Meet our 2023-24 Founder’s Fellows

In the 2023-24 school year, ten 8th grade KSF scholars were nominated by their school principals. From this impressive group of students, the Founder’s Fellows Committee selected five finalists to receive fellowship awards that are applied directly toward their 9th grade tuition at the high school of the family’s choice.

Top Winner: Juliana
Children’s Community School, Waterbury

“You never have to ask Juliana twice to lend a hand or help others,” said principal Katherin Sniffin. “Juliana listens quietly to the task at hand and guides her peers and her siblings to join her in whatever task is needed. She will be the person to approach faculty or administration with suggestions, ideas, or concerns [of] her own or of the group.”

“As a [KSF] Scholar I have continuously shown that I am dedicated to my studies by getting good grades and being respectful and responsible,” Juliana says. “Without this help, I would not have been able to complete my education at the school where I have been at since I was 2 years old. I have been here because of your help and have the people at this school as my family and I want to show everyone in my life that I can live out my dreams.” Juliana is excited to work toward her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

First Runner Up: Mordechai
Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy, Orange

“Mordechai is a very bright, easy-going, confident young man who enjoys interacting with his peers,” says principal Rabbi Kaplan. “Mordechai has been blessed with a brilliant mind but he hasn’t taken it for granted and continuously demonstrates the willingness to invest time and effort to succeed.”

“I would like to see myself grow up to be someone who has a positive impact on myself, my family, my community, and the world around me,” says Mordechai. “I think that the skill and love of learning is something that will help [me] succeed in all areas of life and help me become the person I want to be.”

Runner Up: Mathew
Easton Country Day School, Easton

“Mathew has successfully [led] students in activities as part of student council programs,” says principal Jody Smith. “During lunchtime Mathew often volunteers to carry the lunches to the lunchroom.” Mathew’s principal praised him for his participation in team sports and his academic achievement.

“With the [KSF] scholarship, I joined a private school of my parent’s choice that mirrored my enthusiasm for learning and provided an academic environment where students thrive.” Mathew’s goal is to attend an Ivy League college and become an arboreal biologist.

Runner Up: Noah
All Saints Catholic Academy, New Haven

“Noah’s generosity of spirit shines each day. He enjoys making others smile [and] lifting others up,” says principal Sr. Diane Mastroianni. “Noah’s desire to serve makes him a good leader.”

“[KSF] helped me by letting me be able to do my work and work very hard by attending my school so I can afford it. I have great teachers that support me,” says Noah. Noah dreams of attending school to become a veterinarian.

Runner Up: Joshua
All Saints Catholic Academy, New Haven

“Joshua is always ready to lend a hand in any circumstance. . . . Joshua is an excellent student with an amazing work ethic—he has the ability to think critically [and] analyze text—this sets him apart as a student,” says principal Sr. Diane Mastroianni.

“With [my KSF] scholarship I don’t become a number in society instead I become someone with a purpose and future in society,” says Joshua. “I want to be a great asset to the school and my community. And some day when I become an adult, I can be a donor myself to help other[s] the same way I was helped to have a brighter future.” Joshua dreams of becoming an engineer in technology.