Scholarships

Congratulations to our recent scholarship recipients!!! 

Abel Mechegia – Andona Character & Perseverance Award

Andona’s 2022 Character & Perseverance Award winner is Abel Mechegia. The Character & Perseverance Award is special because the recipient is selected by the teachers and guidance counselors of Andover High School. Abel is described as conscientious, optimistic, gracious, hardworking and uncomplaining. Beyond his compassion and gentle nature, Abel is a model of perseverance whether in the classroom, on the job or pursuing sports and other activities. Abel is also described as unfailingly kind and considerate with his peers. Even in situations that others find frustrating, Abel exhibits a patience and quiet understanding beyond his years. Abel is always striving to improve his academic skills. When Abel faces difficult challenges, he puts in his maximum effort and does not give up. Abel worked as an intern at Lowell Telemedia Center where he was described as responsible, kind, respectful, and a very diligent worker. Congratulations to Abel for being selected as Andona’s 2022 Character & Perseverance Award winner.

Conor Beswick 

Conor is an impressive young man who was involved in numerous activities and received many awards during his time at St. John’s Prep. Conor is described as “honest, dependable and incredibly hard working”. He also “injects kindness, creating both a safe space for others to speak up and a brave space, encouraging others to take risks.” Conor was a leader on and off the field playing varsity football, fencing and rugby, while also serving on the Xaverian Brothers Leadership Team, and serving as a Spire Society student ambassador. Conor was also the recipient of the Campus Ministry Award, Brother Stephen and Francis Award, and the Mary and Paul Hennessy Merit Scholarship. Connor also ran the Boston Marathon as a fundraiser for his sister’s special needs school. Congratulations! We know Conor has a bright future ahead!

Owen Chanthaboun

Owen is described as a “role model student athlete who has been highly involved in the school community of AHS.” Owen spent many hours tutoring peers, volunteering for the Special Olympics and coaching soccer to special needs children. Owen is a leader of the future medical professional club. He hopes to become a doctor and understands the need for cultural representation in medicine, explaining in his application that Laotian Americans are one of the most underrepresented communities in medicine in the nation. To this end, Owen has volunteered over 80 hours at Lahey Hospital. Owen is true scholar-athlete playing soccer and volleyball while taking a rigorous course load and being a National Merit Semifinalist. Owen is a role model on his teams, captain of the volleyball team and has mentored younger players not only in the sport, but in all aspects of AHS including how to balance academic demands, stressful times, and peer issues. He also organized virtual pasta dinners during quarantine so that students could still connect. Congratulations, Owen!

Emily Jundi

Emily is described by one of her teachers as a “brilliant and conscientious student” who is also a strong student leader. Her guidance counselor says that Emily is diligent, organized and works consistently hard to accomplish her goals. Emily’s service has been centered around her role on Team Cure throughout high school. Team Cure has sent over 500 care packages to childhood cancer warriors. One of Emily’s other primary activities is her work as president of DECA, in which she is the first candidate from AHS to receive a state office position in Massachusetts DECA. Emily is also an active member and speaker at the AHS Disability and Alliance Club educating the school and community about individual disabilities and accepting differences. Congratulations, Emily! We wish her all the best! 

Suhani Karki

Suhani has been a dedicated volunteer giving back to both the Andover as well as the Greater Boston Nepalese communities. Suhani was the Nepali Youth State Representative and created a fundraiser where she raised money to help low income children of a discriminated caste group. In addition, she is committed to educating Nepali non-residents about sociocultural issues back home. For her outstanding contributions to promoting Nepali art, culture, and heritage, Suhani received the Cultural Volunteering Award. She also completed an internship with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association and is part of the Future Medical Profession Leadership Board. Suhani volunteers her time tutoring English Language Learners at High Plain Elementary in the summer. Congratulations, Suhani!

Sinthya Kumar

Sinthya was highly involved in many clubs and activities at AHS. These include the Neuroscience Club, Parkinson’s Awareness Club, and Future Medical Professionals to name a few. She was also a member of both the Tri-M and National Honor Societies. Sinthya won 1st place in a public speaking competition for cancer awareness and has also worked in the BRIDGE program at Shawsheen Preschool for students on the Autism spectrum. Sinthya’s exemplary community service efforts include work she has done for the homeless, in shelters and for mentally ill over the pandemic by providing bagged lunches and baking several times a week. Congratulations, Sinthya!

Olivia Lu-Alba – Anita Howe Memorial Scholarship

Olivia is the recipient of Andona’s 2022 Anita Howe Memorial Scholarship, an award given in memory of Andona’s first President and one of its founding members. Olivia was selected to receive this scholarship because she displayed an exceptional commitment to local community service. Olivia says that she is “passionate about racial justice and helping others.” One of the many ways Olivia has demonstrated this commitment is through her work on the Town of Andover’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission where she served as the co-leader of the Community Activities working group. At AHS she is the club president for the Amigos Unidos cultural awareness and community service club. Olivia has been part of the Greater Lawrence Boating Program as both an instructor and as the leadership program coordinator spending countless hours giving back in multiple roles. Lastly, Olivia has been a dedicated volunteer at Aaron’s Presents organizing numerous projects including gathering dorm supplies for low-income students heading off to college. The Anita Howe Award winner selects an Andover organization to receive a $500 grant from Andona. Olivia selected the ABC House this year. Congratulations, Olivia! Thank you for service to Andover.