2025 Scholars

To view our list of past scholarship recipients, please visit * Our Scholars * page.

2025 Scholarship Winners

Cecilia Moy Yep Scholar: Mandy Chen

Mandy is an honor student and a member of the Barnwell National Honor Society at Central High School, where she excels academically while actively engaging in leadership and community service. She has consistently demonstrated academic excellence in challenging environments – as a QuestBridge National College Match
Finalist, an AP Scholar with Honor, and a participant in the University of Pennsylvania’s Young Scholars Program. At Central, she tutors peers in science and math, organizes blood drives, and serves as vice president of both Life 101 and the Music Performing
Arts Club. She is also a competitive member of Science Olympiad and DECA, earning regional and district recognition in several events. Mandy also volunteers with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation in its biweekly food distribution program. This fall, she will attend Villanova University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a minor in Cellular Engineering. Mandy aims to combine her interests
in patient care, biomedical innovation, and community advocacy to help create equitable healthcare solutions for underserved communities.

PECO Scholar: Shuyi Li

Shuyi is a first-generation immigrant student at the Academy at Palumbo High School, where she excels academically and demonstrates strong leadership. A founding member of Palumbo’s Science Olympiad team, where she also serves as team captain, she guides her peers through competitions that foster scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, Shuyi has been an active participant in the Women in Natural Sciences program throughout all four years of high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork, and volunteer opportunities. She was selected to attend the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences, where she deepened her interest in STEM through intensive study and research. This fall, Shuyi will begin her studies in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University, where she plans to continue exploring her passion for science and innovation.

Pearl Lee and David Gitter Family Scholar: Huimin Liu

Huimin is a dedicated student at Abraham Lincoln High School, excelling academically and actively engaging in community service. At school, she serves as Vice President of the Asian Student Alliance Club, where she promotes cultural diversity by sharing Chinese traditions with students from various backgrounds, supports incoming freshmen through school tours and Q&A sessions, and advocates for inclusion and representation. Last summer, Huimin participated in the Chinese Youth Organization Project Summer Program organized by AAU. She represented her peers during the “No Arena” speeches, answering questions from guests and later joining the “No Arena” march to support the cause. This fall, she will attend Drexel University to study accounting and pursue a career in this field after graduation.

Powell Family Foundation Scholar: Joy Chen

Joy is a proud Philly native, born and raised. Both of her parents are immigrants who came to
America in search of better opportunities for themselves and their children. Joy is currently a
student at Central High School, where she has taken a rigorous course load that includes numerous AP and Honors classes. Outside the classroom, Joy is a dedicated student leader for
Discovery Pathways—a program she has been actively involved in since its inception five years ago. In this role, she has helped organize Community Boating Days, led recreational group tours, and coordinated Health Fairs held at FDR Park. She also serves as one of the Team Captains and strokers for the organization’s dragon boating team. Under her leadership, the team has earned multiple medals and was awarded the Regional Youth Champion Cup last year. They plan to
compete in additional races this year. This July, Joy will represent the United States as a member of Team USA’s U18 Dragon Boating Team at an international competition in Germany. In the fall, she will attend Temple University, where she plans to major in Biology.

PASSi Scholar - In Memory of Im Ja Choi: Annabel Shin

Annabel is a student at Villa Maria Academy High School, where she holds both academic and music scholarships. A committed leader and scholar, she serves as President of Bake for Charity, an organization that donates baked goods to support local communities, and the Latin Honor Society. She is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and the Student Integrity Committee. As a representative for Mission and Ministry, Villa’s service club, Annabel helps coordinate school-wide service initiatives and community outreach. Her volunteer work at Chester County Hospital further fueled her passion for healthcare. Beyond academics and service, Annabel is a varsity tennis player and a talented musician, performing as a violist and pianist with the Villa Maria Orchestra and String Ensemble. She also co-founded the
Textiles Club and World Cultures Club, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation within the student body. This fall, Annabel will attend the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in nursing, with the goal of becoming a NICU nurse.