American Savings Foundation Celebrates 2026 Scholarship Recipients at Annual Reception

August 07, 2026

Farmington, Conn – More than 100 first-time scholarship recipients were among the students honored Tuesday evening as the American Savings Foundation celebrated its 2026 scholarship awardees at Farmington Gardens.

The American Savings Foundation Scholarship is a renewable award supporting students pursuing two- and four-year colleges and career training programs across the US. In addition to recognizing new recipients, the event also honored returning Scholars who are now entering their final year of college. Several alumni of the Scholarship program, including many who now serve on the Foundation's Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors, attended to celebrate the next generation of Scholars. The audience also included younger students representing local youth programs such as HRA of New Britain, Park Central, Waterbury Youth Services, YWCA of New Britain, and the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain.

"Our scholarship program has grown to be more than just financial support," said Heather Hokunson, American Savings Foundation Senior Program Officer for Scholarships. "We want to build the next generation of leaders, so we also provide students with access to paid internships, mental health support, and other resources to help them stay on track and achieve their goals."

Ms. Hokunson noted that because the scholarship is renewable, the majority of Scholars receive support throughout their full college or career training program. Including new and renewal awards, the Foundation anticipates awarding more than $890,000 in scholarship support to over 350 students during the 2026-27 academic year.

This year's reception highlighted careers in the arts. Keynote speaker, José Feliciano currently serves as Chief Program Officer at Chamber Music America. A 2004 American Savings Foundation Scholar, Feliciano recently became the fifth alumni of the scholarship program to serve on the Foundation’s board of directors.  Throughout a career that has spanned education, cultural institutions, nonprofit leadership, and the arts, José has championed the power of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In his remarks, he shared how "coloring outside the lines" opened doors to unexpected opportunities. He encouraged scholars to embrace new opportunities, think creatively, and remain open to wherever their journeys may lead.

As the Foundation celebrates its 30^th anniversary, the event highlighted the cumulative impact of the program. Throughout its history, over 18 million dollars in scholarships has helped over 3,500 students afford college or career training. Many of these scholars stay connected with the Foundation through alumni events and volunteer opportunities.  

American Savings Foundation congratulates this year’s scholarship recipients and looks forward to the positive impact they will make in their communities, professions, and beyond.

New 2026-2027 American Savings Foundation Scholars

Avon
Marika McCarthy

Beacon Falls
Abigail Beecher

Berlin
Amelia Powalka
Ciara Colon

Bethlehem
Boe Stokes

Bloomfield
Dason Smith
Munirah Namuganga
Elanna Lindo

Bristol
Neishaely Vega
Amina Yaseen
Azayla Hewling
Alexis Waida
Giavana Hatcher
Alexis Santana
Adiba Hossain
Armaan Chaudhry

Coventry 
Nicole Gao

Cromwell 
Julia Farrand

Old Saybrook
Kylie Moon

Durham
Hayden O'Sullivan

East Hartford
Lois Boateng
Victoria Moffie
Massiel Velarde Perez

Glastonbury
Colin Hurley

Madison
Julian Overton

Manchester
Tatyanna Perez
Livia Ramans
Shatoya Simmons
Amanda Saynganthone
Monica Salas Delgado
Mahum Rana
Jaedalee Torres

Mansfield
Elizabeth Byers

Meriden
Ondreigha Singletary
Rebeca Morales Soto
Brianna Gonzalez
Dariany Gonzalez
Anthony Valerie
DeeDee Highsmith

Middletown
Quanice Casablanca
Gianna Thomas

Naugatuck
Tyler Devoe
Brayden Whipple
Maryam Izzat
Genevieve Masse

New Britain
Esperance Moket
Josiah Mendez
Isiah Estrada
Akira Gunawan
Sarah Wol
Chastity Martinez
Julia Gajda
Jonathan Fontanez Rodriguez
Amelia Korzinska
Diamond Rahman
Aliya Parker-Viera
Nour Al Khoudeir
Joanly Ortiz
Calabrea Holter
Tessa Pollard-DeBarge
Ashwan Moore-Johnson
Mia Laguerre
Samantha Parker
Kaylen Morgan
Queen'Asja Mendez
Tatiana Valdiviezo Bonilla
Jakub Piotrkowicz
Yeznadalis Nieves Rodriguez
Yendri Ruiz
Ricardo Rivera
Jeremiah Barker
Hope Bounyarath
Kyesha Russell
Jada Gomez
Oscar Cotto
Tiffany Ayala
Damien Delgado
Liamya Hernandez
Gabriel Lue-Campbell

Newington
Charles Pham

Rocky Hill
Brian Smith

Southington
Mitchell Magyar
Nghia Tran
Anna-Jae Clarke

Waterbury
Jazmin Anzures
Rafael Pena
Julius Irizarry
Richard Ellis
Adriana Brammer
Camila Garcia-Rivera
Angelique DeSouza
Shantel Nunez
Leandro Urena
Kylie Villa
Theresa Roque
Noellani Gillians
Isis Worrell
Dalia Sanchez
Adriene Feliciano
Ashley Molina
Rachel Nunez
Cheyenne Powell
Maryluz    Ramos Hernandez
Ian Pelteku
Anthony Rodriguez

Watertown
Trang Vu

West Hartford
Kenneth Chow
Yasmine Benhamouche
Salma Makhlouf

Wethersfield
Seida Cecunjanin

Windham
Abbie Varga
Naima Moniz

Wolcott
Michelle Rodrigues