CURRENT AND Prior Scholarship Winners...

2023 Scholarship Winner

In June of 2023, the Houston Illini Club proudly awarded its annual scholarship to Hanyang Sha, a graduate of William P. Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. Hanyang is the recipient of the largest Houston Illini Club Scholarship to date, amounting to a $3,000 award, paid out over two semesters. Hanyang has been deeply involved in computer science activities since high school. He is especially interested in algorithms and artificial intelligence. He self-learned the basics of C++ and has since used it to participate in (algorithmic) programming competitions. He also took part in research at Stony Brook University, regarding network connectivity, where he used linear algebra and programming to investigate the connectivity of graphs. Outside of computer science, some of Hanyang’s hobbies include mathematics, badminton, classical music, and martial arts.

Hanyang’s interest in mathematics stemmed from his participation in mathematics competitions. He was invited to the AIME five times and was an active member of Clements Mu Alpha Theta. His passion for badminton led him to engage in the badminton club at Clements and promote the sport among his friends and classmates; he became president of the club in his senior year. He also greatly enjoys playing violin and was part of the local all-Region orchestra many times. Hanyang regularly practices Chinese Taichi and was awarded 4 th  Dan by the Chinese Wushu Association. Hanyang will begin his studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in fall of 2023.

 

2022 Scholarship Winner

The Houston Illini Club is proud to announce that it has awarded its annual scholarship to Yashna Chokkarapu, a graduate of the Math and Science Academy in Sugar Land's Dulles High School. The club is supporting Yashna with $1,000 each semester of her first year at UIUC ($2,000 total), matching our highest ever scholarship award. The award, provided by the club through the kind donations of our Houston Illini Club members will assist Yashna with school expenses such as books, supplies, and other course materials needed.

Yashna holds interests in mathematics and physics as well as the fields of biology and nutrition. These long-held interests have helped her to explore agricultural and biological engineering along with its real-world applications. Yashna began her studies in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall of 2022.


2021 Scholarship Winner

In June of 2021, the Houston Illini Club proudly awarded its annual scholarship in the amount of $1000 to Dhruv Saligram, a graduate of the Village High School. Since entering high school, Dhruv has been committed to exploring computer science and its countless applications. In his sophomore year he began work on a rudimentary prototype for a wireless surgery as part of his school’s Pumps and Pipes program. Dhruv’s junior year saw him lead his school’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Club, where he developed machine learning algorithms with the help of his classmates and implemented them into a humanoid robot. During senior year, Dhruv branch into website applications, creating the platform “Student Power” with his peers. The website served as a free, online tutoring program that was accessible for elementary and middle schoolers during the pandemic. Since freshman year, Dhruv has dedicated time to teaching students in his community, and Student Power was the perfect combination of this passion and computer science. Dhruv has also operated as a Teacher’s Assistant, tutoring middle school students in Congressional Debate, helping students in his neighborhood gain an introduction to computer science, and leading his school’s Model United Nations team. Dhruv began his studies in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall of 2021. See our July 15, 2021 award recognition dinner photos here: https://houston.illiniclub.org/images.html?view_album=74

 

2020 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2020, The Houston Illini Club proudly announced that its annual scholarship recipient in the amount of $500 was awarded to Jonathan Song, a graduate of Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. Jonathan began his studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2020. Jonathan has always dreamed of pursing a career in Engineering, especially at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As a high schooler, Jonathan dedicated himself to serving the community while maintaining his academic excellence. He volunteered for over one hundred hours with Houston’s branch of The Alliance of Youth Leaders and Spartans Out. Jonathan also volunteered at local marathons and nationwide competitions. Jonathan interned at Schlumberger, working closely with a mentor on data analysis projects. Jonathan was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Science Honor Society and enjoyed playing in his school’s orchestra and tennis team. Jonathan is excited to attend the University of Illinois and plans on possibly pursuing a minor in Computer Science as well. The Houston Illini Club congratulates Jonathan and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2020 scholarship!

