2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

AMELIA SIVERD

Amelia Siverd is currently attending LSU, majoring in Kinesiology. Her career goal is to become a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy to provide rehabilitation services for her patients. She has earned the Tiger Excellence Scholarship and the Alumni Scholarship. She is described as a well-rounded, smart, responsible, and respectful young woman.

Amelia has given back to the community by volunteering at Lakeview Hospital’s Boo Fest, Women’s Health Day, LSU Ag Magic and Toys for Tots, along with being active in a campus ministry. While a student at Lakeshore High School, Amelia was active in sports and was named team captain for both the volleyball and golf teams during her senior year. Amelia’s love for sports continued into her college career where she currently serves as Secretary of the LSU Pickleball Club. She is also interning with the LSU football team in the video department.

This passion for athletics has influenced Amelia’s career path. During high school, she witnessed a devastating injury to a teammate and was inspired by her recovery and the doctors that helped her along the way.

Amelia said, “My goal is to be the clinician who empowers patients during their hard times and celebrates their milestones, and one who reminds them that progress is always possible.”

Amelia is not waiting to finish college to help heal others. She currently works as a physical therapy technician while maintaining her position on the Dean’s List.

HAYLEY PETTUS

Hayley Pettus is preparing to begin her fourth year at Mississippi State University. Hayley is pursuing a degree in Animal and Dairy Science/Pre-Vet. Her career goal is to become a veterinarian, specializing in Equine Medicine.

Hayley has excelled academically, is a former National Merit Scholar, and has remained on the President’s List for all semesters. When not studying, Hayley spends time volunteering at the horse unit on campus, as the Vice President in the Block and Bridle organization, tutoring, being a conversation partner for students who are learning English as a second language, and occasionally leads a fellowship group at a church on campus. She also volunteers with the St. Tammany Animal Resource Team whenever she can.

Hayley worked for two summers at Camp Ozark as a horse wrangler and barn manager, along with a few ranches over the years, taking daily care of horses, exercising horses, and working with child campers in a Christian environment. Hayley is about to be a four-year member of the MSU Equestrian Competition Team.

Hayley is described as confident, but humble and someone with a big heart who is always willing to help others and lift them up.

Hayley said, “My love of animals is something that has always been a part of my life. I am excited to be one step closer to becoming a veterinarian and give back to the community through caring for the animals and their families who love them.”

HELEN SANDOZ

Helen Sandoz is a recent graduate of St. Scholastica Academy. Helen will attend Auburn University in the fall and plans to major in International Studies. Her career goal is to obtain a law degree and become a federal government attorney specializing in national security and advocacy.

During high school, Helen served on Student Council, was Class Vice President, President of the National Honor Society, and Vice President of the National Art Honor Society. Helen graduated with a 4.68 GPA, is a 2026 National Merit Commended Scholar, was awarded the Hillary Lanaux Greve Scholarship for demonstrating leadership and strong character, and was appointed to the 2026 SSA Sweetheart Court.

Her volunteer work includes serving as a counselor for ECYD Catholic Summer Camps, peer tutoring, teaching ballet at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana, and fundraising for the Northshore Humane Society. Helen also has her own business — Sandoz Sweets. Through this, she has been able to donate baked goods to local fundraisers like Buna’s Hope Foundation.

In what’s left of her spare time, she is a soloist with Ballet Apetrei and trains five days a week.

Helen is described as a truly motivated, considerate, intelligent young woman who not only seeks to further her learning, but also to foster a relationship with the community for whom she seeks to serve. She leads with quiet confidence and kindness.

Helen said, “Law and government provide structure, yet they must continually adapt as the modern world rapidly changes.”

KARSEN BOYET

Karsen Boyet is a recent graduate of St. Scholastica Academy. Karsen will attend LSU in the fall and plans to major in Kinesiology. Her career goal is to become a physical therapist and eventually open her own practice.

Throughout high school, Karsen has balanced academic excellence, athletics, employment, and service. Among her many accomplishments are graduating with a 4.61 GPA, being the recipient of the Mary Kathryn Villere Scholarship, completing more than 50 service hours, and receiving numerous softball awards, including the Coach’s Award and the Teammate Award.

