Meet the 2025 Daniel Murphy Scholars
This school year, six ME eighth graders were selected as recipients of prestigious scholarships through the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) and the HFS Scholars Program. These programs provide life-changing opportunities that help deserving students attend top high schools with significant financial support. Beyond high school, 100% of scholars who apply to four-year universities gain acceptance, a testament to the programs’ long-term impact. These scholarships include rigorous application processes that require essays, interviews, and recommendations. These scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication and promise.
Mr. Marcus Woods, ME’s High School Readiness Counselor, plays a key role in guiding students through these processes. He prepares them for success by teaching classes, hosting focus groups, and providing application and interview preparation. His commitment ensures that our scholars are confident and ready for the next steps in their academic journeys.
Cameron Amill
Cameron has been with ME since kindergarten and found out about DMSF through High Jump. In his essays, he wrote about his leadership skills, his dream of making the world a better place, and his passion for paleontology.
During high school, Cameron wants to branch out. He’s planning to learn German and try a new sport. He’s focused on pushing himself and exploring new opportunities. His advice for future applicants is to be professional, believe in yourself, and ensure you’re fully prepared for interviews.
Ah’miya Blankenship
Ah’miya joined ME three years ago and loves art and volleyball. She heard about DMSF from Mr. Woods and shared her personal story in her essays, focusing on her family and the challenges she has overcome.
In high school, Ah’miya hopes to come out of her shell, make more friends, and keep working on her talents. Long-term, she envisions herself becoming a lawyer or starting her own business. Her advice to anyone thinking of applying is to stay calm during the process, take it step by step, and trust that things will work out.
Tayler Brewer
Tayler has been part of ME since kindergarten and is involved in NJHS, volleyball, art, and high jump. In his DMSF essay, he discussed learning to speak up for himself and handle conflicts, showing how much he has grown over the years.
One of his favorite memories from ME is the Fall Ball. He loved getting dressed up and spending time with his friends. Tayler has big plans to become an entrepreneur and eventually dive into smart investments. His advice for future applicants is to take your time, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to let your confidence shine.
Ivory Cadet
Ivory has been part of the ME community since fourth grade and stays busy with cheer, track, volleyball, the Student Government Association, and NJHS. She was inspired to apply to the DMSF by her counselor, Mr. Woods, and stories of past scholarship winners.
In her essays, Ivory wrote about her leadership skills, the importance of college to her, and her determination to stay on a path to success. She has big plans for high school, including maintaining straight A’s and joining as many clubs as possible. Whether she ends up in real estate or the medical field, Ivory is determined to make her mark. Her advice for future applicants is to start early, believe in yourself, and don’t let nerves get in the way of showing who you are.
Dillion Mooney
Dillion has been an ME scholar since kindergarten and is excited about joining track and field in high school. He learned about DMSF through High Jump and decided to apply after realizing how much it could help him reach his goals. In his essays, he wrote about his passion for giving back and how much education mens to him.
Dillion dreams of becoming an architect and is already thinking about ways to challenge himself, such as graduating high school early by earning extra credits. His advice to future applicants is to stay confident, get creative, and always be prepared to put your best foot forward.
Anthoniya Nutall
Anthoniya has been an ME scholar for four years and loves staying active with cheer, track, and volleyball. She was nominated for the HFS Scholarship by Ms. Wazny and the Illinois Network for Charter Schools. For Anthoniya, the support she’s received from the ME staff has been a huge motivation, helping her dream bigger and push herself harder. In high school, she plans to excel academically while building great relationships with her teachers and classmates.
Anthoniya dreams of becoming an OB-GYN doctor one day. Her advice to future candidates is to take eighth grade seriously, give it your all, and stay on track. Success will surely follow.
Mike Rogers, Founder and Executive Director (center) with (from left), Tayler Brewer, Ah’miya Blankenship, Dillion Mooney, Cameron Amill, Ivory Cadet, and Anthoniya Nutall.
We are incredibly proud of these remarkable students for their hard work and dedication. Their success in earning these scholarships is a testament to their resilience in representing Moving Everest so well. Congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved achievement, and we look forward to following their amazing journeys in the future.
Since its inception in 1989, the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund has awarded scholarships to over 3,000 students, enabling them to attend more than 80 partner high schools. Similarly, HFS Chicago Scholars, established in 1993, has played a pivotal role in providing partial high school scholarships and wraparound support to underserved students. Both organizations empower students to overcome financial and systemic barriers, setting them on a path toward long-term success.
