ConnexCares Awards $30,000 in Scholarship Funds to Fifteen Exceptional Students

ConnexCares, the charitable foundation of Connex, is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its annual Scholarship Program. This year, $30,000 in scholarship funds has been awarded to fifteen exceptional students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a strong commitment to community service and a clear vision for their future.

Each year, the ConnexCares Scholarship Program aims to empower the next generation of leaders by easing the financial burden of higher education. This year’s recipients were selected for their remarkable achievements, leadership potential, and drive to make a difference in their chosen fields.

(Pictured: Carl Casper- President ConnexCares, Louise Nestor- ConnexCares Board, Kevin Frost, Lia Butts, André Johnson- CIO Connex, Kayla Jackson, Michael Nowicky- ConnexCares Board, Carter Lagasse, Frank Mancini- President and CEO Connex, Aryan Singla, Adriana Stranieri, Lee Dupree- ConnexCares Board.) 

John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship awards a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities, with a focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in both academic and social settings:

• Elijah Barnhart

Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship awards a student who demonstrates an outstanding academic record and a strong commitment to intellectual growth, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field:

• Giada Garofalo

Arthur B. Haesche Scholarship awards a student who is pursuing a degree in business, economics, finance, trade, vocational studies, or related fields:

• Lia Butts

David F. Clark Arts and Music Scholarship recognizes a student who showcases a strong portfolio of their artistic achievements, emphasizing their passion for visual arts, performing arts, or music:

• Julia Macri

Six ConnexCares Merit Scholarships (Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties) are available to students from New Haven County, Hartford County, Middlesex County, and Fairfield County, who demonstrate a strong academic record, and an exceptional performance in their studies:  

• Adriana Stranieri
• Bohan Zazulak
• Carter Lagesse
• Kayla Page
• Kevin Frost
• Natalie Gallo

Five ConnexCares Merit Scholarships (Towns of New Haven, West Haven, and Hamden) are available to students from New Haven, West Haven, and Hamden who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to their studies.

• Aryan Singla
• Audery Doyle
• Kayla Jackson
• Kaylee Sellner
• Taniya Gatison

ConnexCares awards scholarships on an annual basis and will begin accepting applications again in early 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year. To learn more about the scholarship program, please visit connexcu.org or call 1-800-CR-UNION. 

About ConnexCares

Established in 2022, ConnexCares is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. More specifically, ConnexCares seeks to address community needs by promoting financial literacy and well-being, providing financial assistance for education, addressing children’s health, responding to food insecurity needs, and engaging in related volunteer and philanthropic activities.

About Connex

One of Connecticut’s largest credit unions, Connex is a full-service credit union serving more than 70,000 members at eight branches. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex, or Fairfield counties. For more information, please call 1-800-CR-UNION or visit connexcu.org