CURRENT AND Prior Scholarship Winners...
2024 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2024, the Houston Illini Club proudly awarded its annual scholarship to Qimiao (Gianna) Gong, a graduate of William P. Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. Beginning this fall Giana will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, majoring in electrical engineering. Gianna is the recipient of the largest Houston Illini Club Scholarship to date, $4,000!
Gianna’s introduction to electrical engineering began in middle school when she first learned Python, which set the foundation for understanding, gathering, processing, and making sense of large datasets. As she built robots that can play soccer autonomously and bionic arms to help those with ALS, Gianna delved into the practical application of programming and electronics. She gained an appreciation for how software interacts with physical systems. Her subsequent ventures into data analysis, particularly analyzing online trends and their spread, further refined her ability to extract meaningful insights from data. The combination of Gianna's experiences with data crawling, robotics, and data analysis naturally paved the way for her interest in the application of machine learning and AI in electrical engineering.
Academically distinguished as a National Merit Finalist, Gianna is also an accomplished artistic swimmer. Having been an artistic swimmer since she was eight, Gianna began competing nationally at twelve. She has won many awards at all levels of competition, with her highlight being two-time gold medalist of the USAAS Junior Olympic Championships.
Additionally, she has made similarly impactful changes in her community as the vice president of Eco Fun, a conservation club spanning multiple high schools in the Houston area. Between the club's efforts and its collaboration with many other organizations like Girl Scouts and Texas Master Naturalist, the results of her efforts were recognized by the Parks Development Manager at the City of Sugar Land and the general public. In Gianna’s own words, “watching our children (the plants) grow up and everyone’s smiles is always worth sweating like a horse.
2023 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2023, the Houston Illini Club proudly awarded its annual scholarship to Hanyang Sha, a graduate of William P. Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. Hanyang is the recipient of the largest Houston Illini Club Scholarship to date, amounting to a $3,000 award, paid out over two semesters. Hanyang has been deeply involved in computer science activities since high school. He is especially interested in algorithms and artificial intelligence. He self-learned the basics of C++ and has since used it to participate in (algorithmic) programming competitions. He also took part in research at Stony Brook University, regarding network connectivity, where he used linear algebra and programming to investigate the connectivity of graphs. Outside of computer science, some of Hanyang’s hobbies include mathematics, badminton, classical music, and martial arts. Hanyang began his studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in fall of 2023.
2022 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is proud to announce that it has awarded its annual scholarship to Yashna Chokkarapu, a graduate of the Math and Science Academy in Sugar Land's Dulles High School. The club is supporting Yashna with $1,000 each semester of her first year at UIUC ($2,000 total), matching our highest ever scholarship award. The award, provided by the club through the kind donations of our Houston Illini Club members will assist Yashna with school expenses such as books, supplies, and other course materials needed. Yashna began her studies in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall of 2022.
2021 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2021, the Houston Illini Club proudly awarded its annual scholarship in the amount of $1000 to Dhruv Saligram, a graduate of the Village High School. Since entering high school, Dhruv has been committed to exploring computer science and its countless applications. In his sophomore year he began work on a rudimentary prototype for a wireless surgery as part of his school’s Pumps and Pipes program. Dhruv’s junior year saw him lead his school’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Club, where he developed machine learning algorithms with the help of his classmates and implemented them into a humanoid robot. Dhruv began his studies in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall of 2021.
2020 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2020, The Houston Illini Club proudly announced that its annual scholarship recipient in the amount of $500 was awarded to Jonathan Song, a graduate of Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. Jonathan began his studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2020. Jonathan has always dreamed of pursing a career in Engineering, especially at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jonathan is excited to attend the University of Illinois and plans on possibly pursuing a minor in Computer Science as well. The Houston Illini Club congratulates Jonathan and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2020 scholarship!
2019 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2019, The Houston Illini Club proudly announced that its annual scholarship recipient in the amount of $600 was awarded to Keagan Mirazee, a graduate of The Woodlands High School’. Keagan began his studies in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2019. Keagan has always strived to excel in the academic spaces he participates in while also assisting his peers and community he lives in.
