2026 Awards

A repeat winner, Jinn Janpathompong's confirmed passion for speech-language pathology and desire to support children with communication challenges is already making a positive difference in their lives. After college, Jinn's goals are to combine school-based therapy with community initiatives, aiming to empower students to discover the joy of running, actively participate in schools, and form long-lasting relationships.

Charlise Meier has demonstrated tenacity by overcoming self-doubt before a skating competition and working to improve her skills for learning how to succeed in challenging science courses. This will serve her well in her pursuit of a career in veterinary medicine. She wants to combine passion, education, and service to make a meaningful impact on the lives of both animals and the people who love them.

Nicole Tanionos lives with a chronic disease that has influenced her decision to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. She knows the flaws in women's healthcare better than most because she has been the girl in the waiting room. She intends to be her patient's biggest supporter instead of another barrier they face. There are so many important milestones in a woman's life, and she cannot wait to be the one to help them in their journey as a woman and as a mother.

Esther Corduck will start a degree in biology and wants a career where she can help people improve their lives and well-being and reverse climate change. She envisions providing adequate space for people to enjoy the outdoors, alleviate stress, improve their circulatory system, and develop new neural connections while protecting the environment.

In Will Pechninsky's first game on his first hockey team coached by Kent, he received the "Wing-Nut" award for hard work and determination on the ice. He took this as a lesson in the power of persistence. He is considering a career in medicine or physical therapy. His plan is to combine clinical knowledge with empathy and effective communication to create a space where patients feel comfortable, respected, and motivated in their care. He will contribute to a healthcare system that treats illness and actively supports individuals in leading healthier, more confident lives.

Ryan Fitzgerald is going to become a nurse working in an ER or ICU. He wants to be in a fast-paced environment to provide strong, reliable care where it matters most. He wants to be someone the medical team can depend on, bringing great medical knowledge, staying calm under pressure, and making quick, accurate decisions.

As a future physician, Sanna Joshi wants to understand both the biological and psychological aspect of health, helping patients navigate their physical conditions and the mental challenges that come with them. She aspires to work in a clinical setting where she can build meaningful relationships with patients and understand their experiences beyond their symptoms.

​Daniel Stepanyan is working toward a biomedical engineering career to develop tools that help people understand and manage physical stress before it leads to injury. He hopes to replace guesswork and symptom-based feedback with personalized, detailed data that informs training, recovery, and treatment decisions. By combining research, technology, and practical application, he aims to empower people to take control of their physical health, prevent injuries, and optimize performance throughout their lives.