2020 Saia Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 20 recipients of this year's scholarship program.
$2,000 Scholarship Winners
Janie Cantu
San, Antonio, Texas
Husband – SAN City Driver Robert Cantu
Janie Cantu is currently seeking her master’s degree in education from our Lady of the Lake University where she is studying curriculum and instruction with a specialization in bilingual or dual language and special populations. In addition to this, Janie is a bilingual teacher at Herbert G. Boldt Elementary School, where her principal said she has had the great pleasure of seeing her successfully teach first through fifth grade students the last six years. In her letter of recommendation she said, “Janie is a highly motivated individual with effective leadership qualities and a strong work ethic.” In addition to her academic achievements, recognitions, and other volunteer outreach, she has acted as a coach/mentor with Girls on the Run of Bexar County for the last three years. Girls on the Run is a transformational physical-activity, positive youth developmental program for girls in third through fifth grade through which Janie said she works to empower young, Latina women.
Camryn Crisostomo
Meridian, Idaho
Parent – BGO Night Biller Marie Crisostomo
Camryn Crisostomo graduated this past May with a 3.98 GPA and salutatorian honors from Medical Arts Charter High School. This fall, she is attending Boise State University where she will major in healthcare. Outside of her academic achievements, including National Honor Society membership, and other extracurricular activities like youth choir and tennis, Camryn has volunteered for the last four years with Edgewood Spring Creek Ustick Assisted Living. The director there said that she is the best volunteer they have ever had. “I can’t imagine anyone being more deserving of this scholarship. Camryn demonstrates time and time again all the qualities that any program would want. She is dependable, kind, generous, compassionate, self-starting, smart and incredibly talented — a natural leader.”
McKenna Gafford
Boise, Idaho
Parent – BOI Line Driver Scott Gafford
Earlier this year, McKenna Gafford graduated from Capital Senior High School with a 4.24 GPA and is currently attending Boise State University. Beyond her stellar academic career, McKenna is extremely involved in community service saying, “I think it is far more important for someone to love others…” In this vein, she has volunteered countless hours with her church, River Valley Church. Not only does she serve on their leadership team, she has served on all the church’s international trips. Her pastor said, “In 2018, she traveled with our medical team from Boise, Idaho to some remote villages in Nepal. There she served tirelessly helping many receive medical care for the first time in their lives. Because of her contributions, we were able to see more than 2000 patients in four days at our clinics…Not only is she worthy of everything good that comes her way, but she is a conduit of goodness as she gives freely to others.”
Logan Karl
Shelby, Ohio
Parent – MAN City Driver Kevin Karl
Currently attending Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio where he will study accounting, Logan Karl graduated this past spring with a 3.87 GPA from Shelby High School. As a scholar athlete, Logan was a member of this schools’ golf, bowling and tennis teams as well as the band. Outside of school, he was involved in Boy Scouts. He served as a youth leader and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by spearheading a 250 man-hour project for the Shelby, Ohio Little League. For the project, Logan repaired and painted the bleachers at one of their fields. According to the coach, “Logan has shown a superb work ethic with what he has done. Logan has traits that set him apart from others.” Another letter of recommendation described him as someone who is “consistently (a) hard worker with a sharp, analytical mind and remarkable moral character.”
Devin Lipford
Bono, Arkansas
Parent – JON TM/SR Dale Lipford
Devin Lipford began his sophomore year this fall at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas where he is a biology/pre-medical major in addition to being a member of the school’s baseball team. He sports a 3.89 GPA and has been named to the Dean’s List and was invited to join Alpha Lambda Delta, an accomplishment less than 20 percent of college freshmen achieve, because of his academic success. He also was awarded the 2020 Lyon College Chemistry Award for having the highest GPA in this subject among the freshman class. He was awarded “Freshman of the Year” by his baseball teammates and the coaching staff. Moreover, Devin really stands out for all his current and past volunteer experience for organizations/initiatives like Out of the Dark Drug Resistance Program, Wreaths Across America, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Salvation Army, and more. He has been described as humble, mature, selfless, and kind.
Alyana Newell
Wood River, Nebraska
Parent – SSX City Driver Brandon Newell
Alyana Newell graduated as the senior class valedictorian this past May with a 4.0 GPA from Wood River Rural High School. She began her college career this fall at Wayne State College. During her high school years, she was elected Student Council Vice President, was a graduate of the Youth Leadership of Tomorrow program, and was the captain of the cheer and dance squad/team. Outside of her academic and athletic achievements, she also volunteered numerous hours for various entities and programs in her community. For the last three years, she volunteered during Husker Harvest Days. She also collected food and supplies for the Wood River Food Bank, assisted with clean-up during a community service day, provided flood relief support, and helped with a local blood drive. “Alyana is a young lady that is willing to work as long and as hard as it takes to achieve her own definition of success,” said her high school counselor.
