2024 SUCCESS STORIES
Allison Singer
Personal Achievement Award
Firstly, I would like to thank Dr. DeSimone and Charity for Champions for awarding me the Personal Achievement Award. With this award I am able to get closer to my goal of law school. I plan on becoming an attorney when I am older and I am excited to start helping people get the justice they deserve. I am undecided of what law I would like to practice, but I am between medical malpractice and criminal justice. I am currently majoring in criminology at Penn State University and will eventually go to law school! Once again, thank you!



Maria Sierra
Leadership Award Honorable Mention
I am deeply grateful for this scholarship, as it brings me closer to achieving my goals. My future plans include studying Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle University and pursuing a career as a distinguished engineer. This scholarship not only helps me finance my education but also stands as a significant milestone in my journey.



Allison Schapley
Athletic Achievement Award Winner
I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Athletic Achievement Award. This incredible opportunity means the world to me, and I could not be more thankful for the generosity and recognition of Dr. Al DeSimone and Ms. Selena Santos. This fall, I will be attending the University of Central Florida to major in their Health Sciences Department. After graduating with my degree, I am currently most interested in pursuing dental school in hopes of one day opening my own private practice as a general dentist. I also intend on continuing my athletic endeavors as a member of the university’s beach volleyball club and pickleball club. Thank you, Charity for Champions, for supporting my dreams and helping fund my future education!



Sophia Teijelo
Academic Achievement Award Winner
I was selected as the recipient of the academic achievement award. I apologize for such a late response. I was out of town and just got my mail. In response to the letter I received, my future plans are to attend the University of Florida. I plan to major in biomedical engineering. This scholarship recognition means a lot to me. I have been on the varsity tennis team for the past 4 years and I am grateful that it gave me the opportunity to apply to this scholarship. I think the academic achievement award is fitting to me. While I have a passion for tennis, I put my academics first and always strive to do my best in the classroom and on the courts.



Morgan Goldman
Leadership Award Winner
It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from an esteemed organization like yours. Receiving this scholarship means more to me than words can express. It allows me to pursue my academic dream of studying criminology at Alabama State University. This opportunity is a validation of my hard work and dedication to my education and future career. Additionally, I am thrilled to continue my passion for playing D1 soccer while attending Alabama State University. This scholarship has enabled me to pursue both my academic and athletic goals simultaneously, and I am incredibly grateful for the support you have provided. Once again, thank you for believing in my potential and for investing in my future. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and to representing your organization with integrity and excellence and I will continue to display my leadership, as well as my volunteering contributions.



Gabriella Merthyl
Leadership Award Winner
I am incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Leadership Award from the Al DeSimone’s Charity for Champions. My future plans are to attend St. Thomas University in the 3+3 law program. I will pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology in three years, then pursue my Juris Doctor degree in my last year of undergrad with two years of law school left. This scholarship not only helps me achieve this dream but gives me the ability to attend school with less money coming out of my pocket. This recognition is extremely important to me, because it will help me change lives in the future through my career path and goals. Thank you to Al DeSimone and his incredible team!



Michael Lucas
Athletic Achievement Award Honorable Mention
My future plans are to develop my education in the field of engineering and learn the mechanics behind it. I do believe that I am on a good pathway toward achieving this long-term goal of becoming an automotive engineer and with help from programs that I have been provided with to succeed. Alongside that I will also be chasing a degree in finances as well as I do have an interest in both fields of finances and engineering. The recognition of receiving this scholarship was great because it allows me to take another step forward into my dream of pursuing these two majors and I look forward to my future endeavors.



Meredith Moldawsky
Athletic Achievement Award Winner
I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of Dr DeSimone’s Charity for Champions scholarships. This scholarship will help me to earn my degree at The University of Florida. I am deeply concerned about the numerous environmental challenges we are facing, from climate change to loss of biodiversity. These issues require urgent attention and with a major in ecology and wildlife conservation, I can help to play an important role in shaping society for the better. The University of Florida provides the perfect environment for me to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution to society. Thanks to Charity for Champions I am one step closer to achieving my dream.



Gabriella Ciotti
Academic Achievement Award Winner
I want to thank Dr. DeSimone and the entire Charity for Champions organization for awarding me this scholarship and for the work that this organization does. I believe that it is something special to find local organizations that recognize and reward the youth for their incredible efforts and dedication to their passions. I am full of gratitude, as I believe the “Academic Achievement Award” will play a crucial role in making my future academic pursuits possible. I will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall, and I plan to double major in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, looking to carry on the spirit of this award in using my career to improve the lives of others.



Weronika DeLong
Medical Interest Award Winner
I am beyond excited to continue my education at college in hopes of becoming a dermatologist in my future career. I have always known that I want to pursue a career in the medical field and I am so fortunate in being able to do so. This scholarship is a huge help in funding my education to help me to reach my future goals and aspirations and I can’t thank you enough.



Amber Diez
Goodwill Scholarship Honorable Mention
Receiving this scholarship has significantly impacted my life, both academically and personally. It has relieved my financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies, research, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Your generous support has motivated me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life. In the future, I aspire to give back to the community as a dermatologist. I will provide the best care to my patients and ensure they receive appropriate treatment. Though the path to medical school is long and challenging, I look forward to the reward of helping others. Thank you once again for your incredible support. Your belief in my potential has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and made a significant difference in my life.



Hadley Pericles
Raider Award Winner
I am thrilled and honored to have been selected for this prestigious scholarship, and I am truly grateful for the financial support that it will provide. As a graduating class of 2024, I have always been dedicated to my studies and have worked hard to achieve my academic goals. Receiving this scholarship is not only a recognition of my efforts, but it also serves as a reminder that my hard work has not gone unnoticed. It is a testament to the importance of perseverance and dedication, and I am proud to have been recognized in such a way. The scholarship will be a significant help in allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens. It will enable me to pursue my academic interests without worrying about the financial implications, and I am confident that it will make a significant difference in my academic journey. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Charity for Champions for their generosity and support. Your trust in me and your recognition of my potential means a great deal, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. Thank you again for your kindness and support. I am excited to see where this scholarship will take me, and I am confident that it will be a valuable stepping stone in my academic and professional journey.


Marcus Silvestre
Goodwill Scholarship Winner
I am excited to attend the University of Central Florida, where I will be pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. After I complete my studies, I hope to work in a position that uses my skills and knowledge to contribute to helping others in any way. The Goodwill Scholarship means a great deal to me and the recognition I have received reflects my hard work and dedication that took place on and off the field. It also provides the financial support and motivation that I need to excel in my studies and achieve my career goals. Also, I would like to say thank you to Al DeSimone’s Charity for Champions for granting me with this opportunity.



Isabella Matheson
Medical Interest Award Winner
Firstly, thank you to the Charity for Champions for allowing me to receive this award, I’m extremely grateful for it! For my future plans, I will be attending the University of South Florida, majoring in health sciences with the hopes of becoming a future physical therapist. This scholarship means so much to me as I know I’m contributing in helping my parents pay for my college tuition, as well as knowing all the hard work I put into my high school career paid off!



Bailey Barnes
Academic Achievement Award Honorable Mention
I am extremely grateful and honored to receive the Academic Achievement Honorable Mention Award. Thank you so much Dr. DeSimone and his Charity for Champions organization for supporting students for their future success. I will be attending Florida State University and plan to study Communications. My love of playing, and watching sports has motivated me to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Throughout high school, I worked diligently to ensure that I maintained good grades during the busy golf season. The recognition from this scholarship has validated that my hard work on the golf course and in the classroom has paid off. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and continue my academic journey. Thank you for this opportunity and support given to student athletes.