2018 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2018, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $750 to Oak Ridge High School’s Ian Campbell Sloat. Ian began his studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning in the fall of 2018. Ian was the leader of the Oak Ridge HS Robotics club, where he led his team to State in both the VEX and BEST Robotics competitions. He was a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) where he lettered all three years. He won the Texas Math League’s Cumulative Points Test Award from 10th to 12th grade and was named a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar in his junior year. Ian participated in NASA’s Johnson Space Center Regional and the Kennedy Space Center International Space Settlement Design Competitions, placing 1st and 2nd respectively. Ian was selected to intern with the NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) & Texas Space Consortium in the Summer of 2017. Ian’s “New and Improved Commercial Jet Engine” was recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics with a 1st place design award at the Houston Science and Engineering Fair. The Houston Illini Club congratulates Ian and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2018 scholarship!
2017 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2017, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Bellaire High School’s John “Jack” Lillig. Jack will begin his studies in Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. In high school, Jack was the team captain of his high school soccer team and played at Houston Express Soccer Club. He was also starting kicker for his high school football team during his senior year. Jack is a volunteer at Friends of Down Syndrome, where he mentors adults with Down syndrome and assists in both academic and athletic development. In addition, Jack is an AP Scholar, graduated with honors, was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in numerous extra-curricular activities both at Bellaire High School and at his previous school in Australia, where he lived before transferring to Bellaire his sophomore year. In Australia, he played on the soccer team, as well as on the rugby and volleyball teams and ran cross country. He also presented with his school’s robotics program at Queensland University of Technology.
2016 Scholarship Winner
In June of 2016, the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Friendswood High School’s Kathryn Kosinski. Kathryn will begin her studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. Kathryn will also be swimming for the Fighting Illini. In high school, Kathryn was the team captain of both her high school swim team and her club team, Pearland Aquatics. She is the Gulf Junior Athlete representative, where she represents the 9,000 Houston area swimmers, both at the local level and nationally. She is an All-State first team member and a NISCA Academic All-American. She also participated in the PALS program, where she traveled to FISD’s elementary, intermediate, and Junior High campuses and mentored younger students in need. In addition, Kathryn is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and participated in numerous extra-curricular activities including National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholars.
2015 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2015 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to The Village School's Vikram Seshadri. Vikram will begin his studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. In high school Vikram participated in the Breakthrough Houston program, voluntarily teaching and mentoring students from low income families in the Houston area. He is also a 4-year varsity tennis player, winning second place in TAPPS 4A doubles regional and state tournaments. Vikram has worked diligently throughout high school as an IB diploma candidate, while simultaneously participating in many extra curricular activities including habitat for humanity, computer club, varsity basketball, and working at the Kumon learning center.
2014 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2014 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Memorial High School's Xinyi (Gary) Zhang. Gary moved to the U.S. from China in 2010 and will begin his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this fall. In high school Gary was in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (the Mathematics Honor Society), originated his school's Yo-Yo Club, and was the vice-president of Team Sky - an electric devices team with more than one hundred members.
2013 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2013 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Sugar Land’s David Catalano, a Clements High School senior. David will be pursuing a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Illinois’ School of Music in the fall of 2013! During his high school years, David has served as Youth Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fort Bend Memory Walk, has been a part of his school’s Spanish Club, Habitat for Humanity group, and the Clements Choir Program. He is a 4-year Varsity Choir member and has served as section leader and president, and is also a 4-year Texas All-State Choir Baritone. Academically, David has excelled in Clements by finishing amongst the best in his class while taking honors and AP level classes, while simultaneously demonstrating his organization and leadership skills. The Houston Illini Club congratulates David and his family for the honor of winning the club’s 2013 scholarship!
