Scranton Names Class of 2027 Presidential Scholars
Nine students from The University of Scranton’s class of 2027 have been awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. Seated, from left, are: Presidential Scholar Matthew Rakauskas; Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton; and Presidential Scholar Caitlin Wilson. Standing are: Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., executive director of the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities; Presidential Scholars Tiffany He, Olivia Ulrich, Maria Vyzaniaris, Brian Repsher Jr., Andrew Mauriello, Jillian DelBalso and Jessieca Aguasin; and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.The University of Scranton has awarded nine students from its class of 2027 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships.
Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition provided that the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.
Jessieca Moira C. Aguasin, Honesdale, graduated as valedictorian of Honesdale High School. A National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with distinction, she was also a member of the National Honor Society. She received NEIU Scholar of the Year, the PHEAA Certificate of Merit, and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. She medaled in invitation, regional, and state events for the Science Olympiad and medaled in regional events as the treasurer of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America Club. She managed her high school’s Dress for Success Closet and hosted food drives for her local church. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, Aguasin will major in accounting. Her parents are John and Jacquelyn Sasso.
Jillian DelBalso, Plains, graduated as salutatorian of Holy Redeemer High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, received the Spiritus Christi Award, the Bishop’s Youth Award, and was named a Citizens’ Voice Scholastic Superstar. In addition to being a two-year varsity basketball captain, she received a varsity letter for four consecutive years in both basketball and track and field. She was a Piano Guild 5-year National winner and played piano at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She was a member of the Saint Michael’s Society, class treasurer and school treasurer, a member of the pro-life club, and a Eucharistic minister. Along with organizing a 5k to benefit vulnerable and underserved children, she volunteered with St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish, was an altar server, a Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteer, and a Plains Little League concession stand volunteer. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, she will major in biochemistry. She is the daughter of Pat and Leane DelBalso, who is a 1994 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Tiffany He, Honesdale, graduated as salutatorian of Scranton Preparatory School. A member of National Honor Society, she received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEA) Certificate of Merit, and National Latin Exam Certificates of Honorable Merit for Maxima Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude. She was part of the Science Olympiad Club, the Interactive Media Club, and the Society of Influential Women. She plays the piano, violin and guitar. She volunteered at the Wayne County Historical Society, the Wayne County Public Library, The Wayne County Creative Arts Council, Woodloch Resort’s Breast Cancer Awareness event, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Bethany Village Senior Living Community. She has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Pin Hui He and Xiu Ping Jiang.
Andrew M. Mauriello, Duryea, graduated from Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. A National Merit Scholar Finalist, he received the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) First- and Second-Place Awards. In high school, he played varsity lacrosse for four years, was a student government class representative, a head delegate for Model UN, a student leader for the mental-health advocacy group Valeo Verde, a Science Department representative, and a peer tutor for math, science, Spanish, and history. Mauriello was a member of the Science Research Group, and the STEM Academic Concentration. He volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Al Beech Food Pantry, and the Wyoming Seminary Lower School summer lacrosse clinic. A member of the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Mauriello will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology with a minor in Spanish. He is the son of Mark and Kim Mauriello.
Matthew W. Rakauskas, Factoryville, graduated as valedictorian of Lackawanna Trail High School. A National Merit Commended Scholar, he participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Rakauskas received the NEIU 19 2023 Scholar of the Year award, the College Board National Rural and Small-Town Award and was named Scranton Times-Tribune 2023 Scholastic Superstar. In high school, he held the position of class treasurer, assisted in founding the Computer Club and the Chess Club. He was president of the Inclusion Club, and was a Unified Track and Field scorekeeper. He was also a Geeks Guild member, student council member, and peer tutor. He volunteered at the Children’s Produce Market. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Rakauskas will major in computer science. He is the son of Matt Rakauskas, a 1990 graduate of The University of Scranton; and Marisa Rinaldi Rakauskas, J.D, a 1993 graduate of The University of Scranton. He is the grandson of William Rakauskas, a 1961 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Brian M. Repsher Jr., Carbondale, graduated as valedictorian of Carbondale Area High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was a part of the Career Technology Center’s Scholar of the Year program. He participated in his high school’s Math Club, Physics Club, and Science and Technology Club. He was also a member of the bowling team and Scholastic Bowl team. He volunteered with the National Junior Honor Society through St. Rose Church, the YMCA, and the Peckville Assembly of God. Repsher will major in mathematics and computer science. He is the son of Brian Repsher, Sr., and Megan Dalrymple.
Olivia L. Ulrich, Aberdeen, New Jersey, graduated in the top ten percent of her class at Saint John Vianney High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. She was treasurer of the Key Club, and participated in cheerleading, the Light the Candle Club and Congressman Frank Pallone’s Youth Advisory Council. She was presented with a proclamation from the Township of Aberdeen for the work accomplished in the implementation of a sensory playground. She served as a RAINE Foundation Christmas lead volunteer. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, Ulrich will major in finance. Her parents are Lori and John Ulrich.
Maria K. Vyzaniaris, Furlong, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy. A National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, she was a member of the National Honor Society, and president of the National Latin Honor Society. She also received the Saint Michael’s College Book Award. She was a UNITAS retreat leader, an Athletic Association representative, FC Delco club soccer captain, and was a member of varsity soccer, varsity mathletes, and the Gold Key Club. She volunteered with Operation Smile, the Community Service Corps, Just Between Friends, and her hometown parish. Vyzaniaris will major in biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology. Her parents are Pete and Kelly Vyzaniaris.
Caitlin E. Wilson, Harrisburg, graduated as salutatorian of Central Dauphin High School. A National Merit Finalist, she was also an AP Scholar with distinction and member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of the Science Olympiad Club and participated in the PULSE program at Penn State College of Medicine. She played the French horn in the PMEA Region Orchestra, the District Orchestra, and District Band. She was 1st chair in her county band and school band. In high school, she also participated in the Quiz Bowl, Brain Busters, mock trial, and the University of Pittsburgh Data Jam. Wilson volunteered with the UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital, the Central Dauphin High School PTSO, and at her town election polls. She earned a third-degree black-belt in Tae Kwon Do, and a Six Sigma green-belt. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Wilson will major in biology. She is the daughter of Christopher and Christine Wilson.
