Parents for School Options is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2025 Scholarship Program! This year we had an incredible pool of over 240 applicants, which made this our hardest year to date. However, these outstanding students stood out for their dedication to education and their ability to thrive in online and personalized learning environments.

Let’s learn more about these incredible students and the bright futures they have ahead of them. 

$2,500 Winner

Noelle Kim, California

For Noelle, education has never been confined to the walls of a classroom. While attending a traditional high school, her passion for science, engineering, and mathematics led her to seek out more advanced opportunities through independent study.

“As I reflect on my high school experience, I’ve realized my educational journey has transcended the boundaries of a traditional education.” Through her self-driven learning, Noelle explored complex topics like abstract algebra, which has applications in cryptography, physics, and computer science. The experience not only deepened her knowledge but also taught her valuable skills in self-discipline, time management, and problem-solving. 

Noelle’s dedication to independent learning paved the way for hands-on experiences, including internships at NASA and Boeing, founding student research teams, and winning research competitions like the Conrad Challenge.

$1,000 Scholarship Winners

Desaraye Flores, California

Aisha Ahmed, California

Vincent Osiak, Missouri

Jessie Zheng, Connecticut

Mastorah Almathrahi, Michigan (not pictured)

Each of these candidates demonstrated incredible resilience and dedication to their education. Desaraye credits independent study with helping her grow into a more self-disciplined and goal-oriented student. “The flexibility of the independent study program has played a crucial role in my personal growth. Being able to work at my own pace and on my own schedule helped me to better my time management and to better my ability to show personal responsibility.” 

Aisha’s transition to online public school transformed her learning experience, providing her with the support she needed to thrive. “Before being enrolled in my online public school, I went through many struggles with getting through school. I experienced difficulties and often felt frustrated and hopeless because of the lack of support and guidance. However, switching to an online public high school gave me a fresh perspective.” With the encouragement of her teachers and access to tutoring, Aisha turned her academic performance around—going from struggling in math to earning all A’s and a B+. 

For Mastorah, online learning was both an academic and personal transformation. Entering an online school with limited English proficiency, she faced a steep challenge but was determined to succeed. “One day, my teacher praised my progress, and I felt something I hadn’t felt before. I had faced my fear and won. Online school didn’t just teach me subjects; it taught me resilience and self-discipline.” Her journey of self-learning, persistence, and personal growth is a testament to the power of online education.

$500 Scholarship Winners

Devyn Traweek, Ohio

Logan Schaefer, Texas

Honey Samantha Reid, Idaho

Nathan Torres, California

Addison Jarvis, Texas

Kaylie Goerzen, Arkansas

Chasity Robinson, Alabama (not pictured)

These winners showcase the diverse ways personalized education can empower students. Despite facing bullying and negativity, Chasity stayed focused on her goals, achieving leadership positions in student organizations and receiving acceptance letters from 50 universities. “I never thought I would be the senior class president or graduate at 16 years old, but I realized it was all part of a purpose and a reason. I couldn’t be prouder of the mature person I have become today!” 

Honey embraced online learning to create an education tailored to her strengths and interests. “Looking back on my education, I feel there are two words that describe it best: uniquely mine. At Idaho Home Learning Academy, my education has always been driven by my interests and passions.” By taking courses that aligned with her learning style and managing her own schedule, Honey transformed from struggling academically to graduating in the top ten percent of her class!

For Logan, online learning allowed him the flexibility to pursue his life long passions. “I was able to swim competitively throughout my high school years, which taught me the importance of a strong work ethic in order to achieve high-stakes goals. I was also able to pursue an extensive education in piano, a passion I’ve had since I was four years old.” His advice to younger students? “Pursue your passions and try out new things!”

Celebrating Our Winners

Each of these students exemplifies the power of personalized education, proving that when students have the flexibility and support they need, they can achieve remarkable things.

Congratulations to Noelle, Desaraye, Aisha, Vincent, Jessie, Mastorah, Devyn, Logan, Honey, Nathan, Addison, Kaylie and Chasity! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.