2012 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2012 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that Samantha E. Holt, a May 2012 graduate of St. Pius X High School, is the recipient of the Club's 2012 scholarship in the amount of $1,250. Samantha graduated as the co-valedictorian of her class, and has enrolled at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana beginning in the fall. Among her many academic achievements, she was National Merit Commended Student, an AP Scholar, received the highest honors among her graduating classmates in writing and math, and was named to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals All-State Academic Team - one of only 20 Texas seniors to be so honored! She was been recognized with awards by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) in band, writing, photography, and art competitions. Samantha was a leader on campus through serving as President of both the Student Honor Board and the International Thespian Society - while simultaneously serving as an active member and volunteer at her church.
2011 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2011 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to have awarded its 2011 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Eric Kuo of Humble, Texas. Eric will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign beginning in the fall of 2011, and intends to study Electrical Engineering. He graduated in the top two-percent of his Atascocita High School class, and amongst numerous other academic and leadership credentials he was a concertmaster for the Greater Houston All-Region Orchestra of the Texas Music Education Association, concertmaster for the Houston Youth Symphony, captain of his high school's robotics team, Outstanding Performer for the Texas State Solo/Ensemble Competition, National Honor Society member, and Math/Science Club competition coordinator. The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Eric and his family.
2010 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2010 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its $2,000 2010 scholarship to Nikhil Kapur of Sugar Land, Texas. Nikhil will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning this Fall, and will study Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in the top one-percent of his Hightower High School class. The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Nikhil and his family.
2009 Scholarship Winner
In May of 2009 the Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2009 $1,000 scholarship to Ryan Kent, a graduate of The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas. Ryan will pursue a degree in Nuclear Engineering, and will graduate 3rd in his class of almost 900 students. Ryan is an Eagle Scout, National AP Scholar, and the co-president of The Woodlands HS Science Club. He also co-founded and is co-president of his school's ultimate frisbee club, and he is a member of the national honor society. Ryan is a Texas All-state euphonium player, and will continue playing euphonium in the top band at U of I. The club extends its sincerest honors to Ryan and his family.
2008 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its $2,000 2008 scholarship to Aaron Raiff, a graduate of Brazoswood High School in Clute Texas. Aaron will enroll as a freshman at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana for the fall of 2008. He will pursue a degree in Chemistry with the goal of becoming a chemistry professor and researcher at one of the nation's finest research institutions. Aaron is an Eagle Scout and will graduate in the top 3% of his class. He has earned a number of honors (AP scholar, Region Band, Chemistry and Spanish Merit award), and has been an active volunteer in community activities including Youth Ministry and staffing National Youth Leadership Training. The club extends its sincerest honors to Aaron and his family.
2007 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2007 scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to Lisa Hasenberg, a graduate of Kingwood High School. Lisa will enroll at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall to pursue a Chemical Engineering degree. Lisa is ranked in the top 1% of her class and is both a National Merit and an AP Scholar. Like Marisa Tomei’s character (Mona Lisa Vito) in the movie My Cousin Vinnie, Lisa comes from a long line of engineers. Her father is an engineer, her brother is studying to become a mechanical engineer, as are numerous other members of her extended family. Once Lisa receives her undergraduate degree, she intends to earn a Ph.D. in engineering and enter the workforce in research and development. We wish her great success and are honored to present her with this year’s scholarship award.
2006 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2006 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Jun Hong, a graduate of Stratford High School in Houston, Texas. Jun has enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a Freshman in the Fall of 2006, and is in the Bioengineering Curriculum.
Though only having been in our country for five years, Jun graduated in the top 8% of his class, and earned a number of honors. He was a two year president of the Junior Engineering Technology Society and won the violin Concerto Competition at school. The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Jun and his family.
2005 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce its 2005 scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Carrie Nie. Carrie was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated in the top 25% of her class. Carrie was the Co-Captain of her school's Varsity tennis team (4 years), where she went on to State, placing third. Additionally she was both a district and regional tennis champion. The club extends its sincerest congratulations to Carrie and her family.
2004 Scholarship Winner
The Houston Illini Club is pleased to announce its 2004 scholarship in the amount of $1,250 to Bryan Walker. Bryan served a member and officer (Vice President in charge of Service) of the Kingwood High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, and graduated in the top 1% of his class. The club extends its sincerest honors to Bryan and his family.