 

 

2019 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2019, The Houston Illini Club proudly announced that its annual scholarship recipient in the amount of $600 was awarded to Keagan Mirazee, a graduate of The Woodlands High School’. Keagan began his studies in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2019. Keagan has always strived to excel in the academic spaces he participates in while also assisting his peers and community he lives in. As a junior in high school, he single handily began his own charity, Boxes for Babies, that worked to assist new and expecting mothers in the Metro Houston area with supplies for their children. He also spent his summers interning at the Community Assistance Center, a local non-profit shelter that assists families with counseling, food, and shelter when they need it the most. In the time he didn’t spend helping the community, Keagan was deeply invested in Policy Debate, an activity that he dedicated himself to and cherished all four years in high school. He and his partner worked hard by traveling and competing at many prestigious universities, finishing their careers by ranking top 25 in the nation. Academically, Keagan always pushed himself by being an active member of clubs such as Science National Honor Society and the Science Bowl team. 
 

 


2018 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2018, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $750 to Oak Ridge High School’s Ian Campbell Sloat. Ian began his studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2018.  Ian was the leader of the Oak Ridge HS Robotics club, where he led his team to State in both the VEX and BEST Robotics competitions.  He was a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) where he lettered all three years.  He won the Texas Math League’s Cumulative Points Test Award from 10th to 12th grade and was named a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar in his junior year.  Ian participated in NASA’s Johnson Space Center Regional and the Kennedy Space Center International Space Settlement Design Competitions, placing 1st and 2nd respectively.  Ian was selected to intern with the NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) & Texas Space Consortium in the Summer of 2017.  Ian’s “New and Improved Commercial Jet Engine” was recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics with a 1st place design award at the Houston Science and Engineering Fair.  The engine placed 2nd at the Houston fair and advanced to State.  Ian was an AP Scholar and participated in many extra-curricular activities including Science National Honor Society, Oak Ridge HS Band, TMEA Region IX Band, Oak Ridge HS Math UIL team, Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry.  The Houston Illini Club congratulates Ian and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2018 scholarship!


2017 Scholarship Winner

In June of 2017, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Bellaire High School’s John “Jack” Lillig. Jack will begin his studies in Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. In high school, Jack was the team captain of his high school soccer team and played at Houston Express Soccer Club. He was also starting kicker for his high school football team during his senior year. Jack is a volunteer at Friends of Down Syndrome, where he mentors adults with Down syndrome and assists in both academic and athletic development. In addition, Jack is an AP Scholar, graduated with honors, was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in numerous extra-curricular activities both at Bellaire High School and at his previous school in Australia, where he lived before transferring to Bellaire his sophomore year. In Australia, he played on the soccer team, as well as on the rugby and volleyball teams and ran cross country. He also presented with his school’s robotics program at Queensland University of Technology.


2016 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2016, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Friendswood High School’s Kathryn Kosinski. Kathryn will begin her studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. Kathryn will also be swimming for the Fighting Illini. In high school, Kathryn was the team captain of both her high school swim team and her club team, Pearland Aquatics. She is the Gulf Junior Athlete representative, where she represents the 9,000 Houston area swimmers, both at the local level and nationally. She is an All-State first team member and a NISCA Academic All-American. She also participated in the PALS program, where she traveled to FISD’s elementary, intermediate, and Junior High campuses and mentored younger students in need. In addition, Kathryn is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and participated in numerous extra-curricular activities including National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholars.

 


2015 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2015 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to The Village School's Vikram Seshadri. Vikram will begin his studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall.  In high school Vikram participated in the Breakthrough Houston program, voluntarily teaching and mentoring students from low income families in the Houston area. He is also a 4-year varsity tennis player, winning second place in TAPPS 4A doubles regional and state tournaments. Vikram has worked diligently throughout high school as an IB diploma candidate, while simultaneously participating in many extra curricular activities including habitat for humanity, computer club, varsity basketball, and working at the Kumon learning center.  

 


2014 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2014 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Memorial High School's Xinyi (Gary) Zhang. Gary moved to the U.S. from China in 2010 and will begin his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall.  In high school Gary was in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (the Mathematics Honor Society), originated his school's Yo-Yo Club, and was the vice-president of Team Sky - an electric devices team with more than one hundred members.

 


2013 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2013 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Sugar Land’s David Catalano, a Clements High School senior. David will be pursuing a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Illinois’ School of Music in the fall of 2013! During his high school years, David has served as Youth Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fort Bend Memory Walk, has been a part of his school’s Spanish Club, Habitat for Humanity group, and the Clements Choir Program. He is a 4-year Varsity Choir member and has served as section leader and president, and is also a 4-year Texas All-State Choir Baritone. Academically, David has excelled in Clements by finishing amongst the best in his class while taking honors and AP level classes, while simultaneously demonstrating his organization and leadership skills. The Houston Illini Club congratulates David and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2013 scholarship!

