Chase Anderson
‍Greenville, North Carolina
Parent – GNC Account Executive Brent Anderson

Chase Anderson graduated summa cum laude from J.H. Rose High School earlier this year with a 4.3 GPA. He was a member of several clubs, including the National Honor Society. As a junior, Chase started a youth outreach program called Reading Buddies. The program revolved around high school students connecting with elementary school students struggling with virtual learning because of the pandemic. The program was so successful the Pitt County school system implemented it as an ongoing initiative at all elementary schools. Outside of stellar academics and community service, Chase has played baseball since he was very young. He was a member of his high school’s varsity baseball team, who were the 2021 North Carolina State Champions. Additionally, he was a member of the 2017 Southeast Little League World Series Team that finished second in the nation and fourth in the world. He currently is attending Barton College where he is studying business administration and has been offered an opportunity to pitch on their baseball team.

Bailey Clark
‍Watauga, Texas
Parent – FTW Line Driver Derek Clark

Bailey Clark graduated from Richland High School in June with a 97.95 GPA. Outside of academics, Bailey volunteered for several organizations like the Watauga Animal Shelter, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, Meals on Wheels, and the Tarrant County Food Bank. She also assisted her school district with increasing interest in volunteering through organizations like the National Honor Society and others. Additionally, she was part of her school district’s rocket engineering team, which sparked her love of rockets and spurred her interest in wanting to be an aerospace engineer. This fall, she began her studies at Tarrant County College, where she has majored in aerospace engineering. According to her rocket engineering teacher, “Bailey worked with the staff of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to develop a rocketry-based museum exhibit for them, and presented an independently made mathematical model of her group’s rocket flight to a panel of NASA engineers (last) November. All of this was done with minimal guidance from me, and Bailey excelled under these difficult circumstances.”

Kenechukwu Egbuonu
‍Grand Prairie, Texas
Parent – DLS Dockworker Ilochukwu V. Egbuonu

Kenechukwu Egbuonu is currently attending Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons where he is pursuing a medical degree. Beyond his academic studies, Kenny volunteers with the Columbia Harlem Homeless Medical Partnership (CHHMP), a student-run clinic in Harlem that offers free primary care to undeserved and underrepresented members of the community. As a member of this clinic, every Tuesday, he spends evenings providing care to patients. Furthermore, he also participates in outreach activities as a member of CHHMP, volunteering at two different food pantries in the community to help sort and provide food to members of the community. CHHMP’s medical director said, “There is a quiet warmth about (Kenny) that is hard to describe. He is a soft-spoken leader, well-respected by his colleagues. All in all, a fine young man that I strongly recommend, without any hesitation, for a Saia scholarship.”

Mia Guillen
‍Forney, Texas
Parent – DLS Team Driver Ramon Guillen

This past May, Mia Guillen graduated from North Forney High School in the top 10% of her class with a 4.78 GPA. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the junior and varsity drill teams. She was involved in several extracurricular activities including Stacia's School of Dance and student council. She also acted as a social officer during her senior year. Currently, she is a pre-law student studying psychology at Texas A&M University. Mia said, “My church provided me and fellow peers, volunteer opportunities that have led me to do more for my community and others. Community service has been a fundamental part of my life and has shaped me into the woman I am today.” During high school, she helped put together a prom for a local senior citizens’ home and stayed after school to assist teachers. Mia explained, “I believe that it is important for my generation to help those in need. There is a lot of hate and ‘cancel culture’ in the world and we are losing the simple act of helping one another in times of need.”

Norbert Krajewski
‍Inverness, Florida
Parent – OCA Line Driver Janusz Krajewski

Now attending Florida Polytechnic University where he is studying computer science, Norbert Krajewski graduated this past May with a 4.8 GPA from Lecanto High School. As a senior, Norbert founded the Lecanto Chess Club with a focus on the general study of chess by analyzing and playing the game against a variety of opponents. The club met every Thursday during "Panther Hour," when students could choose to participate in different clubs or activities. Norbert applied to the scholarship program under “Innovation” as he has worked on several projects, feeding his passion for programming and computer science. His international baccalaureate CAS coordinator said, “Norbert is an accomplished, respected, and dedicated student who has for four years exhibited an outstanding work ethic. His combination of intellectual ability, personal work ethic, and dedication to family and community is uncommon and rarely seen...”

Luisa Montelongo Amador
‍Dallas, Texas
Parent – DLS Trailer Mechanic Gerardo Arias

Luisa Montelongo Amador graduated from W. W. Samuell High School and Early College in May with a 4.29 GPA. Luisa was valedictorian of her graduating class and is the first member of her family to attend college. She already possess an associate’s degree and is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin where she is studying chemistry. During her high school career, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Upward Bound, Young Life, Student Council, and Model United Nations. Her Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry teacher said, “She is one of the highest achieving and most dedicated students in all of W.W. Samuell High School and the Pleasant Grove neighborhood... Perhaps the most outstanding facet of Luisa’s character is her warmth and her genuineness. She is relentlessly kind to every single classmate, always offering help and words of encouragement.”

