High School Seniors Awarded Scholarships at CISCO’s Annual Luncheon

May 8, 2024

LOMBARD – Five high school seniors were honored with scholarship for their academic and civic involvement during the April 24, 2024, Annual Luncheon. CISCO awarded five annual scholarships. All were presented to high school seniors – three (3) scholarships going to students attending a 4-year university, and two (2) scholarships going to students attending community college.

Since 1995, CISCO has helped its members and their families pursue their dreams of a college education. CISCO started by awarding two (2) scholarships to children of CISCO members. Those scholarships were named after one of its founding fathers – John E. Kenny Jr. of Kenny Construction, and in memory of former Board Member Joe Sullivan of the Roofers Union.

Isabella Connelly

Isabella is set to graduate from Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana, where she is a member of the swimming and diving team, and Tennis captain. She plans to attend Northern Illinois University to major in Biomedical Science.

Isabella’s impressive credentials include: Future Medical Professionals Club; Latino Club; Asian American Club; Leo’s Club and Hispanic Heritage.

A Biomedical Science degree can open doors to many careers, but Isabella wants to focus on surgically correcting cleft palates on children living in underprivileged countries. The goal is to help these children be adopted and given the chance for a better life.

A non-profit organization called the Smile Train uses doctors to repair cleft palates on children. Isabella wants to be one of these doctors that travels and helps children.

She vividly remembers meeting a school aide and sharing her desire to one day work with the Smile Train. The school aide became emotional and shared SHE had her cleft palate fixed through the Smile Train. She ended up being adopted from China into a loving family in the United States. Of this experience, Isabella said, “I know this is how I want to give back and be my absolute best.” A long-term goal would be to open her own business and perform cosmetic surgeries.

It’s clear Isabella has a giving heart. Since a child, she’s given her time to Migrant Mass by distributing food and clothing and continues to serve at soup kitchens. In her application, she said, “I know I will make my dreams a reality, and I will continue to do the best I am able.”

Teresa Salazar

Teresa is set to graduate from Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, and plans to attend American University in Washington DC to major in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.

Teresa’s impressive credentials include: Summer Legal Institute Program; Youth Advisory Council for Rep. Stephanie Kifowit of the 84th District; and shadowing for both the Kane County, and DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Teresa’s desire to study Criminal Justice has been a life-long passion. She saved her money to buy used college textbooks and wrote research papers about forensic pathology, anthropology, DNA and criminology.

She’s taken this passion and used it in the real world by joining her city’s law-enforcement Youth Academy, and shadowed at both the Kane County, and DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office – which further motivated her to pursue a career in law.

Teresa is laser-focused on becoming a prosecutor, then running for the office of State’s Attorney. Regardless of her future position, she said her main objective will ALWAYS be to, “positively impact my community by being an example for young minority students wanting to pursue a career in the legal field.”

Of her many accomplishments, one that stands out to Teresa is volunteering as the only Spanish-speaking judge at her voting location during the 2022 General Election. She assisted a Spanish speaking voter, helping her register to vote and explaining the voting ballot.

Of this experience, Teresa said, “Uplifting minority voices is a goal I will relentlessly work towards during my time in college and in my career.”

Diana Barrientos

Diana will graduate from Lake View High School and will attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study Business. During high school, she was Captain of the Debate and Speech teams; member of the Debate Leadership Council; and a National Honor Society member.

She was also on both the Varsity Swim team and Varsity Soccer Team – where she was the MVP for 3 years.

Growing up in a first-generation immigration household, Diana sees a degree in Business opening multiple doors, multiple job opportunities and multiple choices. The dream job is to invest in herself by owning and operating a café shop in the heart of Chicago!

Growing up, Diana was full of questions, which led to her success in High School on the Debate Team. After winning top honors in MANY debate tournaments, Diana said that by the end of every season, she always achieved a new way of thinking.

“My experiences as a captain and as a student has taught me qualities like confidence and drive. My overall skills will really give me leverage when I start studying business in college. I’m really optimistic about my future,” Diana said in her application.

Diana’s Debate Team coach called her, “The greatest leader I’ve ever coached.” Adding, “She lifts up those around her. As a result, she’ll excel in college and career.”

Ava Brassard

Ava will graduate from Gardner South Wilmington South High School, and she plans to attend Joliet Junior College where she will pursue an Associates in Nursing.

Like CISCO’s other superstar students, Ava is a member of the National Honor Society; Student Council and Pantherette Spirit-Line. She also enjoys participating in Band and Trap Shooting.

Ava has had a life-long passion for Nursing because she enjoys helping others. For the past 2 years, she has attended the Grundy Area Vocational Center, which offers an array of Career and Technical Education programs. It has allowed her to work one-on-one with patients. It’s also given her an early start on her future career. Listen to this!

She’s already earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate; her EKG License and CMA certificate.

Ava’s goal is to continue her education to become a Registered Nurse, and later, become a Nurse practitioner. Currently, her CNA License is pending through Grundy Area Vocational Center!

Amanda Manriquez

Amanda will graduate from Oak Lawn Community High School. She plans to attend Moraine Valley Community College to pursue psychology. Then later, she plans to attend UIC for her Bachelor’s, then eventually her Masters.

Amanda is on the High Honor Roll; member of both the soccer and tennis teams; participates in Art Club; Photography Club; and is the Wrestling Manager.

Amanda has a deep passion for helping and caring for those most in need – which is a direct link to being the oldest child in her family. As a clinical psychologist, she sees herself counseling families and couples as they face difficult issues.

She even uses psychology when she plays goalie for her High School soccer team! With the ability to observe the entire field, Amanda is able to read the other player’s faces and body language, then make adjustments when she has to play defense and defend the goal.

As an artist, Amanda excels at photograph and drawing, which requires patience and observation – another trait of a clinical psychologist! Her artistic side will allow her to consider art therapy as a means of communication with her clients.

Amanda’s school counselor calls her an “impressive young woman who is very focused on being successful in the future.” He added that he is “proud of Amanda’s development as a student and as a person over her time at the High School.”