Conrad Tolerico

Raider Personal Achievement Award Winner

First and foremost, I am extremely grateful to have received this award. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me and my family since my dad has recently lost his job. What this scholarship means to me, besides easing some of the financial burden of going to college, is that my actions, like the number of family trips and even my siblings’ graduations that I missed just to be at practice with my STA family did not go unnoticed. My future plans for school are to get an Atmospheric Science degree that I’ve always dreamed of getting ever since I was little. Alongside that degree, I still get to participate in the sport that I fell in love with over the last four years of high school, in college playing football at FIU. Finally, all glory to God, because without Him I wouldn’t have completed any of my academic and athletic accomplishments.

Sophia Guzman

Athletic Achievement Award Honorable Mention

I am so honored and grateful to have received the Charity for Champions Athletic Achievement Award, Honorable Mention. This recognition will go a long way in supporting my future plans as I attend Southern Connecticut State University, where I will study Business Administration and International Studies while playing volleyball at the NCAA Division II level. The award shows me that the hard work of the last 10 years has truly paid off, and being able to help my parents after all the years they have supported me means the world. I want to thank my family and friends for all their support, and lastly, thank Dr. DeSimone for this award. I’m excited to carry this honor with me as I begin this next chapter.

Isabella Borges

Personal Achievement Award Winner

Fittingly, being awarded the Personal Achievement Award is yet another step towards accomplishing my goals and overcoming adversity. It is a testament not only to my own achievements, but also to the incredible people and communities throughout my journey who have shaped me into who I am today. I am beyond honored to receive this award, which will enable me to continue pursuing my aspirations at the University of Pennsylvania, where I will be studying cognitive science this fall. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Al DeSimone’s Charity for Champions for bringing me one step closer to achieving my dreams.

Joseph Artanis

Al DeSimone Ultimate Champion Award

I want to start by sincerely thanking you again for awarding me this scholarship. I cannot fully express how much this means to me. It is truly an honor to be the first recipient of the Al DeSimone Ultimate Champion Scholarship. What makes this scholarship especially meaningful to me is that it recognizes dedication in every aspect of my life — in the classroom, on the field, and in fire gear. It is truly a one-of-a-kind scholarship that reflects the values of hard work, leadership, discipline, and service to others. To be recognized for balancing academics, athletics, and my commitment to the fire service is something I am incredibly proud of and deeply grateful for. This scholarship will support my academic future at the University of Central Florida, where I will be studying Emergency Management. Not only will this scholarship help me pursue the education I need, but it will also provide valuable financial support throughout my college journey. After graduating, I plan to follow in my father’s footsteps of more than 20 years by becoming a firefighter and continuing to serve my community. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for your investment in my future.

Anika Ravi

Most Improved Athlete Award Winner

I am extremely grateful to be selected by Charity for Champions as a recipient of the Most Improved Athlete Award! This recognition truly means so much to me because it will support my journey at the University of Florida, where I will be majoring in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with the aspiration of becoming a Sports Medicine Physician. My goal is to learn and further the field of athletic recovery to help others. This scholarship will not only help me on my path towards medical school, but also serves as a reminder to carry the lessons I learned from sports into my future passions. Thank you to Dr. DeSimone and Charity for Champions, I am beyond appreciative and honored to receive this scholarship.

Julia Diaz

Leadership Award Honorable Mention

Being awarded an honorable mention in the category of the Leadership Award is very significant for me as it acknowledges all the efforts and the leadership skills that I have gained over the course of my years in high school. Being a varsity volleyball player for four years and being elected as the team’s captain, I was taught that discipline and cooperation, as well as leadership both on and off the volleyball court, are qualities of great value. In college at Florida State University, I plan to pursue nursing because I am passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives during difficult moments. This scholarship not only helps support my education, but also motivates me to continue striving to positively impact others through leadership, compassion, and service.

Ben Hillecke

Al DeSimone Ultimate Champion Award

My future plans are to attend Stetson University and major in Business and History. I am interested in learning how organizations operate while also diving deeper into understanding historical events and their impact on society. After completing my undergraduate studies, I hope to be accepted into a law program and pursue a career in the legal field. Receiving the Charity for Champions scholarships means the world to me it is especially meaningful to me because it reflects my commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive difference in my community. This honor motivates me to continue working hard, helping others, and striving to achieve my academic and professional goals.

Kingston Ross

Personal Achievement Award Winner

To me, the Personal Achievement Award is an incredible honor that will help support my college education and allow me to focus on growing. It also means a lot to me to know that my dedication and efforts have been recognized. I will continue to strive to make the most of the opportunities that await me. I can’t wait to do great in life and continue to contribute to the Raider family and participate in future charitable works. My future plans in college are to excel in my academics and sports. At Grinnell College, I plan to major in computer science as well as continue to play football at a higher level. I will carry the qualities that I have developed through my life to help me continue to strive and do good in the world. Thank you for supporting me.

Gabrielle Pridgen

Personal Achievement Award Honorable Mention

I am extremely thankful and grateful to be selected as the receiver of the 2026 Charity of Champions Personal Achievement Award. This scholarship will allow me to be able to go to college with more financial support and help. I plan to go to Howard University in Washington DC to major in Chemical Engineering and am so happy to be financially helped and athletically celebrated.

Ryan Porter

Extraordinary Community Service Award Winner

For me, receiving the Extraordinary Community Service award felt like finally receiving recognition for the hours and hours of hard work I put in volunteering and helping others! It made me feel like others would finally see what I knew about myself all along and that my hard work paid off. My plans for the future include attending Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University majoring in Elementary education and potentially special education with hopes of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. This Scholarship means so much to me as it will help me achieve my goal relieving some of the finical burden from me.