CT Students Earn Scholarships from Fund Created by Sen. Lieberman

The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund has announced that five Connecticut students who are headed to college in the fall will be the 12th class of Lieberman Scholars to receive scholarships from the Fund. In addition, 14 current college students who received scholarships beginning in their freshman year will have the scholarship renewed for their upcoming sophomore, junior or senior year.

The family of Senator Lieberman, who passed away in March 2024 at age 82, has chosen to honor his memory by continuing the scholarship fund that he began after concluding his remarkable public service career of more than 40 years in elected office.

The five students who graduated from high school in June - from Newtown, Fairfield, Stamford and Weston - will each receive $1,500 scholarships for their freshman year, which can be renewed for their sophomore, junior and senior years if they maintain a solid academic record.

Students to receive scholarships for their freshman year (and their former high school, college they plan to attend, and academic major) are:

• Evan Johnson, Newtown; Newtown High School, Univ. of California-Berkeley (Computer Science)
• Danielle Kanter, Fairfield; Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Univ. of Pennsylvania (Public Policy)
• Noah Masotta, Newtown; Newtown High School, Purdue University (Aerospace Engineering)
• Vishal Nayak, Stamford; Westhill H.S., Univ. of Pennsylvania (Economics/Political Science)
• Noel Villepigue, Weston; Weston High School, Villanova University (Political Science).

“Higher education can provide inspiring and determined young people with new ways to expand their horizons and seize opportunities,” said Hadassah Lieberman, wife of the late Senator. “Our family is pleased to continue the legacy of supporting outstanding students with this scholarship, and commend their impressive accomplishments. Joe Lieberman greatly appreciated the support of the people of Connecticut through the years, and firmly believed that the scholarship recipients would distinguish themselves in their academic studies and beyond, influencing the future of their local communities and our nation.”

This year, the Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund received 486 applications from students attending 169 high schools in 144 Connecticut cities and towns. Since inception prior to this incoming class, the Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund has distributed $307,500 to 60 new recipients and 145 renewal students, who have attended 43 colleges, and pursued 50 varied majors.

The review and evaluation of applications was completed by a selection committee at Scholarship America, based on factors including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, and career and educational goals and objectives. Financial need is not considered. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and have a record of community service.

The five student recipients from 2023 – Joseph Cichowski of Milford, Zachary Neiss of Guilford, Serena Platt of New Canaan, Avery Sama of Farmington, and Rebecca Varnum of Woodbury - along with 14 student scholarship recipients who have just completed their sophomore or junior years, will each receive $1,500 for the upcoming academic year when they return to school in the fall. Five students, who were the eighth group to receive the annual scholarships beginning in 2020, graduated from their respective colleges this past spring. The scholarship program began in 2013.

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors who reside in Connecticut and received their high school education here, plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year, have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent), demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a record of community service, and be United States citizens or permanent legal residents.

Annually, up to five students are selected to receive a $1,500 award – renewable for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever comes first. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Scholarship awards are only for undergraduate studies.

The scholarship program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

Joseph I. Lieberman represented Connecticut in the United States Senate for four terms (1989-2013), having previously served as Attorney General of Connecticut (1983-89) and State Senate Majority Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 2000. Sen. Lieberman used excess funds from his campaign fund to seed the scholarship program at the outset, and additional funds have since been raised.

The first class of Lieberman Scholars graduated college seven years ago. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin, for full-time study at an accredited institution of the students’ choice.

Applications for 2025 will open in February and close in April 2025. Information will be available at https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/lieberman/

The 2024 Lieberman Scholars:

Evan Johnson of Newtown earned High Honors ('00-present), received the Computer Science Subject Award and University of Chicago Book Award, and was a member of the National Honor Society, National Computer Honor Society, National World Language Honor Society, and National Science Honor Society. He was a National AP Scholar with Distinction, earned the Newtown Rotary Club April's Personal Achievement Award (Math), was a CT Kids Play Chess Volunteer, and held PADI Open Water, Underwater Naturalist, and Coral Reef Conservation Certifications.

Danielle Kanter of Fairfield was Captain of Fairfield Ludlowe High School's mock trial team, President of school's Model UN team and a Junior Lobbyist and Member of Youth Council for Connecticut Against Gun Violence. She served as Deputy Campaign Manager for State Representative Leeper's Re-election Campaign and is recipient of the 'Monaco Award' from the Connecticut Bar Association.

Noah Masotta of Newtown earned High Honor Roll, graduated in the Demi-Decile, was a National Honor Society member, and an AP Scholar with distinction. He was a Captain for Cross Country and Distance Track; placed 4th indoor and 3rd outdoor in the 1600m at the SWC T&F Championships; placed 4th indoor and 7th outdoor in the 1600 at the CIAC Class L T&F Championships; and 12th in the 1600 at the CIAC State Open for both indoor and outdoor. He also rebuilt a 27-foot footbridge for his Eagle Scout Project.

Vishal Nayak of Stamford was Valedictorian of Westhill High School, Captain of the Tennis Team, Captain of the Cross Country Team, Captain of the Mock Trial Team, and Captain of the Debate Team. Additionally, he was a Co-founder of Weekly Political Pep Talks, a political podcast focused on separating facts from opinions. He is also a recipient of the AP Scholar with Distinction award and was a semi-finalist for the Coca-Cola Scholarship.

Noel Villepigue of Weston received The True Trojan Award and served as President of the American Heroes Club, Student Government Senator, and Captain of the Mock Trial Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mensa Honor Society, and National Latin Honor Society. Recognized for his exceptional dedication to community service and leadership, he received the Congressional Gold Medal, the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Medal, and was a Daily Point of Light Recipient. Noel is an Eagle Scout, a Social Awareness Analyst on the National Board of the Joshua’s Heart Foundation and served as a Court Aide for the Stamford Criminal Court Clerk’s Office.