Isabella Passieu
Houston, Pennsylvania
Parent – PGH Account Executive Raymond Passieu
Isabella Passieu graduated with a 4.02 GPA from Charier-Houston Junior-Senior High School where she took numerous Advanced Placement classes ranging from English literature/composition to statistics. During high school, she was named a member of the National Honor Society, served as class treasurer, and was the president of Students Against Drunk Driving. She began the fall semester at Waynesburg University where she will study psychology. Beyond her school success, she has served on five mission trips – four within the United States and one to Panama. She also volunteers with programs that support children with special needs including Night to Shine, which provides an unforgettable prom experience for these individuals. Lastly, Isabella also has worked on C50 Podcast, a faith based ministry for the mental health community. Her principal said, “Bella represents our school and community with the utmost integrity and she has never let us down.”
Alexis Rogers
O’Fallon, Missouri
Parent – STL City Driver Stephen Rogers
Alexis Rogers graduated from Fort Zumwalt North High School with a 4.08 GPA and is currently in her freshman year at the University of Kansas where she will study human biology. In high school, she was the captain of the varsity dance team and a member of the St. Louis Metro District 8 Honors Choir, as well as a state qualifier, along with the National Honor Society and the St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Healthcare program. This rigorous program immerses students in the healthcare field through local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Alexis was recognized with the Outstanding CAPS Associate Award for displaying professionalism. Furthermore, her instructor said she excelled with her CAPStone Project, which consisted of developing a prototype of case-share software that would permit agencies involved in the investigation of a homicide to have access to all law enforcement and medical files. “Alex shines as a unique, driven student, which I believe signifies true leaders,” said her science educator.
Jessica Santos
Round Rock, Texas
Parent – AUS Dockworker Julio Santos
Currently a student at the University of North Texas, Jessica Santos possesses a 3.875 GPA and is seeking a degree in social work because of her passion for helping others, including assisting families and individuals learn about and access resources they can use for support. Additionally, among her other volunteer work with the Spanish Honor Society and Round Rock Serving Center, Jessica is very active at St. Louis King of Francis Catholic Church, where she has worked as an alter server and as a catechist in their Religious Education Program. According to their director, “It is hard to overstate the meaningful contributions that Jessica has made to our program and parish community in general…Jessica believes passionately in social progress and working for the common good.”
Paige Tulo
Aurora, Illinois
Parent – CGO City Driver Albert Tulo
Paige Tulo graduated high school this year with a 3.9 GPA and is now a student at Marquette University where she plans to study nursing. While at Metea Valley High School, Paige acted as a tutor to struggling students, and was a four-year member of the Orchesis Dance Team, serving as their head officer this year. She also was a Fresh Connect Leader, where she functioned as a mentor to approximately 20 freshmen. Outside of school, Paige volunteered for several hours a month for both Gigi’s Playhouse and Rush-Copley Medical Center. She also volunteers for Feed My Starving Children, a Christian non-profit organization that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food to people in developing nations. Her social studies teacher said he was extremely impressed with her Civic Engagement Project in American Government, exceeding his expectations and going above and beyond the requirements outlined. “Paige Tulo is a truly remarkable individual who possesses all the personal and professional qualities to become successful at the collegiate level, both inside and outside the classroom,” he explained.
$1,000 Scholarship Winners
Sofia Alvarado
Fort Worth, Texas
Parent – DLS Line Driver Matusalen Alvarado
As a junior at Texas Women’s University, Sofia Alvarado is majoring in finance with the ultimate goal of working in investment banking. She possesses a 4.0 GPA and has been named to the school’s Chancellor’s List in recognition of her academic success. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. According to one lecturer, Sofia is an excellent student who performed extremely well in both courses. “What was most noticeable about Sofia, was that unlike many students who take finance, she was extremely confident in completing her work in excellent fashion,” he stated. “To me, this meant she was very secure in her understanding of the material.”
Kenechukwa Egbuonu
Grand Prairie, Texas
Parent - DLS Dockworker Ilochukwu Egbuonu
Kenechukwa Egbuonu is a senior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he continues to excel in academics, showcasing a 4.5 GPA, as he works towards a degree in biology. Outside of Kenny’s achievements in the classroom, he is acts as a patient escort at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also involved in campus activities serving as the vice president of the MIT chapter of the Minority Association of Premedical Students, where he coordinated a volunteer opportunity for members with a local food bank serving people with special dietary needs. Additionally, Kenny served as a participant in the PKG IAP Program, an immersive internship program. Through it, Kenny was assigned a full-time internship with Boston Medical Center’s Autism Program in the Behavioral Pediatrics Unit. “Kenny’s participation highlights his dedication to serving the broader community and connecting with individuals from underserved backgrounds,” stated the assistant dean of community-based programs.
Arcelia Leyva
Sacramento, California
Parent – SAC Dockworker Jorge Leyva
Now attending the University of California, Berkeley where she plans to study civil engineering, Arcelia Leyva graduated this past summer from Rosemont High School with a 4.16 GPA. Arcelia was recognized by the California Scholarship Federation for her academic success, which she obtained while working at a local restaurant and helping to care for her autistic brother. Extracurricular activities included track and field and yearbook. Club memberships included the Key Club and the History Explorers’ Club. As a member of LEAD, a program designed to develop high potential students, she was a regular volunteer in her community. Additionally, Arcelia obtained a coveted internship through Pro Youth and Families with the City of Rancho Cordova Public Works Department. Her mentor said her mastery of city development was stellar as seen through her design of a community survey. “Arcelia is a hardworking, driven and highly intelligent young professional that will not settle for anything less than excellence,” she explained.
