EHSA’s 2024 Scholarship Winners Share Their Future Plans

Meet Annya Mella Vargas
Recipient of the Cullen Family Scholarship

How her teachers describe Annya:
Annya came to our school in October 2021 and has been part of our Immigrant Youth Advancement Program (IYAP). She was one of our founding members when we started the program in April 2022. She wants to be a Cardiologist and is already on her way by attending our Health Careers Pathways. As a member of the IYAP, she quickly shined as a leader. Annya has been able to plan activities and be a sounding board for the rest of the participants.

Annya has also participated in several other initiatives in our school community. Most recently she served as a member of our Newcomer Group Board. In this role, Annya served as a role model for more recently arrived students at EHS from other countries. She helped them integrate into the school community, guided and helped answer questions about transitions and being a multilingual learner.

Annya strives to learn all that she can in all of her subjects and encourages her peers to also reach for excellence. She has been a leader in Math in explaining difficult concepts and searching for challenges for her to grow. This year she played Volleyball for our school team, took AP Calculus, and AP English, and had double periods of Health Assisting while applying for colleges and co-leading IYAP. Also notable, Annya earned the Mass. Seal of Biliteracy, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Annya is still making her decision on where to attend college.

2024 is the first year for us to award the Cullen Family Scholarship which was established in honor of Francis T. Cullen ’39 by his sons John Cullen ’65 and Frank Cullen ’68. The scholarship is to be awarded annually to a graduating senior who embodies the Cullen family’s penchant for learning and teaching. Learn more about the Cullen Family Scholarship.

Meet Elijah Smith
Recipient of the Coach Bill Stewart Jr. Scholarship

How his English High Basketball Coach describes Elijah:
Elijah Smith was one of our five seniors that played a significant role in helping the boys basketball team reach their 2nd straight Elite 8 performance.  He is a skilled player who works hard and has solid skills, and more importantly he is a great student athlete and strong role model for the greater English High Community.

Elijah plans to attend Bunker Hill Community College in the fall where he will play basketballl.

Meet Rose Monestime
Recipient of the Coach Bill Stewart Jr. Scholarship

How her the English High Basketball Coaches describes Rose:

Rose has been a four year member of both the Softball and Basketball teams at The English High School. For softball, Rose was the team’s MVP for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making pitching appearances in 36 games, and recording 100 strikeouts in the 2024 season. Rose has been a part of three state tournament teams.

Rose plans attend Bunker Hill Community College where she will play sports and work toward a career in healthcare.  Ultimately, she hope to work in the field of pediatrics.

The Coach Bill Stewart Jr. Scholarship was originally established in 1987 and is awarded to the English High senior boy and girl who best exemplify persistence, competitiveness, spirit and good sportsmanship at English High School.

Learn more about the history and legacy of Coach Bill Stewart, Jr.

Meet Rose Alexis
Recipient of the Michael Nollman Family Scholarship

How her teachers describe Rose:
Rose is a student who is determined, driven, and talented. When Rose first arrived to English High she seemed to be a shy and quiet student. However as soon as she became comfortable she revealed her loving personality that brings laughter and joy to those around her. Rose has lived in various countries and has brought with her a skill set of interacting with others who are different from her, which is evident in how she treats all people with kindness. A cool fact about Rose is that she speaks 4 different languages.

During the college application process Rose took initiative in applying to as many colleges and scholarships as she could. When she felt encouraged that she would be able to go to college she quickly turned to encourage her classmates in the same journey. Rose is the epitome of treating others the way you want to be treated.

Rose plans to attend UMASS Boston and pursue a career in nursing.

The Nollman Family Scholarship established by Myron “Mike” Nollman ’52 in honor of his family.

“I am delighted to help such a worthy student. Her becoming a successful caring adult is all one can ask for. She is on her way. Conclude to her, Be proud of yourself, with your accomplishments and the person you have become.”    — Mike Nollman

Meet Jerome Jones
Recipient of the Alice and Harry Eramian Scholarship

How his teachers describe Jerome:
Jerome is a sensitive and kind student that is committed to helping and supporting others.  His character is immediately evident in his gentle smile. He’s a thoughtful, careful writer and thinker who always makes sure telling the story honestly and considering all sides.  His presence has truly made this community a better place.

At the 2024 Graduation Ceremony, Jerome was also awarded the coveted Franklin Medal which has been presented to Boston high school students since 1793.

Jerome plans to attend Framingham State University to study biochemestry.

This scholarship was established by Daniel Eramian ’66 in honor of his parents. Alice and Harry Eramian were both immigrants who did not have the opportunity to attend college. For many years they operated a small variety store, “Raky’s”  in Eggleston Square just up the street from where English High is today. The Scholarship is awarded to an English High student with plans to attend a four-year college or university

Meet Isabella Bittorie
Recipient of the Richard M. Long, Esq Scholarship
Given in the memory and honor of Coach Bill Stewart Jr ’37

What her teachers have to say about Isabella:
Bella has been a four year member of the volleyball team and a three year member of the softball team. Bella has been a part of two state tournament teams for softball and one for volleyball. Her leadership on and off the court/field has been integral to her teams’ success.

Isabella plans to attend Suffolk University to major in Criminal Justice.

This scholarship was established by Richard M. Long, Esq of the English High Class of 1952.  It will be awarded to a student athlete who has been accepted into a four-year college or university.  Learn more about Richard M. Long and why he chose to create this scholarship.

Meet Camila Goncalves
Recipient of the Errol L.C. Brown Memorial Scholarship

A special note to Camila from one of her teachers:
“Ms. Gomes is incredibly proud of you. Since getting to know you in the Health Assisting Pathways during your sophomore year, seeing you grow has been a rewarding experience. You have demonstrated proficiency in your nursing assistant skills and continuously strive to perfect them. You have faced countless obstacles and persevered through all the challenges. Despite these issues, you have maintained your grades and excelled in all your classes. Not only have you improved academically, but you have also enhanced your emotional intelligence. Your progress is remarkable, and I am so proud to see you moving towards college and fulfilling the dreams you have always desired.”

Camila plans to attend UMass Amherst in the fall to study biology and nursing.

English High Alumni George Brown ’60 established this scholarship to honor the memory of his son, Errol L.C. Brown. The 2024 Scholarship has been presented to Camilla Goncalves ’24.

Meet Arianna Johnson
Recipient of the DeWayne Walker Memorial Scholarship

What one of her teachers has to say about Arianna:
Arianna was one of my students that made my transition from the nursing industry to teaching so smooth. She has always shown a great deal of maturity, eagerness and motivation to learn in the classroom. She is a talented bright young woman who is determined to succeed in life. She is an outstanding student who has demonstrated excellent achievement by always maintaining an A average in Health Assisting. She has always demonstrated professionalism, respect towards her teachers and peers and always makes sure her work was always turned in, even if she was out sick. She is not afraid of working hard to achieve her goals.  She is honest and trustworthy in dealings with others and always displays good citizenship by assisting other students. Arianna has always strived to reach her full potential and always committed to do her best. Arianna is a great candidate and deserving of this scholarship.

Arianna plans to attend Mercy College to major in biology and animal sciences.

This scholarship is given in memory of DeWayne Walker by his wife, Sonya Walker ’81.  Since DeWayne Walker passed away due to cancer, his wife Sonya wishes this award to go to a college-bound senior in the Health Assisting Career Pathways program.