Polish Heritage Scholarships 2026

------
Polish Heritage Scholarships 2026

Group picture of the scholarship recipients and their families at the altar of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Scholarship Committee Chair, Teresa G. Wojcik, Ph.D. is third from the left, front.

The Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, an affiliate organization of the ACPC selected 8 students, who received a 1,500 dollar check each plus a gift bag. The annual Scholarship Luncheon took place on Sunday, May 3 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA, after 11:00 am Mass.
The following individuals received scholarships.
Jacob Andrzejczuk
A native of Perkasie, PA, and graduate of Lansdale Catholic High School, Jacob is concluding his sophomore year at Penn State University, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and plans to minor in Nuclear Engineering.
He aspires to work in the nuclear energy field and one day, "contribute to the decarbonization of Poland's coal-dependent energy sector and support the expansion of nuclear energy for Poland's power grid."
Jacob recently learned that he was accepted for an engineering internship with Veolia Environmental, where he will focus on water and pump systems at the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant.
As a personal academic goal, Jacob has sought to maintain at least a 3.7 GPA throughout his studies and so far, he has exceeded his own expectations.
Jacob's connection to his Polish identity is deep and his pride in his Polish heritage shone brightly throughout his essay. He wrote about one defining theme that he noticed throughout his study of Polish history: "despite the atrocities and persecution Poland faced throughout history, the Polish people refused to choose comfort or silence when their national identity, language, and independence were threatened." He continues, "I have come to recognize that Poland is often overlooked or poorly covered when we look back on history, and I now feel a responsibility to become well informed so that I may help others understand the pivotal role Poland has played throughout history for the betterment of mankind."
Every fall, Jacob can be found delivering ice and supplies on his 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle as a volunteer during the Polish American Festival here at the shrine.
Keep up your excellent efforts at Penn State. You have a very bright future ahead of you!
Congratulations, Kuba!
Michelle Gondek
Michelle is a senior at Upper Dublin High School, where she is deeply involved in extracurricular activities related to student governance.
She has served as President of her Sophomore Class Cabinet and as Vice-President and Activities Chair of the Student Government Association. She is also a student representative on the Upper Dublin School Board's Wellness Committee.
Michelle is the founding member of the Montgomery County Teen Senate. In this role, she has been an advocate for youth mental-health and substance-abuse prevention by speaking at school board meetings across multiple school districts and presenting student-driven policy recommendations.
She completed a semester-long internship in the office of a State Senator in Fort Washington, PA.
In her recommendation later, Michelle's AP History teacher wrote of her: "Michelle is a natural born leader. She is a person with truly remarkable character; a real go-getter in all aspects of her life, someone that everyone can always count on, and someone who doesn't let fear or rejection prevent her from taking risks and being a leader in so many areas of the community, both in school and outside the classroom."
Michelle is also a talented violinist, participating in the Philadelphia youth orchestra - Philadelphia Sinfonia - for two years.
In her application essay, Michelle wrote, "I am proud of my Polish heritage, grateful for the traditions that shaped me, and committed to using my education to make a meaningful difference. ... My identity is rooted in two places, but Poland is where my language, my family's stories, and my strongest memories live. It is the place that shaped by values and the connection I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life."
After graduation, Michelle plans to attend Penn State University and study public policy or international relations in the hopes of working in public service.
I have a feeling we will be see Michelle in a leadership position someday at the local, state, or perhaps even national level - first female, Polish-American president perhaps?
Congratulations, Michelle!
Veronica Komorek
A native of New Jersey, Veronica graduated in the top ten of her class from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. Her academic accomplishments have continued at Swarthmore College, where Veronica is excelling as a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Her long-term goal is to become a doctor of endocrinology.
In her letter of recommendation, Veronica's lab instructor at Swarthmore wrote about her excellent skills in conducting independent research, analyzing and interpreting the results of her study, and presenting her findings in both written and verbal form. Her recommender shared that "her performance in class demonstrates Veronica's success in acquiring the skills that she will need for a future career in the sciences."
Veronica's extracurricular activities are impressive. She has worked as a health center assistant at Camp Nejeda for Diabetic Children, volunteered at Overlook Hospital, JFK Hospital, and St. Joseph's Senior Home and Nursing Center.
In addition, for the past year, she has volunteered at the Community Engagement Core of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania where she has helped to spread awareness on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and ways to decrease exposure in children.
Veronica engages in all of these activities while being a student-athlete - she is a member of the women's tennis team at Swarthmore.
Regarding Polish activities, Veronica attended Polish school and earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
During her senior year of high school, she volunteered with the Kosciuszko Foundation to update the database of Polish scientists and innovators in the United States called the Collegium of Eminent Scientists.
I have no doubt that we will one day find your name among the list of influential Polish scientists!
Congratulations, Veronica!
Stas Kraynak
A resident of Lansdale, PA, Stas is a senior at Germantown Academy, where he has consistently earned high honors.
Stas has been fully engaged during his time at Germantown Academy, serving in numerous capacities: as a participant in the school's Immersive Service Learning Experience Program, representative on the Honor Council, and leader of a mentorship program.
Importantly, Stas founded the Slavic Culture Club at his school, through which he organized among other things cultural potlucks and a 2-week student exchange program in Poland. While busy with a multitude of responsibilities, Stas also earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served as Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 229 of the Scouts of America.
His contributions have not gone unrecognized. He has won the Union League of Philadelphia's "Good Citizenship Award" and the Carol Buckley Community Scholar Award.
In a glowing letter endorsing Stas for this scholarship, his history teacher wrote: "More than perhaps any young man I have encountered in my twelve-year teaching career, Stas Kraynak is the ultimate Renaissance Man. He's a student and champion of Polish culture, a gentleman of great character, a talented scholar, and committed athlete."
His teacher failed to mention that Stas is also a graphic artist who has created over 40 works of art using various media and techniques and developed the skill of visual storytelling.
In the fall, Stas will attend an unspecified university where he plans to find ways to blend art and science, integrate engineering, arts, and sciences with the goal of becoming a scientific illustrator and communicator.
Congratulations, Stas!

