Seven Students Named 2024 Diann Woodard Scholarship Honorees

AFSA honored seven exceptional high school seniors with the prestigious Diann Woodard Scholarship in 2024, recognizing their academic achievements, unwavering dedication to community service, and exemplary work ethic.

Named after the late Diann Woodard, a former AFSA president, this scholarship program celebrates her legacy by supporting the educational pursuits of outstanding students.

Each recipient received a one-time $2,500 award to assist with their freshman year of college expenses.

The scholarship is exclusively available to children of AFSA members in good standing, ensuring that those selected embody a shared commitment to education, community engagement, and diligence. These students stood out among a competitive group of applicants for their remarkable qualities and future potential.

AFSA President Leonard Pugliese highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “The Diann Woodard Scholarship reflects our dedication to helping the children of AFSA members achieve their academic goals. These recipients truly exemplify the values that Diann cherished and upheld.”

By supporting these deserving students, AFSA not only pays tribute to Diann Woodard’s memory but also reinforces its mission of advancing educational opportunities for future generations. The 2023 scholarship recipients embody the very best of their generation and are poised to make meaningful contributions to society in the years to come.

The recipients of the 2024 Diann Woodard Scholarship are:

Madison Doster

I am enrolled in a Science and Technology Program taking rigorous courses including advanced placement environmental science, genetics, microbiology and anatomy, and physiology. However, what motivates me most is everything happening outside of the classroom! 

I understand that our environment and stewardship of resources often have unseen, but major impacts and ripple effects in communities that go far beyond environmental and have the power to touch every aspect of our lives. Marginalized and underrepresented communities have been disproportionately impacted by environmental issues and the effects of climate changes, yet too often they have not had a seat at the table as stakeholders or decision makers. I know I want to be part of solutions.

  • AFSA Local 109:  Association of Supervisory & Administrative School Personnel (Prince George's County, MD)
  • Parent: Tiffany Doster
  • School:  Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland
  • College:  Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
  • Major:  Environmental Science

Morgan Jones

I would like to help make the judicial system more equitable. Throughout my childhood, I have been taught to appreciate the value of education, and its ability to expand my knowledge; knowledge I’ve been taught is synonymous with options and freedom. Therefore, I’ve always pursued organizations, classes, and programs that allow me to either learn something new or teach a concept or topic to someone else. 

Through various experiences, I’ve witnessed many different perspectives and outlooks, which have allowed me to better understand my passions. Overall, I’ve taken a deep interest in legal studies, policymaking, and efforts to promote equity. Therefore, I would like to continue to explore these topics at a higher education institution.

  • AFSA Local 1:  Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (New York, NY)
  • Parent:  Maritza Ollivierra-Jones
  • School:  Forest Hills High School in Forest Hills, NY
  • College:  American University
  • Major:  Legal Studies

Ximena Medina

I plan to study zoology and pursue Veterinary Medicine with the ultimate goal of opening my own veterinary clinic and starting a non-profit organization to help stray dogs. Giving back to my community is already a passion of mine, and I regularly feed stray dogs in my hometown of Tijuana, Baja California, where strays are a common sight on every street.

This journey began with my mom, searching our neighborhood for starving dogs rummaging through trash. Together, we started feeding them, and what began as a weekend activity soon expanded to other parts of the city. The gratitude in the dogs' eyes after a meal is indescribable and fuels my commitment. Now, I carry dog food, water, and plates wherever I go, ready to help any stray I encounter.

Feeding these dogs fills more than their stomachs—it fulfills my desire to care for animals. These strays often lack love and attention, and I strive to give them both. While I wish I could do more, my efforts help prevent starvation and dehydration, making a small but meaningful difference in their lives.

  • AFSA Local 134:  Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools (San Diego, CA)
  • Parent:  Guillermo Medina
  • School:  Southwest High School in San Diego, CA
  • College:  San Diego State University
  • Major:  Biology with an emphasis in Zoology

Casey Mulligan

My goal is to be a physician assistant in the field of dermatology. I have dedicated my high school career to working hard in the classroom and on the playing field in order to achieve my goals. I have accepted the challenge of enrolling in the Honors Program at College and pursuing a rigorous major while playing a Division I sport. My personal goal is always to excel in all my endeavors. My college academic career will be no exception. 

I have volunteered my time to the local food bank monthly. I have found this experience to be very rewarding because I give back to my own school community with this work. Since I will be attending school 30 minutes from the church I plan to continue this work throughout college. I have also volunteered with our local recreational sports teams to build a connection between the high school teams and our community youth programs. This is important to me because I was raised in our youth sports programs. The friendships and lessons I learned from these experiences are invaluable. I also volunteer with my premier soccer club, working with younger goalies during training sessions. I love serving as a role model for younger female athletes in my community.

  • AFSA Local 48C:  Region 16 Administrators’ Association (Beacon Falls, CT)
  • Parent:  Dana Mulligan
  • School:  Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls, CT
  • College: Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT)
  • Major:  Biology-Physician's Assistant Program

Julianna Santana

My mother is my biggest role model. As a proud Principal in the education field, she has always instilled the importance of education within me. Growing up I didn’t fully understand why she insisted that I try my best in school, but as I grew older I finally began to understand. Being an educated and involved individual has opened up an array of opportunities for me that I didn’t think were possible, college is one of those opportunities. I have grown a passion for combating injustice and I’m considering law as a future field of study. As a young woman of Puerto Rican descent, one of my goals is to give back to the Latinx community through advocacy. 

I was a volunteer assistant dance teacher, and currently I am a student worker at the after school program in John C. Daniels Elementary School in New Haven, Connecticut. Although small, each of these pockets has built a part of who I am today. Working in settings like a small dance class of six intermediate-level dancers, versus a classroom of twenty third graders, has given me experience with different kinds of people in different capacities. As an avid dancer I have always strived to improve my skills and reach my full potential.

  • AFSA Local 18:  School Administrators Association of New Haven (New Haven, CT)
  • Parent:  Yesenia Perez
  • School: New Haven Academy in New Haven, CT
  • College:  University of Connecticut
  • Major:  Legal Studies

Erin Thompson 

Being raised by educators, I grew up understanding the importance of knowledge and learning. I want to pursue higher education to continue towards their and my own expectations for my future. When I was in elementary school, my mother took a sabbatical to go back to school to continue to pursue new degrees. Even at the age of ten, this taught me to set the bar high for myself and continue my love for learning as long as possible.

I have been volunteering for Brighter Bites Food Pantry through United Community Schools. Some of my responsibilities in this organization were to help organize and distribute food and nutrition information to an underserved community, assist with Medicare enrollment, provide info for SNAP and other benefits, and translation between Spanish and English. To me, this program showed me that volunteering is about more than just me giving back to my community but rather the community teaches me. 

  • AFSA Local 1:  Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (New York, NY)
  • Parent: Justin Thompson
  • School: Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, NY
  • College:  Emory University
  • Major:  Undeclared

Cristian Torres

The greatest lesson I learned throughout my various experiences is that to lead is to serve. The motto "To Lead is to Serve" that has been taught to and instilled in is one that I will continue to live by throughout college and beyond.

Education plays a crucial role in pursuing a career in sports psychology, studying abroad in Spain, and playing soccer at the collegiate level. By earning degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology, I will gain the insight into the mental aspects of sports performance and how psychological factors like confidence, motivation, and focus influence athletic outcomes. 

  • AFSA Local 144:  Meriden Administrators Association (Meriden, CT)
  • Parent:  Lysette Torres
  • School:  Xavier High School in Middletown, CT
  • College:  Central Connecticut State University
  • Major:  Exercise Science, Psychology