Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia

Scholarships 2021

[Group Picture]

Scholarships recipients, some of their parents,
Terri Wojcik, scholarship chairperson and Marie Hejnosz, PHSP President.

Investing in the Future: Society Awards Scholarships to Nine Outstanding Students
by Teresa G. Wojcik, Ph.D., Chair of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Scholarship Committee

Disciplined. Determined. Diligent. These qualities characterize the nine young people awarded scholarships this year from the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia. Although they represent different geographic areas and are pursuing diverse majors of study, they are bound by a common commitment to scholarly excellence, active involvement in extracurricular endeavors, a selfless engagement in volunteer efforts, and an appreciation for their Polish ancestry. The Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's scholarships (each will receive $1,000).

Anne Harrower - A 2021 graduate of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Anne is passionate about math and science and has participated in several unique seminars and programs to build her STEM knowledge and skills. She plans to major in science or engineering in college this fall.

Brooke Hinkle - Brooke graduated first in her class this past spring from Shawnee High School in Medford, NJ. She is driven by a keen interest in conserving the natural environment and will major in either chemical or environmental engineering in college this fall.

Regina Jelski - Regina is gifted soprano and violinist. She shares her musical talents with the Polish American community and is actively involved in her home parish, St. Mary's in Conshohocken. Regina will major in music at Immaculata University this fall.

Edward Kahn - A 2021 graduate of Father Judge High School in Philadelphia and member of the Crew Team, Edward is passionate about joining the US Army after earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Villanova University this fall.

Eliza Karpiak - An award-winning musician, Eliza has played flute and piccolo as a member of the Reading and Philadelphia Youth Orchestras. A graduate of Daniel Boone Area High School, she plans to attend a conservatory in the fall to further advance her musical skills.

Emily Karpowicz - Emily is driven by creative expression (e.g., singing, acting, writing) and a desire to disrupt gender stereotypes that limit expectations of what women and girls can do. A graduate of Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, NJ, she intends to commence studies in film and communications in college this fall.

Janusz Kowalski - Janusz has been involved in the Polish American community in Philadelphia since childhood. He recently graduated from Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. Janusz hopes to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainable technologies and will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering in the fall.

Sabrina Pusey - During her studies at MOT Charter High School in Delaware, Sabrina exhibited great talent as a dancer, singer, and performer. She plans to major in musical theatre in college this fall and will pursue a career as a stage and screen actress.

Julia Szwedyk - Driven by a passion for healthcare and a desire to help patients, Julia currently attends Florida State University as a nursing student. Upon completion of her degree, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. and become a nurse anesthetist. Julia is a graduate of Washington Township High School in Sewell, NJ.

The scholarship program of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia represents the organization's commitment to investing in the development of future leaders. Particularly in a year that brought financial uncertainty to many families, the Society's scholarships provide support and hope that, despite difficulty, the lamp of learning will continue to shine brightly for these very deserving young people.

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Polish Heritage car at the Pulaski Day Parade
with PSHP scholarship winner Regina Jelski