Gavin Lipski
A native of New Jersey, Gavin is a senior at Moorestown High School, where he has earned a place on the Honor Role for each of his four years.
In addition to excelling in academics, Gavin has completed an outstanding level of community service, signifying not only a talented mind, but also a generous and caring heart.
His service to the community has involved volunteering as a hockey, baseball, and flag football referee and serving as a counselor at sports camps for children and youth. In high school, Gavin has played on the JV baseball and varsity tennis teams. He also founded the pickleball club. He not only played pickleball but led the group as President for four years.
Gavin's Social Studies teacher wrote that he "consistently demonstrated a strong dedication to his studies," was fully engaged, and creative impressive presentations that linked current events to course content. As moderator of the pickleball club, Gavin's teacher shared that his "leadership has been invaluable to the success of the club." In his essay, Gavin shared that his great-grandparents were captured and forced into German labor camps during the Second World War. They emigrated to the United States in 1956. He wrote that "Learning about the history of my family from Poland shaped [his] understanding of resilience, humility and responsibility."
After graduation this June, Gavin will attend Wake Forest University in North Carolina and study engineering.
Congratulations, Gavin!

Maya Ostasz (sister Kaya is accepting the award on her behalf)
A resident of Hatfield, PA and graduate of Pennridge High School, Maya is concluding her junior year at Penn State university, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biobehavioral Health. In her own words, she is "dedicated to improving quality of life through patient-centered care" and aspires to be a Physician's Assistant. She has engaged in a variety of experiences to help prepare her for the medical profession, including working as a resident care assistant and in-home caregiver. For many years, Maya attended the Polish school here at the shrine. In her letter of recommendation, one of Maya's teachers described her as not only an excellent student, but as kind and compassionate. She described Maya's involvement in numerous activities of Polish school such as participation in the Pulaski Day Parade, volunteerism at the Polish American festival, and service as a teaching assistant during the Polish school's summer program.
In her essay, Maya wrote about the perseverance of the Polish nation and the preservation of Polish culture across generations. She concluded her essay in this way: "The lessons I have learned from my heritage and my family's sacrifices have shaped who I am today. They have given me a foundation of resilience that I can carry into my professional life. I strive to not only succeed in my PA program but to also make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, honoring the strength of my roots by living a life of purpose, dedication, and compassion."
Kaya, please share our warm congratulations to Maya and wish her all the best from all of us.
Stefan Rogowski (sister is accepting the award on his behalf)
Stefan graduated with honors from Cheltenham High School. He is currently a junior at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he is pursuing an interdisciplinary individualized course of study. At RIT, Stefan serves on the game administration crew of the Women's Ice Hockey Program and is working to jumpstart the Polish Club on campus.
Stefan is extremely hard-working and ambitious. During his high school years, Stefan worked a variety of jobs from waiter and landscaper to sales associate and restaurant manager.
He was a member of the Keystone State Boys Choir and a highly decorated Eagle Scout.
Throughout his life, Stefan has been involved in a variety of Polish organizations and activities. For example, he attended the Adam Mickiewicz Polish Language School as a child and later attended the summer program in Polish language and culture at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Stefan also served as a tutor and teacher aide at two English language camps in Poland organized by Eagle-Orzel Educational and Cultural Exchange.
Stefan's academic advisor at RIT wrote in his letter of recommendation that he has witnessed firsthand Stefan's "remarkable journey of academic exploration, personal growth, and purpose-driven ambition that sets him apart from his peers." Further, he praises Stefan as a "naturally curious student with a genuine passion for learning," a "big heart," and "electric personality."
After his undergraduate studies, Stefan plans to pursue a Master's degree in Architecture and aspires to earn a PhD in Sustainability.
Please convey our congratulations and best wishes to Stefan!

Olivia Szymkiewicz
Hailing from Washington Crossing, PA, Olivia is a senior at Council Rock High School North, where she has earned a place on the distinguished honor roll for her consistent dedication to academic excellence across all subjects.
While maintaining impressive academic accomplishments, Olivia has been highly involved in extracurricular activities at Council Rock including student government, tutoring, and serving as captain of both school and club volleyball teams.
Despite her intense schedule, she has maintained her commitment to learning the language, literature, history, and culture of Poland. A graduate of the "Ogniwo" Polish Learning Center, Olivia earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy for testing functional fluency in both English and Polish.
In a letter recommending Olivia for this scholarship, her teacher from Polish school wrote, "Beyond her academic strengths, Olivia possesses natural leadership and organizational abilities. A remarking example of this was her initiative in organizing and leading Ogniwo's first school poetry recitation competition. She did not simply participate; she created the event, structured it, and executed it with professionalism and care."
Olivia's volunteerism communicates that she also possesses a generosity of spirit and deep faith. For two years, she was the lead religious education teacher and instructor for grades 3,4, and 6 at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Trenton, NJ. She also served as a safety escort for over 200 parishioners participating in the St. Hedwig walking pilgrimage from Trenton to Doylestown.
Olivia concluded her application essay with the following, "I carry my Polish heritage with pride, not only as something I inherited but as something I actively cultivate, learn from and strive to honor in both my academic pursuits and my future career."
Olivia's long-term goal is to "dedicate her career to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges by providing comfort, guidance, and meaningful support."
In the fall, Olivia intends to pursue studies in psychology and neuroscience with particular focus on language acquisition and cognitive development at an unspecified university. Congratulations, Olivia!