Lance Munson
‍Muskego, Wisconsin
Parent – MKE National Account Executive Heidi Munson

Last June, Lance Munson graduated with a 4.78 GPA from Muskego High School where he took 10 different AP classes and was a member of the National Honor Society. His achievements included winning the Silver Key Scholastic Writing Award and the 2021 Lakeshore Robotics Championship. He was named an AP Scholar with Distinction as well. Alongside his academic achievements, Lance was involved in numerous extracurricular activities including robotics and several musicals and performances, and he worked with a stage crew. According to his math/computer science teacher, Lance “is an extremely determined student and a very mature young man. He is bright and demonstrates strong analytical and problem solving skills in the programming classroom. Lance presents himself as a positive role model to others.” He currently is attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he is studying computer science.

Alisa Sample
‍Suffolk, Virginia
Parent – NRF City Driver Jason Snethen

Alisa Sample graduated from Nansemond River High School this past June with a 4.29 GPA where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She currently is studying at Meredith College. Although diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disorder during her first year of high school, Alisa placed 13^th in her graduating class and received an advanced diploma with seals from the Virginia Board of Education and the Governor of Virginia for scholastic and advanced excellence and certification in career and technical education. Her English Honors teacher said Alisa “is direct and personable, someone who is able to assist others and to take control. She has no limitations and she continues to expand her intellectual horizons. Her awards and recognitions are varied and far reaching. Alisa knows no limits.”

Luke Syverud
‍Gurnee, Illinois
Parent – GLK Dock Supervisor Mark Syverud

Now a student at Marquette University, Luke Syverud graduated in May with a 4.66 GPA from Warren Township High School where he was a member of the both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society and was recognized as a Illinois State Scholar. Aside from academics, Luke also helped fundraise for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Feed My Starving Children, an organization that packs meals to be distributed to children living in developing nations around the world. His computer science principles teacher said, “Luke was always a pleasant student...He was respected by his peers and did a great job communicating and collaborating with others. Luke was a natural leader. He was not afraid to take on any challenge and always met his goals.”

Kenneth Anderson
‍Canton, Ohio
Parent – CLV City Driver Kenneth Anderson, Jr.

Currently pursuing a degree at Ohio State University, where he is studying politics, philosophy, and economics, Kenneth Anderson boasts a 3.87 GPA and is the first member of his family to attend college. He is an Academic Affairs Committee representative of the Undergraduate Student Government, a member of Phi Alpha Delta, and a member of the Ohio Government Internship Program. Presently, he is a Criminal Sentencing Committee intern for the Supreme Court of Ohio and has previously worked as a political assistant, campaign intern, and legal assistant. His assistant speech and debate coach said, “Over the course of the last few years, I watched Kenny grow into a strong, passionate, and driven young man. Kenny has shown he can succeed in his personal and academic pursuits.”

Jin Choi
‍Flowery Branch, Georgia
Parent – ACO Central Dispatch Supervisor Jong Soo Choi

Possessing a 3.887 GPA, Jin Choi was named to the spring semester President’s List at Mercer University where he is studying mechanical engineering. As a freshman, he had the opportunity to be a part of an undergraduate research team that researched 3D printing filament and techniques to produce a 3D printed model which mimics the properties of the human lung airways. The team, which consisted only of freshmen, participated in the ASEE Southeastern Section Conference at The Citadel. Because of this success, he was chosen to participate in the Mercer Undergraduate Research Scholar Training Initiative this past summer where his team researched several nebulizers and their effectiveness in producing aerosolized particles to be delivered to the lung airways. He also participated in Mercer on Mission Korea, where students went to South Korea to teach North Korean refugees 3D modeling and printing and English for two weeks.

McKenna Gafford
‍Boise, Idaho
Parent – BOI Line Driver Scott Gafford

Currently studying biology at Boise State University, McKenna Gafford applied under academic merit as she holds a 3.95 GPA while also holding down a full-time job for the past six years. She was named to the Dean’s List with highest honors for this past spring semester. McKenna said, “I get this work ethic and loyalty from my dad who has worked at Saia for almost 10 years now. He has always been someone who has inspired me to give my all in every circumstance.” Her biology lab instructor said, “I was very impressed by her work ethic, interpersonal skills, and positive attitude. Personally, I found McKenna to be a hard worker and a pleasure to have in class. I would not hesitate to work with her in the future or recommend her for future opportunities.”

Laila Garba
‍Indianapolis, Indiana
Parent – IND Lead Dockworker Mahamadou Garba

With a 4.02 GPA, Laila Garba graduated this June from Warren Central High School. She currently is studying health sciences as part of the pre-med track at Howard University. In high school, she was a member of the Warren Central Gold Brigade Color Guard and the Warren Central Winter World Guard. Additionally, she was a member of student council and the National Honor Society. “Working with Laila the past six months has been such a delight. She is determined and focused on achieving her goals. Without a doubt, Laila is one of the top students in her graduating class,” stated her school counselor. Laila said, “Education is my passport to endless opportunities and I plan to use it very wisely.” 

