PYD partnered again with Denny’s Hungry for Education campaign to award six $1,500 scholarships to high school and college students with disabilities across the country to further their education. Meet the scholarship winners:
Dane Briscoe of Washington, D.C is a senior at Mckinley Technology High School. He is undecided on where he will attend college in the fall but is interested in video game development and cybersecurity. “As I prepare to attend college in the fall of 2025, this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue my goals with dedication,” Dane said. Dane has been on the honor roll throughout high school, as well as a member of the football team, band, several clubs and avid volunteer.
PYD participant Ewidji Vincent attends the UMass Boston Macy program and anticipates attending Mass Bay Community College Transitional Scholars Program as a Freshman in fall 2025, majoring in criminal justice, or a law field that will enable him to help people with disabilities and people who don’t have a voice. The Dorchester, MA resident works at Massachusetts Advocates for Children as an advocate for people with disabilities and immigrants. Ewidji is proud that he had a 4.0 GPA in high school and was accepted into the Macy’s program because it’s very competitive. Winning the scholarship means “everything” to him. “I can actually go to college and I can try my best. I can get accommodations to go to class and study like regular college students do,” he said.
Rahul Rebello is currently attending the University of Massachusetts, Boston where he will be a sophomore in the fall. He hopes to pursue a career in social media marketing. Rahul, a Brookline, MA resident, is looking forward to his future. “I’m proud of making it this far in my life,” he said. “I’m also proud that I believe that I’m in the best period of my life right now and things are only up from here and the past is behind me. Rahul believes winning the scholarship is a huge opportunity to help himself make the most out of his education.
Franklin, MA resident Sridatta Bapatla plans on pursuing his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth in the fall. The scholarship will help him further explore the many opportunities available to him. Sridatta is passionate about music and loves to sing. “As a Flutie Foundation ambassador, I performed at several events including Fenway, Boston Celtics, Music festivals, etc. to raise awareness for autism,” he said. “I am a community volunteer and always try to find opportunities for good causes.”
Jace Dominguez of Clovis, CA, attends Clovis North High School with the ambition of attending the University of Miami majoring in nursing. An honor roll student, Jace is a 4 year varsity diver committed growth and his determination to make a positive impact. The scholarship provides not only financial support, but “also serves as recognition of my journey and potential,” Jace said. “Winning the scholarship mean having the resources to access opportunities – being financially able to go to my dream school: University of Miami – that would otherwise be even more difficult to pursue. It would allow me to focus more on my education and future career without as much financial strain, motivating me to continue pushing forward.”
Gabriella Sanchez of Eugene, OR, is an active participant in the drama club at North Eugene High. They will be attending Lane Community College in the fall and hope to pursue a career in teacher education and theatre/performing arts. “I am passionate about these fields because they allow me to inspire others and express myself creatively,” Gabriella said. “My journey with has shaped my goals in ways I never expected. Managing these my taught me resilience and adaptability, which are crucial qualities for my future career in teaching and performing arts. I want to inspire students, showing them that challenges can fuel creativity and passion. I aim to use my education in teacher education and theatre to advocate for inclusivity and understanding, ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, have the opportunity to succeed.”
We are proud of each winner and can’t wait to see all they achieve.