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Awardees
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Liana Pilar De Leo
Nickelson Family Scholarship Winner
Liana is a freshman at UC Santa Cruz majoring in cognitive science. As someone passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals, she aspires to become a Ph.D. neuropsychologist to be an advocate for those struggling with emotional and neurological conditions. Her passion for this fields stems from her own experiences growing up as someone who is both biracial and neurodivergent.
Having grown up in an educationally, culturally, and religiously diverse home, Liana's personal goals are centered on fighting for those who need both a partner and advocate on their journey. Understanding others' struggles is core to who she is and has become a part of her personal path as she begins making her mark on the world. 📅 Liana will read her winning essay on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.
Having grown up in an educationally, culturally, and religiously diverse home, Liana's personal goals are centered on fighting for those who need both a partner and advocate on their journey. Understanding others' struggles is core to who she is and has become a part of her personal path as she begins making her mark on the world. 📅 Liana will read her winning essay on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.
Daniel Zhang
Speech Scholarship Winner
Daniel is a junior at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego. and the co-founder and National President of STEAMLabs International, a student-led nonprofit that has brought free, hands-on science nights and camps to more than 3,000 students across the U.S., Kenya, Mexico, and Canada.
Daniel interned at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, inspired by my family’s experiences with cancer, and hopes to study bioinformatics in college and contribute to developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
He's the president of his school’s Peer Tutoring Club and co-organizes monthly music performances at senior homes.
Daniel interned at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, inspired by my family’s experiences with cancer, and hopes to study bioinformatics in college and contribute to developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
He's the president of his school’s Peer Tutoring Club and co-organizes monthly music performances at senior homes.
📅 Daniel will read his winning speech on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.