AAWC 2022 Scholars

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

2022 Scholarship Winners

Cherilynn Chow

Cecilia Moy Yep Scholar: Cherilynn Chow

Cherilynn excelled in her studies at the J. R. Masterman High School. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, selected as a Philadelphia School District Student of the Month, and also served as captain of the Science Olympiad Team. She has learned the importance of having support systems and accepting help from her experience with a serious family situation during her sophomore year. As a member of Modero & Co., a traditional Indonesian dance group, she has performed at community events. She had an opportunity to dance with Modero at the Expo Turismo Panama. Cherilynn is a Questbridge Match Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to study Biology.

PECO Scholar: Michelle Vo

Michelle is the eldest child in a Vietnamese immigrant family, and the primary translator for her parents. She is the valedictorian in her class at West Catholic Preparatory High School. She was selected Student Council Secretary, National Honor Society President, as a school ambassador and Diocesan Scholar, and writes for the school paper and yearbook. In addition, Michelle has taken dual enrollment classes at St. Joseph's University. She is a part of Philadelphia Futures. A paid internship with Independence Blue Cross solidified her career choice of becoming a pharmacist. She plans to study Biology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Michelle Vo

Wendy Dong

Edward McBride Memorial Scholar: Wendy Dong

Wendy credits her grandparents, who raised her since she was 7 years old, as her greatest inspiration. She attended Parkway Center City Middle College, a middle college high school whose students attend college-level classes and upon graduation receive an Associate’s degree. She has been on the Honor Roll for four years, and has participated in many school activities including StartUp EDU, PennRSSA, KYW Newstudies, and the yearbook committee. As a core member of Philly Teen VAXX, she helped promote COVID-19 vaccine literacy in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Wendy plans to attend Drexel University to study Software Engineering.

PNC Scholar: Yao Jiang

Yao, a recent immigrant, has excelled in her studies at Horace Furness High School taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes. She embraces the values of family, independence, responsibility, and community. Despite family obligations and working part time, she found time to volunteer at her local library and is a member of multiple clubs including the school paper, Mural Arts Club, and Philly Student Run. She also volunteers with translating daily school announcements into Chinese. Yao plans to study Nursing at Drexel University, and work at improving health access.

Yao Jiang

Kelly Sy

Powell Foundation Scholar: Kelly Sy

Kelly is the youngest of four siblings, and commutes for an hour on public transportation to the Academy at Palumbo. She was one of the founders of the school’s Lacrosse Team, where she was a starting player through her four years. She is also a member of the girl’s soccer team and the Chess Club. Kelly was a standout in her AP English language and composition because of her excellent writing abilities. She has attended optional writing conferences to hone her writing skills. She joined College Possible, a college coaching program to receive guidance in college preparation. She plans to attend Cedar Crest College to study Nursing.

Powell Foundation Scholar: May Loo

Mary was born and raised in a Chinese household in Philadelphia. Her father’s support helped her build resilience to push out of her comfort zone and overcome emotional and academic challenges. She has excelled in her senior year at Mastery Charter - Thomas Campus, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Inspiring Minds DIVAs Program. She also plays in the school’s softball, tennis, and volleyball teams. Mary plans to major in Health Sciences at Drexel University, with a career goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.