2026 RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
We thank all students for their outstanding applications and congratulate the 2026 recipients. We encourage Vermont seniors to apply for a scholarship. Applications available in January.
JACOBY SOTER, BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY
Read Jacoby’s essay on the SAVE Act I Read Jacoby’s essay on Education Funding in Vermont
Thoughtful. Tenacious. Talented.
Voter rights are personal to Jacoby Soter since his father is an immigrant. His intent is to amplify voices silenced in democratic processes.
Jacoby organized a voter registration drive through the League of Women Voters to ensure his peers could exercise their fundamental right. His essay on voting focused on the SAVE Act. The arbitrary proof-of-citizenship requirement silences voices our democracy most needs to hear.
Jacoby is committed to exploring equitable access in education and healthcare. His essay on a national event centered on the education crisis in Vermont. What troubles me is that students and communities, the voices most affected by these changes, are largely left out of reforming Vermont’s education.
Jacoby was a member of the Maple Run Unified School District Board and served on the Student Voice Committee. As facilitator, intern, and Youth Program Specialist, he designed and moderated student-adult workshops to forge improvements in education and maintain the youth voice.
In her recommendation, Up for Learning Executive Director, Lindsey H. wrote: Jacob’s ability to listen with curiosity and compassion fosters strong, trust-based relationships, and he collaborates seamlessly with youth and adult partners alike.
Jacoby is attending Colorado College where he will major in Environmental Science and continue running cross-country and track. He enjoys fresh food and all things outdoors ─ going for walks and long runs, hiking, downhill skiing, and powder days.
ANNA FARRAY, BURR AND BURTON ACADEMY
Read Anna’s essay on the SAVE Act I Read Anna’s essay on Northern Ireland Troubles
Determination. Consistency. Integrity.
Anna Farray understood that education is not only an opportunity for personal advancement but a tool for making a meaningful difference. Bearing that in mind, she approached her studies with intellectual curiosity and active engagement.
Anna attended three high schools and stepped forward each time, participating in school groups and building meaningful relationships. At the Academy, she was President of Mock Trial in the Classroom, an extracurricular competition program offering students aspiring to become lawyers the opportunity to gain knowledge of the judicial system, legal process, and courtroom procedures.
In her recommendation, Executive Director Cristi S. wrote Anna’s leadership is seen in her willingness to serve, to include others, and to strengthen the communities she is part of.
This is evident in Anna’s work to raise funds for the global World Food Programme and hurricane relief in Florida, as well as in assembling care baskets for those who do not have access to food.
In her essay on Voting, Anna wrote about the proposed SAVE Act. As a democracy, the United States must uphold the value of representing as many people as possible.
Her essay on a recent national event focused on the tensions that still exist from the Northern Ireland Troubles and a recent development in resolving this conflict.
Anna is pursuing a pre-law degree at Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
PHILLIP RAMIREZ, BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY
Read Phillip’s essay on Access to Voting I Read Phillip’s essay on Financing Higher Education
Perseverance. Resilience. Self-driven.
Phillip Ramirez returned to the United States when he was 15 after having lived and studied in Mexico since he was five months old. His proficiency in English was minimal, and he used Google Translate to communicate and complete his courses. Determined to master the language, Philip began requesting assignments in English and, by the end of the year, earned an A+.
Teacher Justin B. is profoundly impressed. Phillip’s deep understanding of historical concepts, his analytical skills, and ability to articulate complex ideas in English are truly remarkable. His ability to thrive under pressure, particularly where the stakes are high, is unparalleled.
Philip participated in the school’s Blood Drive initiative, helping raise awareness of the importance of donating blood. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Math League, Interact Club, and Spirit Council.
In his essay on voting, Phillip focuses on voter access to the ballot. Because voting matters to every citizen, access must be guaranteed by those in power, so fairness stays at the core of governance.
His second essay addressed the financial strain facing students…Financial pressure fades when aid packages cover real needs, so learning stays the main priority. Lowering financial barriers in education is not just helpful but necessary to change outcomes.
