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Honoring Students' Commitment and Community Spirit

Brainfuse has proudly unveiled the recipients of its highly regarded 2025 Elize Aunahn Memorial Scholarship, an award dedicated to supporting low-income high school and college students who aim for technical training, community college, or four-year degrees. This scholarship not only honors the legacy of Elize Aunahn, who served as Brainfuse's Vice President of Operations and Academics for nearly two decades until her passing in 2020, but it also uplifts deserving individuals who often fall outside the radar of traditional scholarship programs.

The Elize Aunahn Memorial Scholarship celebrates individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, academic success, leadership skills, personal resilience, and financial need. Now entering its fourth year, the scholarship program has attracted an impressive pool of applicants, showcasing the determination and commitment of young individuals striving towards their educational dreams.

Highlighting the 2025 Scholarship Winners

This year, the scholarship awarded two first-prize scholarships and recognized three additional finalists, each of whom has shown remarkable character and accomplishments despite significant challenges.

First Prize: James Obasiolu

The first prize was awarded to James Obasiolu, whose inspiring journey stands out due to his determination and exceptional achievements amid adversity. After losing his father and caring for an ailing mother, James has taken on significant responsibilities while achieving excellent academic results. His roles extend from being a student member of the Howard County Board of Education to performing advocacy work in environmental justice. James is also the Principal Cellist for the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras and has been recognized as a member of Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra. Pursuing a bright future, he plans to attend Harvard University in the fall of 2025, majoring in Environmental Science and Public Policy with Applied Mathematics.

Second Prize: Shaya Luna Cisneros

Shaya Luna Cisneros, who earned the second-place scholarship, has navigated many challenges, including crossing the Tijuana-San Diego border daily for her education. As an English language learner and first-generation college student, Shaya has maintained a stellar GPA while engaging in various extracurricular activities. Notable volunteer efforts include tutoring children in San Diego and leading community service events to clean up local parks. She will further her studies at San Diego State University.

Finalist: Miguel Arroyo Mondragon

The third scholarship recipient, Miguel Arroyo Mondragon, emerges from a low-income household and is poised to be the first college attendee in his family. As the sole English speaker in his family, Miguel has served as a medical translator and caretaker during his father's health struggles. Simultaneously, he has excelled at Raritan Valley Community College, leading various clubs and supporting English language learners in the community.

Finalist: Maria Baltazar

Maria Baltazar, another finalist, is thriving at Greenville Technical College in South Carolina, actively participating in TRIO Student Support Services and the 360 Scholars program. Balancing multiple jobs to support her family while caring for younger siblings, Maria also takes on mentorship roles, guiding peers through the TRIO Upward Bound program and the Momentum Bike Club.

About Brainfuse

Founded in 1999, Brainfuse has established itself as a leader in online tutoring services, providing support across schools, colleges, libraries, and workforce centers. The organization emphasizes the importance of live academic assistance, writing support, test preparation, career guidance, and services for veterans, ensuring that capable tutors are available to help all learners achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit brainfuse.com.