 


2012 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2012 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that Samantha E. Holt, a May 2012 graduate of St. Pius X High School, is the recipient of the Club's 2012 scholarship in the amount of $1,250.  Samantha graduated as the co-valedictorian of her class, and has enrolled at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana beginning in the fall.  Among her many academic achievements, she was National Merit Commended Student, an AP Scholar, received the highest honors among her graduating classmates in writing and math, and was named to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals All-State Academic Team - one of only 20 Texas seniors to be so honored!  She was been recognized with awards by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) in band, writing, photography, and art competitions. Samantha was a leader on campus through serving as President of both the Student Honor Board and the International Thespian Society - while simultaneously serving as an active member and volunteer at her church.

 


2011 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2011 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to have awarded its 2011 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Eric Kuo of Humble, Texas.  Eric will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign beginning in the fall of 2011, and intends to study Electrical Engineering. He graduated in the top two-percent of his Atascocita High School class, and amongst numerous other academic and leadership credentials he was a concertmaster for the Greater Houston All-Region Orchestra of the Texas Music Education Association, concertmaster for the Houston Youth Symphony, captain of his high school's robotics team, Outstanding Performer for the Texas State Solo/Ensemble Competition, National Honor Society member, and Math/Science Club competition coordinator. The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Eric and his family.

 


2010 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2010 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its $2,000 2010 scholarship to Nikhil Kapur of Sugar Land, Texas.  Nikhil will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this Fall, and will study Mechanical Engineering.  He graduated in the top one-percent of his Hightower High School class.  The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Nikhil and his family.

 



 

2009 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2009 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2009 $1,000 scholarship to Ryan Kent, a graduate of The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas. Ryan will pursue a degree in Nuclear Engineering, and will graduate 3rd in his class of almost 900 students. Ryan is an Eagle Scout, National AP Scholar, and the co-president of The Woodlands HS Science Club. He also co-founded and is co-president of his school's ultimate frisbee club, and he is a member of the national honor society. Ryan is a Texas All-state euphonium player, and will continue playing euphonium in the top band at U of I.   The club extends its sincerest honors to Ryan and his family.

 



 

2008 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its $2,000 2008 scholarship to Aaron Raiff, a graduate of Brazoswood High School in Clute Texas.  Aaron will  enroll as a freshman at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana for the fall of 2008.  He will pursue a degree in Chemistry with the goal of becoming a chemistry professor and researcher at one of the nation's finest research institutions. Aaron is an Eagle Scout and will graduate in the top 3% of his class. He has earned a number of honors (AP scholar, Region Band, Chemistry and Spanish Merit award), and has been an active volunteer in community activities including Youth Ministry and staffing National Youth Leadership Training.  The club extends its sincerest honors to Aaron and his family.

 


2007 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2007 scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Lisa Hasenberg, a graduate of Kingwood High School. Lisa will enroll at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall to pursue a Chemical Engineering degree. Lisa is ranked in the top 1% of her class and is both a National Merit and an AP Scholar. Like Marisa Tomei’s character (Mona Lisa Vito) in the movie My Cousin Vinnie, Lisa comes from a long line of engineers.  Her father is an engineer, her brother is studying to become a mechanical engineer, as are numerous other members of her extended family. Once Lisa receives her undergraduate degree, she intends to earn a Ph.D. in engineering and enter the workforce in research and development. We wish her great success and are honored to present her with this year’s scholarship award.

 


2006 Scholarship Winner

The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2006 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Jun Hong, a graduate of Stratford High School in Houston, Texas.  Jun has enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a Freshman in the Fall of  2006, and is in the Bioengineering Curriculum.

Though only having been in our country for five years, Jun graduated in the top 8% of his class, and earned a number of honors.  He was a two year president of the Junior Engineering Technology Society and won the violin Concerto Competition at school.  The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Jun and his family.

 


2005 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce its 2005 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Carrie Nie.  Carrie was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated in the top 25% of her class.  Carrie was the Co-Captain of her school's Varsity tennis team (4 years), where she went on to State, placing third. Additionally she was both a district and regional tennis champion.  The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Carrie and her family.

 

 

2004 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce its 2004 scholarship in the amount of $1,250 to Bryan Walker.  Bryan served a member and officer (Vice President in charge of Service) of the Kingwood High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, and graduated in the top 1% of his class.  The club extends its sincerest honors to Bryan and his family.