Philip is studying Computer Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. His goal is to create and design technologies that are reliable and accessible to communities.
AVA NAYLOR, MILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Read Ava’s essay on Expanding Ballot Access & Election Integrity I Read Ava’s essay on Youth-led Climate Activism
Entrepreneur. Responsible. Creative.
Ava Naylor possesses a unique combination of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and civic engagement.
An exceptional student, Ava was an inductee of the National and Math Honor Societies. She was Vice President and President of Rotary Interact Club, student representative on the school board and Milton Recreation District Board, and ambassador for HOBY, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership. An accomplished competitive dancer, Ava has accrued many titles, scholarships, and awards.
Her entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 14, when she launched Uplifted Styles, a clothing brand that promotes mental health awareness through fashion. Upon attending the week-long Governor’s Institute of Vermont Entrepreneurship Program, Ava and a friend opened A&K Auto Spa, a detailing service. She took first place in the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s 2026 Video Pitch Challenge.
Ava is interested in developing a platform that supports climate resilience and real estate development to provide sustainable communities and ensure protection against rising sea levels and severe weather events.
In her essay on voting, Ava said Protecting the right to vote is a moral responsibility that sustains representative government and ensures that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
Her essay on a national event focused on the global rise in youth-led climate activism and its impact on democratic engagement. Civic participation is not only about voting in elections, but also about raising voices, organizing communities, and influencing public policy through sustained collective effort.
Ava is attending the Nova Southeastern University H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship in Florida.
RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
2026
- Anna Farray, Burr and Burton Academy
- Ava Naylor, Milton High School
- Phillip Ramirez, Bellows Free Academy
- Jacoby Soter, Bellows Free Academy
2025
- Vincy Chan, Burr and Burton Academy
- Brendan McLoughlin, Otter Valley Union Middle/High School
- Cree Pacher, Mount Anthony Union High School
Dottye Ricks Special Contribution Scholarship
- Luke Johnson-Cayan, Mill River Union High School
Maisie Wood Memorial Scholarship
- Erica Jansch, Mount Anthony Union High School
2024
- Brooke White, St. Johnsbury Academy
- Apolina Mbeleci, Winooski High School
- Lily Larsen, Essex High School
2023
- Michael Fernandez, Thetford Academy
- Amanda Gomes, Middlebury Union High School
- Anna Lee, Otter Valley Union High School
- Alexina Peckinpaugh, Windsor High School
2022
- Bethany Davis, Hartford High School
- Kimberly Cummings, Green Mountain Union High School
- Sarah Evans, Stowe Middle/High School
- Janaya Parsons, Bellows Free Academy
2021
- Hussein Amuri, Winooski High School
- Meghan Cole, Burr and Burton Academy
- Grace Coolidge, Otter Valley Union High School
- Bella Thayer, Missisquoi Valley Union High School
2020
- Audrey Grant, Hazen Union High School
- Eva Jessup, U-32 Middle & High School
- Hannah LaRose, South Burlington High School
- Senan Pol, Rutland High School
2019
- Makayla Chouinard, Spaulding High School
- Elexia Hodgdon, Craftsbury High School
- Dharma Neil, Woodstock Union High School
- Jennifer Tedesco, Hazen Union High School
2018
- Anna Beach, Spaulding High School
- Hunter Cliche, Twinfield Union School
- Erin Magill, Harwood Union High School
- Jshauna Tilton, Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax
2017
- Gracie Baker of Bellows Free Academy
- Jennie Mull of Burr and Burton Academy
- Julia Stergas of Bellows Free Academy
2016
- Cordelia Bell, Bellows Free Academy
- Cole LaVoie, Harwood Union High School
- Aenea Mead, Harwood Union High School
- Catherine Ware, Hazen Union School
2015
- Jesse Keel, Arlington High School
- Luke Lapean, Mount Anthony Union High School
- Hannah Patterson, Mount Anthony Union High School
- Isabelle Strong, Stowe High School