The Casey Schulman Scholarship
Despite facing major challenges, The Casey Schulman Scholarship recipients have persevered and gone on to accomplish wonderful things.
The common thread…these scholars are all very involved in their communities and improving the lives of those around them – one cannot be around these individuals without walking away with a smile and feeling better about our world!
Siphokazi Kargbo
2014 Recipient
The Casey Schulman Foundation’s first scholarship recipient is certainly making the most of her talents. Sipho earned a BA in Biological Science from Smith College, worked abroad on a post-grad fellowship program for a year and then went on to earn a M. Ed. from Harvard University. She is currently teaching science at an International school in Stockholm, Sweden. Raised by a father from Sierra Leone, and a mother from South Africa, Sipho has been eager to travel to many parts of the world. She is currently exploring her new Swedish locale and working tirelessly teaching in-person classes during the pandemic. Sipho’s quiet way belies her determined perseverance, the sweetest soul, and beautiful giving spirit.
Hillary Leersnyder
2015 Recipient
Hillary is on the go— Summa cum laude graduate of William & Mary, BBA in Marketing, Minor in Theatre! She is currently employed as a CX Strategist at a marketing agency and working toward a Google Analytics certification. Hillary is an award-winning singer, actress, athlete and was the Head Scenic Carpenter for the William & Mary theatre productions – Amazing! As her family is from New Zealand, she has travelled internationally on her own and has been very active in volunteering on service trips for the last 7 years. When the pandemic ends, plan to see Hillary singing and dancing in our theatres, and back to work at the local soup kitchen!
Abby Conde
2016 Recipient
Abby graduated with honors from James Madison University, a semester early! She moved to Philadelphia and began work at a pre-school, which offered her a scholarship program to acquire her M. Ed. As the pandemic unraveled, so did those plans. Abby was not deterred. She began volunteering with her fiancée and they make and deliver 3D printed face shields to hospitals around their tri-state area. As they were one of the first groups to reach out and help in the early stages of the pandemic, they were featured on ABC news! As Abby job hunts for a Higher Education Personnel position, she has started baking and selling her baked goods in Philadelphia. Being part of a close Filipino community, Abby is a ray of sunshine. She has overcome many odds and continues to improve her life and the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Anelva Corcos Beltran
2017 Recipient
Anelva will graduate from George Mason University in May, 2021 with a BA in Global Affairs and minors in Spanish and Immigration Studies. Throughout her high school and college careers, Anelva has logged many hours at part-time jobs off-campus. On campus, she has been very busy working as a GMU Peer Advisor and co-teaching a college course to help first semester students with their college transition. She has interned at NAFSA and at Legal Aid Justice Center. This internship strengthened Anelva’s conviction to continue working with and helping the immigration community. A petite Guatemalan woman, Anelva is a bundle of energy. Throughout all triumphs and challenges, one is always greeted by her warmth and big smile. She is very excited to graduate and be the first person in her family with a college degree!
Matthew Hua
2018 Recipient
Matt is currently a junior at Georgetown University, majoring in Government and American Musical Culture, minoring in Spanish. Matt is a guy on the move. One would never know that he has faced tough medical issues throughout his life – he just keeps going and working toward the betterment of so many around him. Matt is excited about Justice for All – and he works hard to advocate for those less fortunate and for those who don’t have equal rights. As President of Make-a-Wish Georgetown, he works to raise funds and awareness. Despite covid-19, under his presidency, the organization increased their donations by 20% for 2020! Matt is the Secretary of the Center for Social Justice Advisory Board of Student Organizations, helping with funding, media campaigns and policy for service-oriented student clubs. He was the founder and course creator of the Title IX for a New Generation Initiative - the objective of educating students on Title IX and how it relates to life at Georgetown. Matt is fun to be with and he is a leader. He cares about raising up ALL people’s lives!
Monica Thu Ngoc Do
2019 Recipient
Monica is currently on the Dean’s List and working toward an Economics and Sociology Major at UVA. Monica pushes herself to try new things and it is so fun to watch. She has a sweet, shy side to her incredibly bright mind. She is a busy young lady. As part of a very close Vietnamese family, Monica worked on her parents’ food truck in downtown DC throughout high school; long days every weekend and 7 days/week every summer. Somehow, she still finds time to volunteer with Adopt-a-Grandparent, Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), Recreational Therapy and Girls on the Run. Only a sophomore at UVA, Monica is already involved in sports and leadership – holding positions on her sorority and UVA’s Hoos Connected boards. As Monica is on a pre-health track, her plan is to provide meaningful contributions to underserved communities.
Maksud Juraev
2020 Recipient
Max came to this country from Tajikistan in 2014, not speaking English, and graduated from the IB program (a very challenging curriculum) with a grade point substantially above 4.0! The main reason that the Casey Schulman Scholarship committee selected Max to be the 2020 Casey Schulman Scholar is because of his commitment to helping others. Being new to the country did not stop him from figuring out ways to help those in his community who were struggling. He has started his first year at UVA and is ecstatic that he was admitted to the hullabahoos acapella group. He makes the most of every moment - from taking college courses while in high school, to embarking on a new exciting life at UVA. Max is a warm-spirited, great guy who will no doubt continue to spread the Shine On spirit.