aspiration: I'm pursuing a degree in graphic design, turning ideas into art that communicates, inspires, and connects people. Through design, I hope to support businesses, amplify community voices, and make information more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Fun Facts: I am planning to minor in a language, and I want to learn how to make clothing.
RAYVEN ROBINSON
High School: Harborside Academy
Post-Secondary: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Academic Program: Art & Animation
Career Aspiration: My future career is to be an artist/animator. I want to be able to inspire others and share my creativity far and wide. I aspire to help others see art through the lens of the world.
Fun Facts: I used to do archery, and I currently play the viola. I love to draw, knit and sew. I love spending time with my amazing, devoted mother and wonderful sisters.
TALIB YOUNG
High School: Harborside Academy
Post-Secondary: Undecided
Academic Program: Nurse & Emergency Medical Technician
Career Aspiration: The healthcare field makes a big difference in the world, and I’m excited to help my community in a positive way. I also want to bring people together and create strong, unbreakable connections.
Fun Facts: I’m a huge fan of ice cream! I’m also super proud to be the Boys and Girls Club Wisconsin Youth of the Year for 2024 and 2025! I play three sports: Football, wrestling, and track.
LILLIE POWELL
High School: Horlick High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Madison
Academic Program: Computer Science
Career Aspiration: I hope to combine my skills in creativity and problem-solving to study computer sciences and programming. I want to take part in creating future technology that will improve my community and many others.
Fun Facts: My favorite hobby is art; I love sketching and painting. I won the Bio Med Pathway Student of the Year in 2023.
ANABELLA VALDIVIA
High School: Horlick High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Milwaukee
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: My future career will revolve around nursing and hopefully becoming a neonatal nurse down the road. Being a nurse will impact the community because I will be able to provide direct patient care with the people in the community which will lead to the improvement of overall community health.
Fun Facts: I am a class valedictorian and AP Scholar. I love to play soccer and spend time with my loving family.
AARON ZHANG
High School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Post-Secondary: UW-Milwaukee
Academic Program: Finance
Career Aspiration: I would like to go into Investment Banking upon graduation. I hope to use the things I learn to help those around me as I strive to achieve my goals.
Fun Facts: I'm involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, National Honors Society, Link Crew, Key Club, and Band. I love spending time with family and friends.
EDWARD JONES III
High School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Post-Secondary: UW-Madison
Academic Program: Accounting
Career Aspiration: As a Black man in the field of accounting, I am poised to make a significant impact in my community by championing diversity and inclusion in financial spaces. My career will empower individuals to feel confident in making informed financial decisions, fostering an environment where everyone is valued.
Fun Facts: I serve as the President of the National Honors Society at Indian Trail, having volunteered over 200 hours.
EUPHRATES WILLIS
High School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Biology (Pre-Med)
Career Aspiration: Throughout my life I have always been disturbed by the pain people endure every day throughout the world. I want to become an anesthesiologist to create comfort for and to save the lives of patients. I truly have a passion for helping others.
Fun Facts: I am a student-athlete, playing basketball and running track and field on the varsity levels. Along with being an athlete, I'm also a state-level violinist.
JAYDA RILEY
High School: Harborside Academy
Post-Secondary: Grand Valley State University
Academic Program: Psychology & Law
Career Aspiration: I'm dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through my education at Grand Valley State University, with a focus on supporting those who face unjust treatment in the legal system. My goal is to empower marginalized individuals and advocate for change, ensuring equitable treatment and access to resources for everyone.
Fun Facts: I love to create things by sewing and I’ve been doing gymnastics for 16 years.
ELIZJAH A.
MALLETT-PEREZ
High School: Lakeview Technology Academy
Post-Secondary: UW-Eau Claire
Academic Program: Molecular Biology
Career Aspiration: I aspire to have a career as a Molecular Biologist and to focus on diabetes research. I want to help create more accurate treatments and diagnostic methods for friends, family and others in my community suffering from diabetes.
Fun Facts: I enjoy making new types of salsas from scratch. I also love to volunteer and dedicate my time to helping others.
CAMERON BETKER
High School: Park High School
Post-Secondary: UW-La Crosse
Academic Program: Business – Finance
Career Aspiration: Majoring in finance will allow me to become a financial advisor. I could use my knowledge in the field to help local people in the communities. I can also make an impact by giving financial advice or any assistance to anyone in my community that needs help.
Fun Facts: I was a part of the Racine Park basketball team, and we were the state runner-up for Division 2. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.
