PHADA Congratulates the 2026 Scholarship Program Winners

Noya Samara, 2026 Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship winner.

PHADA is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Scholarship Program. Noya Samara has been awarded the 2026 Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship. Noya is an incoming freshman at the University of Chicago, where she will double major in Economics and Political Science. Born in Amman, Jordan, she has lived in Reno, NV, since 2015. During high school, she held several prominent leadership roles, including Head of the Diversity Coalition, Senior Class Secretary, and Varsity Volleyball Captain.

Through her advocacy, Noya organized over 70 impactful events that facilitated meaningful discussions on identity and culture, and she successfully mediated between the student body and school administration to champion economic diversity. The Bollinger scholarship will empower Noya to attend her dream university and fully immerse herself in her academic and personal growth.

Chyla Richardson, 2026 Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship winner.

PHADA’s 2026 Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship has been awarded to Chyla Richardson. Chyla Richardson is a motivated student attending Red Bank Regional High School who is dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. She has taken a rigorous course load, including honors and Advanced Placement courses, while maintaining strong grades and actively participating in school activities.

Chyla is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Student-to-Student (STS), where she helps facilitate inclusion and connection within her school. She has also participated in cheerleading, cross country, and track, demonstrating her commitment and versatility.

Outside of school, Chyla has worked as a summer camp counselor for three years, in addition to tutoring and babysitting, where she has developed leadership skills and a passion for mentoring others. She is also pursuing her private pilot’s license, reflecting her ambition and determination to reach new heights. Chyla is passionate about equity and representation and hopes to continue making a positive impact in her community as she pursues her college education.

Seema Ossi, 2026 Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship winner.

Through the generosity of our partner, Nan McKay Associates, the 2026 Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship has been awarded to Seema Ossi. Seema is a senior at High Point Central High School and a distinguished scholar recognized for her academic excellence and community involvement. She has been accepted to both High Point University and Guilford Technical Community College and is currently awaiting a decision from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

Seema has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to her education, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and ranking 28th in her class of 200 students. Her dedication to academic excellence is further reflected in her selection to represent High Point Central at the National Personal Finance Challenge. She also serves as a teacher assistant and is an active member of the National Honor Society.

In addition to her academic achievements, Seema is actively involved in athletics as a member of the girls’ soccer team and previously played volleyball. She has also gained professional experience as a member of the Hospitality Team at High Point University. Beyond the classroom, Seema is committed to serving her community. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in High Point, Archdale, and Trinity, and has participated in High Point’s Great American Clean-Up. Seema’s dedication, leadership, and passion for excellence make her a deserving recipient of this scholarship.

Congratulations to the three 2026 Scholarship Program winners. PHADA wishes them the best of luck with their continued studies!