Dear Barbara,


As another academic year ends, we are proud to celebrate our 2025 graduates, some of whom are featured below! Along with achieving academic success, these scholars demonstrate a commitment to service. They reflect the heart of our scholarship fund: resilience, purpose, and the belief that education is a pathway to personal growth and collective impact. In this edition, we honor their achievements and the bright futures they are building for themselves. Congratulations graduates! Welcome to the Phillips Scholars Alumni community! 

Justin Guinta 


University of Connecticut, Storrs 


Bachelor's Degree in Individualized: Criminal Behavior, Psychological Sciences, Sociology 

Minors in Literary Translation & Public Policy 



As a college student, Justin enjoyed giving back to others by volunteering as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at a local high school; a role that reflected his passion for mentorship and community service. Building on that dedication to service, Justin will continue his impressive academic career at UNC Chapel Hill to pursue a master’s degree in public administration. After completing his degree, he looks forward to working in the public sector, expanding postsecondary education access and increasing law enforcement equity.  

Amy Najarro Bojorquez 


Pennsylvania State University – Berks  


Bachelor’s Degree in Integrative Science 


While in college, Amy volunteered by packing food at a local food pantry and writing letters to seniors in nursing homes. Amy currently continues to serve others through her work as a home health aide, and she is looking forward to making a difference in the healthcare field. Building upon her knowledge gained at Penn State – Berks, she is currently taking a medical assistant course and aims to attend graduate school in the next two years. This pursuit of additional education reflects her commitment to making a lasting and positive impact as a well-rounded healthcare professional. 


Amy Hylen 


Saint Michael’s College 


Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education & Psychology 


While at Saint Michael’s College, Amy was deeply involved in service roles: as a writing coach, peer tutor, co-president of the Random Acts of Kindness club, and a substitute teacher. She will build upon this experience at Vanderbilt University, where she will pursue her master's in reading education. After graduating, Amy plans to become an elementary school teacher who fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students. 

Kevin Shi 


Bentley University 


Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Finance & Accounting 


With his dual major in corporate finance and accounting, Kevin will be relocating to North Carolina to work as a Credit Analyst for a national bank. He is committed to giving back, building on his prior experience supporting education and addressing food insecurity, and contributing to the financial well-being of customers. 

Spencer Shiels 


University of Miami 


Bachelor's Degree in Accounting 


As a leader of the TriDelta sorority, Spencer led fundraising efforts benefitting St. Jude’s Children Hospital and other philanthropic initiatives. Now returning to New England from the Sunshine State, she will pursue a master’s degree in accounting, with plans to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and pursue investigative and forensic accounting. In her future profession, Spencer will be responsible for promoting financial transparency and accountability in service of the public good.  


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