Devin LipfordBono, Arkansas
Parent – JON Terminal Manager Dale Lipford

Now in his senior year at Lyon College, Devin Lipford is a double major, studying both biology and exercise science. With a 3.85 GPA, Devin is a member of the Lyon College baseball team and is also the treasurer of the Mortar Board Association, an organization similar to the National Honor Society in high school. He also is an active member in the Bono Church of Christ Youth Program. After graduation next year, Devin plans on going to graduate school as he pursues his dream of becoming a dentist so he can decrease the current dental crisis in rural areas. During his time at Lyon, he has received the Freshman Chemistry Award and the American Chemical Society Organic Chemistry Award. He has named to the college’s Dean's List for four semesters. Beyond academics, he regularly volunteers with the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

Zoe McCord
‍Hermitage, Tennessee
Parent – NWB Regional Claims Prevention Manager Matthew Waizenegger

Zoe McCord is studying pharmacy at Belmont University College of Pharmacy where she sports a 3.87 GPA. At Belmont, Zoe is a member of the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International Club. This past year, she served as their treasurer and will serve as their president this year. She is a member of Bruins4Peds, which is a pediatric pharmacy specialty organization, and the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association as well. Additionally, she has an internship in the in-patient pharmacy at the children's hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her professor and the dean of student affairs said, “She has excelled academically while also maintaining employment and conducting both basic science and clinical research. This is unprecedented for a second-year pharmacy student due to the academic rigor of the pharmacy curriculum.”

Emily Mocyk
‍Jordan, New York
Parent – SYR City Driver Jason Mocyk

A student of biochemistry at Binghamton University, Emily Mocyk not only holds a 3.87 GPA, but is a member of several clubs including the Pre-Pharmacy Association, the Biochemistry Club, the Astronomy Club, and the Binghamton University Women’s Rugby Football Club. Beyond academics and sports, Emily achieved the highest rank of scouting, Eagle Scout. In fact, she is the first female Eagle Scout for the Central New York area. After attending a scout camp named "National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)," she was asked to attend a national-level scout leadership training, after which she has been asked back on an ongoing basis to lead multiple trainings. “Not only is Emily a trailblazer as one of the first female Eagle Scout recipients, the Boy Scouts of America's highest youth award. She is also a passionate teacher with over five years of experience training fellow Scouts to become more confident, competent leaders,” stated her NYLT Leadership Academy scoutmaster and task force member.

Bre Pitre
‍Houma, Louisiana
Parent – HGO Casualty Claims Subrogation Adjustor Gypsy Pitre

Bre Pitre graduated from Terrebonne High School this past May with a 3.88 GPA. She completed high-level senior courses and dual enrollment college courses at Nicholls State University. During school, she was involved in many organizations including the National Beta Club, student council, Campus for Christ, and the National Honor Society. For four years, she was a member of the Crimson Pride Band. She takes pride in the fact that she has been a member of the District 7 Honor Band and Parish Honor Band for four years, which is something that is not easily accomplished. She also was the secretary of her senior class. Outside of school, she volunteers her time with her mother’s junior auxiliary group, which has built Mardi Gras floats for children with disabilities, conducted school uniform clothing drives, and hosted Christmas events for children in their community. Her high school counselor said, “She is an all-around good student as well as a well-rounded person. I feel confident that she will be successful in college and anything she puts her mind to...”

Juan Ramon
‍Laredo, Texas
Parent – LAR Line Driver Ramiro Ramirez

Presently attending Texas A&M International University where he is studying business administration, Juan Ramon graduated magna cum laude from John B. Alexander High School this past May with a 97.89 GPA. Juan is close to achieving an associate’s degree as he was enrolled in the Early Pathway Program that allowed him to take college courses while in high school. Extracurricular activities included University Interscholastic League UIL Robotics, One Act Play, and Speech and Debate. He accumulated over 150 community service hours through his volunteer work, having participated in his church's youth program where he was in charge of conducting motivational activities for middle school students who experienced a lot of social and emotional problems. As a member of the National Honor Society, he participated in various donation drives as well. Juan is also a published author having written the book, “Half the Battle: A Heroes War.”

Angel Vega, Jr.
‍Laveen, Arizona
Parent – PHX City Driver Angel Vega

Angel Vega, Jr. graduated in May from the Maricopa Institute of Technology with 4.21 GPA. He was the valedictorian for his graduating class and is current a student at Arizona State University where he is studying computer systems engineering, cybersecurity. Juan was a member of the varsity baseball team, the robotics club, and was a student ambassador. He also was a member of the Phi Theta Kapa. As a member of the National Honor Society, Angel helped organize countless community events and accumulated numerous volunteer hours from organizations like Saint Mary’s Food Bank. With regard to an innovative achievement, Juan and a group of senior classmates and built a sandbox from scratch to showcase the physics related to the phenomenon of “liquid sand.” His baseball coach said, “Not only has Angel demonstrated leadership qualities on and off the baseball field, but he has also shown a deep commitment to his academic studies and his community.”