05/20/2026
Celebrate Outstanding Blind Students
Baltimore, Maryland (May 15, 2026): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative organization advancing the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States, today announced the finalists for its annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance and connects students with blind mentors and other resources. The thirty scholarship finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by last name with their home states and vocational goals. Congratulations to these outstanding finalists:
Doug Allan, Colorado, Teacher of Blind and Low-Vision Students
Heriberto Arreola, California, Business/Educational Development
Aliceson McKenzie Barger, Kentucky, Counseling
Kailer Brown, California, Athletic Inclusion and Accessibility
Natalie Charbonneau, Washington, Marine Mammal Science
Sveta Ehlers, Missouri, Special Education
Nancy Gedeon, Indiana, Immigration/Disability Rights Attorney
Lucas Griess, Nebraska, Finance/Business or Law
Jenn Han, Washington, Registered Nurse
Marissa Helms, Kentucky, Law
Andrea Hernandez, Texas, Disability Rights Attorney
Bryson Jones, Arkansas, O&M Instructor
LaQuon Johnson, New York, Higher Education Disability Services Coordinator
Amelia Laing, Washington, Chemist
Zachary Ledford, Utah, Exercise Science/Kinesiology
Bennett Lehman, Wisconsin, Cybersecurity
Christopher Morgan, Georgia, Finance or Statistics
Stormy Odum, Virginia, English and History Teacher
Nick Oliver, Texas, Software Engineer
Joshua Olukanni, Georgia, Financial Advisor
Soso Ozo-Onyali, Maryland, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Raysa Rondón Avilés, Puerto Rico, Accessible Technology
Elizabeth Rouse, Iowa, Author/Editor
Charlie Rush-Reese, Minnesota, Musical Performer and Writer
Sherry Scott Bianco, Kansas, Data Scientist
Julian Silecky, Pennsylvania, Engineering
Muhammad Sohaib, Texas, Special Education Research and Policy
Chantsaa Undrakhbayar, Minnesota, Therapist
Willow Windoloski, Massachusetts, Robotics Research
Karolina Wrobel, Florida, Disability Rights Attorney
"Our scholarship program continues to exemplify how the blind people’s movement builds and strengthens a community of leaders," said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "The finalists represent a diversity of academic and professional pursuits, from groundbreaking work in STEAM careers to innovative approaches in media, education, and law. We are proud to honor these blind scholars, whose stories raise expectations and contribute to expanding possibilities. The accomplishments of these outstanding students are proof that the blind can achieve excellence and live the lives we want. We will celebrate these outstanding scholars together at our national convention, where their accomplishments will encourage the next generation of blind leaders to dream bigger and reach higher."