Olivia Lullmann
Fairfax, Iowa
Parent – CRD Line Driver Shane Lullmann
Currently in her junior year of college at the University of Iowa, Olivia Lullmann is seeking her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and pre-medicine. With a 4.02 GPA, she has continued to excel in her classes, including organic chemistry and diversity of form and function, as well as a student research assistant for the Sheffield Lab at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. She was invited to join the University of Iowa’s Honors Program and has been named to both the Dean’s and President’s Lists. One professor described her as “a curious and outstanding student that is very passionate about her studies and her future career in science.” In fact, she said that over this last year, Oliva has developed the scientific skillsets necessary to excel as a young cancer researcher.
Kaitlynn Owens
Sylvania, Ohio
Parent – TOL Line Driver Bruce Owens
Kaitlynn Owens graduated suma cum laude this spring from Northview High School with a 4.12 GPA. She has been accepted to the honors college at Bowling Green State University where she plans to study music education. During her high school career, Kaitlynn was invited to join the National Honor Society and she was a member of the marching band. She too was a member of the choir, served as a fast pitch softball coach, and gave music lessons to peers with special needs. Her English teacher/debate coach said that while he commonly writes letters of recommendation, “Kaitlynn Owens is anything but a common student.” Indeed, he said her work was extraordinary and that she is “talented, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits.”
Gulianna Pedroza
Orlando, Florida
Parent – ORL Dockworker Cesar Pedroza
Gulianna Pedroza is presently a sophomore at Valencia College where she is studying international business/finance. She has a 4.0 GPA is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Honors Student Advisory Committee. In addition to her success in the classroom, Gulianna finds time to volunteer at Nemurs Children’s Hospital and with various elementary schools. According to her Honors Student Leadership Development professor, her attention to detail and her ability to research and effectively argue her perspective will ensure that she will be an effective business leader. “She is committed to her education and demonstrates a mature and responsible approach to her learning,” he explained. “In my professional opinion, Gulianna possesses all the qualities needed for a student to be successful…”
Haley Reid
Griffin, GA
Parent – ATL Lead Mechanic Brandon Turner
This spring, Haley Reid graduated with a 3.83 GPA from Spalding High School. She will be attending Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia. During high school, Haley was a varsity member of the soccer team and played club soccer with the AFC Lightning as well. She also ran cross country and was a member of the Beta Club, Key Club, Pep Club, and more. She was honored in a community-wide program, the First National Bank Achievement Awards that sought to recognize students who excel in their academic programs. According to her coach from the soccer club, Haley was always an important part of achieving the team’s goals and is a compassionate individual as well. He said, “Her caring and empathy for others serves as the basis for her involvement and emersion in community activities and service.”
Paulina Sanchez
San Marcos, California
Parent – SDO City Driver Oracio Sanchez
Paulina Sanchez graduated with a 4.13 GPA this year from High Tech High North Country. She is attending Palomar College this fall. During her high school career, Paulina was credited for her creativity in creating an alter for a Dia de los Muertos project as well as re-creating Florence, Italy for a Renaissance Faire. Her humanities teacher said that she displays all the characteristics of a fantastic student – she is passionate, bright and motivated. She further explained, “During the past three years that I have known this talented, young woman, I have found her to be actively involved not only in her academic studies, but also committed to making the world a better place.”
Kyla Sanders
Ocilla, Georgia
Parent – TFT Line Driver Ronnie Sanders
Presently attending Spelman College as a freshman, Kyla Sanders graduated this summer with a 3.97 GPA from Irwin County High School, ranking eight out of 118 students. She also was dually enrolled at Wiregrass Technical College from which she earned 28 semester hours. Kyla received numerous recognitions and awards during her high school career, including earning second and third place honors at the Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA) Regional Conference for Emerging Business Issues, Speech. She also was honored as Student of the Month, was a Heisman Scholarship School Nominee, and a National Beta Club member. Beyond academics, Kyla was a varsity football and basketball cheerleader as well as a competitive cheerleader; a member of the track and field team; and a varsity basketball player. She also was very involved with community outreach – all while working at Publix. Her school counselor said, “Kyla is a stellar student, gives her all, engages in scholarly activities, and will make a contribution to society in ways that will make all who know her very proud.”
Jackson Stone
Dillon, South Carolina
Parent – FAY City Driver Kevin Stone
Jackson Stone graduated with a 4.63 this June from Standard High School where he participated in many extracurricular activities. He started the fall semester this year at the College of Charleston where he plans on studying medicine and music. During high school, he was a member of the Academic Challenge Team, Beta and Key Clubs, the National Honor Society and more. According to his social studies teacher, outside of his tremendous academic achievements, Jackson is a very accomplished organist/pianist, who has been recognized numerous times for his talent. Furthermore, she said that Jackson “is already, clearly, a very driven young man which is evident in all he has managed to accomplish in his high school career.”