Karsen was a five-year member of the SSA Varsity Softball team, involved in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the National English Honor Society, and served as a Student Ambassador and Student Minister.

Karsen has given back to the community by volunteering with Camp Tiger Paw and the Miracle League. Karsen has demonstrated a strong work ethic through her employment at a boutique, at SSA’s PJ’s Coffee, and through babysitting responsibilities.

Karsen said, “I credit perseverance, compassion and dedication as the values that have guided me through personal challenges and inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.”

Karsen is described as an outstanding young woman with determination, leadership, and a servant’s heart.

LILY RONQUILLO

Lily Ronquillo is a recent graduate of Lakeshore High School. Lily will attend LSU in the fall and plans to major in Biology. Her career goal is to become a dentist or orthodontist.

While in high school, Lily was involved in many activities and organizations, including tennis, track, and church youth group. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

Lily has given back to her community by contributing more than 120 hours of community service through volunteering with food drives, vacation Bible school, library work, and the United Way. Lily created a passion project called “Handwriting Heroes,” which encourages students to write letters to deployed military members.

She has held a job at Smoothie King for two years and completed an internship at a local dental office. Some of Lily’s accomplishments are graduating with a 4.3 GPA, being nominated for Student of the Year, and receiving the Damon Christian Memorial Scholarship.

Lily is described by her teachers as mature, hard-working, a selfless leader, and a kind, outgoing spirit who will do anything for anyone in need.

Lily said, “I love the Handwriting Heroes project because I have friends and family who have joined the military and enjoy hearing from us. It is truly a rewarding feeling, knowing the letters from students are making a difference around the world.”

MADISON SHEA

Madison Shea is a recent graduate of Hannan High School. Madison will attend the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall and plans to pursue a degree in Social Work. Madison also plans to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees within five years. Her career goal is to become a licensed family and children’s therapist and open her own independent practice, providing support to children and families.

Madison’s passion for helping others is inspired by her upbringing and her desire to give back to others. She has been active in her community through volunteer work at the St. Tammany Parish Library, serving as a counselor at the Moulédous Music Theater Camp, co-founding the Book Buddies program, and participating in numerous school organizations.

Madison graduated with a 4.1 GPA and is described as a responsible, respectful, and compassionate young woman who makes an impact wherever she goes.

Madison said, “I know helping children is critically impactful in our community. I have learned to be resilient and prioritize my goals. I am not only motivated by ambition but more so by purpose.”

MOLLI BURKE

Molli Burke is a recent graduate of Christ Episcopal School. Molli will attend Providence College in the fall and plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse.

Molli graduated with a 3.9 GPA and was selected for a prestigious LSU research internship working with the LSU Infant Team. Throughout high school, she was actively involved in Student Body leadership, the Biomedical Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.

Molli has a heart for serving families. She currently volunteers in the Mother-Baby Unit at St. Tammany Hospital and through NICU Tales, a project she created to provide care baskets and encouragement to families with infants in the NICU.

Molli is described as someone who consistently demonstrates compassion, integrity, and humility while creating a meaningful impact on those around her.

Molli said, “It would allow me to continue serving the families in my community while following a path inspired by the women who showed me what compassionate leadership looks like.”

BEIJA LOPES-MORGAN

Beija Lopes-Morgan is a recent graduate of Mandeville High School. She will attend Harvard University in the fall and plans to major in Public Policy. Her goal is to pursue a career in civil service focused on improving student welfare nationwide.

Beija graduated with a 4.67 GPA and has earned numerous honors, including Louisiana State Student of the Year Finalist, Mandeville High School Student of the Year, National Merit Commended Scholar, and AP Scholar with Distinction. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her service as Vice President of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and President of the Mandeville High Student Council.

Beija is described as a natural leader with intellectual curiosity, humility, and a passion for advocacy.

Beija said, “My experience working in Louisiana’s educational system has inspired me to major in Public Policy in college, where I can build on the lessons I have learned and achieve my goal of helping students on a larger scale.”

MAGGIE MARKS