Scholarships
Thank you for being part of this year’s conference, and stay tuned for what’s ahead next year!
2026 NYSPHADA College Scholarship Winner
Aaliah Barreto from Troy, NY
NYSPHADA’s College Scholarship Award program continues to grow, with additional applicants and larger monetary awards. Applications are accepted from New York high school seniors residing in public or assisted housing units.
Aaliah is a Senior at Troy High School in Troy, New York. She will graduate in late June, she plans to attend New Paltz University and pursue an higher education in a Visual Arts and Business Degree.
Aaliah said, “I currently hold a 92.09 GPA and I have always been hard working when it came to school. I am a recurring member of the National Honor Society, and I was in the National Junior Honor Society before entering high school. I have logged over 30+ hours of community service and soon will do more when I spend my week off on spring break volunteering at the Arts Center of the Capital Region by becoming a counselor to young kids who have an interest in the arts. I also participate in the United Allies, another volunteer service within the Troy High School Community.”
Aaliah said, “It is truly an honor to have received this scholarship and I am incredibly grateful as well. I would like to extend my appreciation to my family, my teachers, the Troy Housing Authority, and the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association for providing me with this amazing opportunity and support that will help me move forward in my career in Art and Business.”
Israa Hadine– Student Bio
My name is Israa Hadine, and I am a senior at Poughkeepsie High School in Poughkeepsie, New York. I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, but I am ethnically from Morocco. My intention is to attend Marist University to study finance and minor in accounting and business administration. While at Marist University, I hope to obtain my real estate license to further my education and deepen my understanding of the business world.
In high school, I ranked first in my class and have maintained consistent academic excellence, earning a place on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years while completing multiple AP and dual-enrollment courses. I have demonstrated strong leadership and service as Co-Volunteer Officer for the National Honor Society, Student Council President, tutor for middle schoolers, and a mentor in the Marist Transition Program, contributing over 100 hours of community service. My involvement spans a wide range of activities, including Science Olympiad, Environmental Club, Yearbook, student government, varsity volleyball, and competitive swimming. I have also participated in leadership and enrichment programs such as the Poughkeepsie Board of Artistic Youth and a Marist pre-college program, while gaining personal work experience.
It is truly an honor to have received this scholarship, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority for their generosity and support. I am also deeply thankful to my family, friends, and teachers for their constant encouragement, guidance, and belief in me throughout my journey. Their support has helped me reach this milestone and will continue to inspire me as I pursue my future goals and education at Marist University.
Tyquanne Harris- Runner Up
Tyquanne Harris is a senior at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central.
He has distinguished himself through exceptional achievement in both academics and athletics, particularly in football and basketball.
Over the years, he has earned numerous honors in both sports and was most recently recognized as a member of the New York State Boys Football and Basketball Teams.
This fall, Tyquanne will attend Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he plans to major in Finance while continuing his football career.
