Each year, Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy offers 2 $1,000 scholarship to Pennsylvania graduating high school seniors pursuing a college degree that supports individuals with physical disabilities. With the help of donations received, we have awarded a total of 9 scholarships since 2019. By donating today, you are investing in the future of young adults and the health and safety of our communities!
100% of all revenues and donations collected go directly to our Community Fund and support for people with disabilities.
Announcing Our 2025 Scholarship Recipient
Be The Future Scholarship
At Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy (AUCP), we believe that the future is built by those who lead with heart, persevere through adversity, and lift others along the way. We are thrilled to introduce this year's recipient, a student who embodies these values completely.
A senior at Souderton Area High School, Rishi is an incoming freshman at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. His ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist dedicated to finding a cure for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases—a path that directly aligns with the scholarship's focus on supporting individuals with physical disabilities.
A Scholar and Leader Defined by Purpose
Rishi has spent the past decade growing into an outstanding student, youth leader, and role model. His academic record is exceptional, and his passion for learning is evident to all who know him.
Academically, Rishi has one of the top transcripts within his class... We do not rank as a high school, but if we did, he would be at the top.
Beyond his academic prowess, Rishi has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team and Co-President of the Academic Challenge Team. He is a sought-after mentor to his peers and serves as a Pathway Ambassador, organizing career sessions to help underclassmen prepare for their futures.
Unwavering Resilience in the Face of Hardship
What truly sets Rishi apart is his extraordinary resilience. On April 22, 2022, his life changed forever when his mother was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal neurodegenerative disease. The family has since faced immense emotional and financial strain.
What is so remarkable is that in talking with Rishi, this was his way of life, embracing the opportunity, rather than complaining or feeling sorry for himself... He remains incredibly positive and resilient.
Rishi has taken on incredible responsibilities at home as a young caregiver, helping with every aspect of his mother’s care, all while maintaining his commitment to his studies and extracurriculars.
A Future Forged by Empathy and Purpose
Watching his mother’s decline has profoundly influenced Rishi’s goals. He is committed to investigating the root causes of ALS and addressing the challenges that make it so difficult to treat. He plans to conduct innovative research, collaborate with others, and continue his advocacy for ALS awareness.
His unwavering commitment to caring for his terminally ill mother demonstrates his deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and maturity.
The Bridge to a Brighter Future
The significant financial strain on his family has made affording college a major challenge. For Rishi, the Be The Future Scholarship is more than a recognition; it is a critical bridge that will allow him to pursue his dreams.
More than that, it would also be a powerful affirmation that persistence and resilience matter — that my story, resolve and my hope for a better future have meaning.
We are honored to name Rishi Dhanasekaran our 2025 Be The Future Scholarship recipient.
Congratulations, Rishi—your future is bright, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
Hoda Mohamed Barakat from Greater Johnstown High School.
Hoda is a Senior student at Greater Johnstown High School who moved to the United States from Egypt in 2021. She will be attending Duquesne University, studying psychology.
Sabrina Hodgson from Central Cambria High School.
Sabrina has plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Development at Mt. Aloysius College. Sabrina is a member of the Key Club and also works part-time to save money for college.
Seth Plummer from Greater Johnstown High School.
Seth is legally blind and has plans to pursue a degree in computer science and programming. He is involved in the Interact club, E-sports, band, and in the National Honor Society. Outside of school, he enjoys software development, music, video gaming, creating videos, and podcasting.
Megan Martin from South Western High School.
Megan has plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at West Chester University in the fall. Megan is a member of the Key Club and has participated in her school’s Mini-Thon event to raise money for the 4 Diamonds Fund to Fight Childhood Cancer. Megan also works two different part-time jobs to save money for college.
Emily P. Sherry from Central Cambria High School.
Emily has indicated that she will be attending Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in the fall with a major in Pre Health Professions. She is planning on continuing her education to acquire a degree in Nursing. Emily graduated with a GPA of 3.9834. In addition to being a wonderful student, she enjoyed playing the flute and was involved in the Concert and Marching Bands at Central Cambria.
Brandon Augustine from South Western High School.
Brandon will be attending Frederick Community College in Maryland this fall to complete his general education classes and plans to move on from there to Towson University for their Nursing Program. Brandon graduated with a 3.32 GPA. He is said to be an exceptionally hard working student who has overcome personal adversity to succeed at South Western. His teachers and counselor speak highly of his work ethic, ambition, and care for others.
Valorie Dzbynski South Western High School in Hanover, PA.
The Dollar for Scholars selection committee at her school chose Valorie because of her she had strong academic credentials, her teachers report she is a eager learner, works well with other students, and always gets the job done. She is also known to be conscientious, kind, quiet, and unassuming. As a result, Valorie is well respected by peers and teachers. Upon graduation, Valorie is planning to continue her education at Lebanon Valley College where she will study psychology.
Lucas Taylor from Central Cambria High School in Ebensburg, PA.
Lucas will be attending Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in the fall with a major in Liberal Arts/History. He has volunteered at the Ebensburg Presbyterian Church on numerous occasions and has assisted his dad and brother in displaying American flags in his hometown of Colver, PA on national holidays. Lucas loves all things related to history and is the president of the Central Cambria High School Young Conservatives Club. “Lucas is an absolute joy with whom to interact and the Committee felt that he was very deserving of this award. The look on his face when his name was announced was absolutely priceless and Lucas and his parents are so appreciative of this award.”
4
Years
8
Graduating Seniors
$8,000
Towards The Future
