2022 Scholarship Winners
Scholarship Spotlight: Brieonna Williams
Brieonna Williams was familiar with the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation since her brother, Bryce, was a recipient of a scholarship while attending Elizabethtown University. Bryce and the foundation have been her support system while she has attended York College of Pennsylvania. Williams is also a scholarship recipient.
“My support comes from my brother,” said Williams. “He went and visited colleges with me, has helped me learn more about how to be a college student and offered the support I needed when applying for the scholarship through the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation.”
That support has helped Williams pursue a major in graphic design at York College where she will graduate in May 2023. “I always thought I wanted to pursue a career in computer science, but I attended a tech high school where I began to dabble in graphic design.”
Williams continued to explore her creativity and majored in graphic design with a minor in photography. “I really enjoy the creative process,” she said. “I want to use my art to inform people and make changes in the world.”
Before learning about scholarship opportunities through the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation, Williams said she wasn’t sure if college would be something she could afford. “It has had a huge impact on my ability to go to college,” said Williams. “It’s a tremendous help. I feel like I have more people on my side and I’m so thankful that they found me deserving of the scholarship.”
Williams said she knows firsthand the financial stress that comes with earning a college degree. “I see some of my peers struggling and I’m thankful that I don’t have to take out personal loans,” she said. “I feel like a have a healthy future ahead of me, both academically and financially.”
As she nears graduation, Williams said she plans to move to an area that allows for growth in her career and will continue to be inspired by the digital evolution of graphic design and photography. “It took me a while to realize I was creative,” she said. “Now, it’s inspiring to think of what I can accomplish in the future.”
Scholarship Spotlight: Joshua King
Joshua King wasn’t planning on attending college. In fact, he wanted to be a police officer. He didn’t think he needed a college degree to enter law enforcement, but with some gentle nudging from his parents, he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. “They wanted me to go to college when my mind was still open to educational opportunities,” said King.
However, as he began to explore his career options, King found that Political Science was a better avenue to truly make a difference in the world. With a minor in psychology, he has noticed that his fascination with how people perceive moments differently has grown.
“I switched my major because political science was a much broader career choice,” said King. “I want to have a positive impact on people and political science offers me more options to impact policy as a political analyst.”
He knows firsthand how advocating for others can impact people’s lives. As a recipient of a Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation scholarship, King, a resident at Millstream North Apartments in Wrightstown, NJ, said that the financial support has been monumental for his educational path and his future.
“It’s taken a weight off of my shoulders and the scholarship helps lessen my worry about loan debt,” said King. “I have begun to think about my financial future long term and this scholarship definitely helps put me in the right place.”
With an anticipated graduation date of May 2023, King said deciding to go to college has helped him academically and personally. “College has helped me become more independent and self-sufficient,” he said. “I had to learn how to organize a schedule, make time for studying and balance responsibilities.”
While creating a balance, King said the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation has been along for the journey. “The staff has been so supportive and encouraging,” he said. “This is more than just a scholarship. They truly want to see you progress as an individual and a student.”
The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation provides educational assistance to children and adults who are residents of properties owned by LNWA or managed by Arbor Management. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities available at www.weinereducationfoundation.org.
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