JACOB FREEMAN
High School: Park High School
Post-Secondary: Undecided
Academic Program: Mortuary Science
Career Aspiration: My future career is to become a Funeral Home Director and owner. I hope to help my community by giving back and helping families bury their loved ones as well as helping the local economy by employing the people of this great community.
Fun Facts: I love playing soccer and I also enjoy taking and editing photos.
KENAN OSBORNE
High School: Park High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Milwaukee
Academic Program: Accounting
Career Aspiration: I am looking to pursue the career path of an auditor. I would love to audit for a major company like the NBA to inspire Black kids to reach for higher opportunities. This has been a lifelong career passion for me to obtain this degree which I will use for good in the community.
Fun Facts: I like sports. I am also looking to get a pet tortoise. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
ROGELIO (JJ) CASTRO
High School: Reuther Central High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Madison
Academic Program: Educational Policy
Career Aspiration: I plan to work in education policy to reform systems that have long underserved students. By advocating for equitable policies, I hope to create lasting change in communities and ensure every child has access to quality education. The children are our future!
Fun Facts: Representative for the Kenosha County Executive and Human Services committees. I love to speak publicly and have played the viola for over 8 years.
KYAH ROUSE
High School: Shoreland Lutheran High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Social Work
Career Aspiration: I am going to work with children, in the foster system, letting them know they have a purpose. I will serve the community by inspiring kids to rise above their circumstances.
Fun Facts: I love to paint and have been volunteering at art therapy at VOW (Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin) since 2022. I also really enjoy running and making music.
DERRICK DAMPIER
High School: St. Catherine’s High School
Post-Secondary: UW-Parkside
Academic Program: Kinesiology
Career Aspiration: As I plan to pursue a degree in Kinesiology, I see myself having a successful career with being a physical therapist. I strive to continue in a career I am passionate about, helping others throughout the community with the mental challenges they’re facing; and to physically be more active.
Fun Facts: I like to play sports and stay active with weightlifting.
BRIAN ORTEGA
High School: St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Post-Secondary: Carroll University
Academic Program: Physical Therapy
Career Aspiration: I want to become a Physical Therapist, so I can help others improve their lives and get back to a sense of normalcy. I want to help young people if they get hurt to get them back to competing in a sport and help the elderly to function in their daily routine.
Fun Facts: I was given 1st Team All-State for football, I like lifting weights and hanging with friends.
WINTER SCHIENKE
High School: The Prairie School
Post-Secondary: UW-Madison
Academic Program: Political Science
Career Aspiration: I either want to be a criminal defense attorney or an elementary school teacher. I want to go into either of these occupations so I can work directly with people and have face-to-face interactions. Additionally, I want to help people find their voice and the confidence to stick up for themselves and be a better human being.
Fun Facts: I love traveling and my dream place to visit is the ivory coast.
DANESHA WHITE
High School: Tremper High School
Post-Secondary: Undecided
Academic Program: Nursing
Career Aspiration: In the future I would like to use my nursing skills to help people locally and globally. I want to make a difference that will be impactful to the world.
Fun Facts: I love participating in student clubs. I also love helping others!
LUCERO AGUILERA
High School: Tremper High School
Post-Secondary: Gateway Technical College
Academic Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Career Aspiration: Studying to become a Sonographer I will look at sound waves which create images that help me find any abnormal things. This will help the community because I can detect many things in tumors, diseases, blood flow, pregnancies and many more.
Fun Facts: I love going to the gym. You will also find me spending quality time with family which is simply the best!
JULIETA DELGADO
High School: Tremper High School
Post-Secondary: Carthage College
Academic Program: Psychology & Musical Theater
Career Aspiration: I developed an interest in pursuing a career as a music therapist to work with individuals of all ages in hospitals, nursing homes, and more. With the diversity of their needs, I will address physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges through music.
Fun Facts: I am usually found singing in the Tremper Chorale & Cantare Choir or acting in a play or musical.
MARGARET SALMON
High School: Tremper High School
Post-Secondary: Saint Louis University
Academic Program: B.S to M.S Accelerated Program in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Career Aspiration: I plan to study speech-language pathology; a field that allows me to not only combine my passion for communication but also provide the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By helping others overcome their speech and communication barriers, I hope to contribute to a world where more people can be known, understood, and valued, regardless of the challenges or setbacks they face.
Fun Fact: I’m the oldest of 4 girls. My mom is my best friend! I have played the cello for 9 years!
