$5,000 Nini Krever Award for Academic Excellence Winner

■ Anya Muminovic, Sonoco Recycling (Raleigh, N.C.).

Anya was an International Baccalaureate student in her high school, finishing second in her class of 325 with a 4.0 unweighted GPA (4.7 weighted GPA) and scores of 34 on the ACT and 1400 on the SAT. In addition to being vice president of her senior class, an AP Scholar Award recipient and a National Honor Society member, she competed at a high level on her school’s swim team and received the Scholar Athlete Award each season. Outside of school, she was involved in Special Olympics and was a Girl Scout for 12 years, receiving a Girl Scout Gold Award—the group’s highest distinction—for creating a drowning awareness campaign in her community. Anya plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a doctoral pharmacy degree. This summer she is working at a pharmacy to gain experience in that field. Notably, she is the first member of her family to attend college as well as the first winner of the PSI Chapter’s Nini Krever Award for Academic Excellence. (Photo: Anya Muminovic with father Dejan.)

$2,500 Merit Scholarship Winners

■ Arian Arvandi, CellMark (Shelton, Conn.).

Beyond scoring 1560 on the SAT and being a National Honor Society member, Arian graduated with a 4.0 GPA from High Technology High School (Lincroft, N.J.), the top-ranked public high school in New Jersey and the No. 1 STEM high school in the United States. In terms of extracurriculars, he was president of the Performing Arts Club and vice president of the Genders and Sexualities Alliance. Outside of school, Arian participated at the state level on the Climate Superfund Act, mobilized students to participate in climate rallies and worked at Red Bank Borough (N.J.) Government Outreach. Arian will attend the University of Toronto to study materials science and engineering, with plans to follow that with a master’s degree, possibly becoming a professor. (Photo: Arian Arvandi and mother Snejana Pogosyan-Arvandi.)

■ Lauren Bailey, Smurfit Westrock (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

Lauren took classes through HomeLife Academy and Veritas Classical School as well as dual-enrolled classes at Lee University (Cleveland, Tenn.), finishing with a 4.0 unweighted GPA (5.0 weighted GPA) and a 31 ACT score. She is a talented dancer, singer and actress, and she participated fully in extracurricular performances in voice, dance and theater. Beyond school, Lauren distinguished herself as one of the best summer missionaries in the Christian Youth in Action program of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). In that role, she “made a lasting impact on the children and communities she has served,” said CEF’s executive director. Among her interests, Lauren enjoys budgeting and managing details with precision, so it’s no surprise she plans to pursue a major in accounting or financial planning at Lee University, which has awarded her a full tuition scholarship. (Photo: Lauren Bailey with father Tony.)

■ Mia Beeler, Pratt Recycling (Conyers, Ga.).

Mia took several AP and advanced-level classes, earning a 3.75 weighted GPA, 1140 on the SAT and membership in the Spanish National Honor Society. She has a passion for graphic design, which she studied for three years in high school. According to her graphic design teacher, her projects showed “thoughtful development and honing of technical skills.” Her extracurricular activities included competitive cheerleading and volunteering in her community by serving as a small group leader for middle schoolers at her church, participating in church service projects and assisting neighbors with pets and childcare. Mia plans to study nursing at Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville, Ga.) and hopes to become a labor and delivery nurse. (Photo: Mia Beeler with father Jake.)

■ Comauri Bryant, Graphic Packaging International (Macon, Ga.).

Comauri took a demanding course load at her high school as well as dual-enrolled classes in Macroeconomics and Advanced Composition at Central Georgia Technical College. She was involved in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), a global career and technical student organization that prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Beyond her schoolwork, Comauri has worked almost three years as a team leader in a local food-service business, which awarded a scholarship to her. “Her strong work ethic and ability to balance challenging coursework are a testament to her determination and adaptability,” her high school counselor said. Comauri will attend Middle Georgia State University (Macon, Ga.) and study interdisciplinary studies, with plans to later study architecture. (Photo: Comauri Bryant and guardian Connie Stroud.)

■ Taylor Chisholm, Pratt Industries (Staten Island, N.Y.).

Taylor’s academic achievements include being an honor roll student and a member of both the National Honor Society and the Japanese National Honor Society. She also completed the AP Capstone program, a two-course diploma program focused on developing critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills. In addition, Taylor served as a peer mentor in her school and was a two-time scholar athlete, playing varsity basketball and soccer. Her volunteer activities included serving as a soccer coach for children with special needs, organizing activities for children at a local library, and working at a local food pantry. She will attend Fordham University (Bronx, N.Y.) and focus on international relations with a minor in philosophy. (Photo: Taylor Chisholm with mother Julia.)

■ Anthony Costanzo, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions (Norwalk, Conn.).

On the academic front, Anthony had a high-B average in school, but his priority is music, specifically drums. He played percussion in his high school’s concert band and started a jazz band at the school with weekly rehearsals and performances. He spent his free periods in the practice room mentoring students on drum technique, counting rhythms and introducing them to new music. Anthony is now co-director at the School of Rock in his area, teaching and mentoring younger students and working at the company’s summer Camp Rock. He has played with house bands at The Bitter End in New York City and other well-known local venues. Recruited by his band director, Anthony fills in with the Norwalk Youth Symphony. He will attend the University of North Texas (Denton, Texas) to pursue jazz studies and drum set performance. The school invited him to attend on a full scholarship. (Photo: Anthony Costanzo and father Stephen.)

■ Chris DiPlacido, Pioneer Industries International (Kinnelon, N.J.).

Chris graduated in the top 5% of his class with a GPA over 4.0 and an SAT score of 1530. He is a National Merit Scholarship finalist and a full International Baccalaureate diploma student. He excelled in Spanish and earned a spot on the Principal’s List 13 times. Beyond academics, he was president of his school’s Student Senate, a student liaison to the Queensbury (N.Y.) Board of Education and captain of the varsity cross country team, varsity Nordic ski team and varsity track-and-field team. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, Chris participated in the Math Club, Mock Trial Club, Key Club and Captain’s Club. He will attend Cornell University in the fall to study political science and international affairs. (Photo: Chris DiPlacido and father Mike.)

■ Kyndal Fox, Bloomberg LP (Wilmington, N.C.).

Kyndal was involved in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) all four years of high school which helped shape her involvement in marketing. DECA is a global career and technical student organization that prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Kyndal competed and stood out in marketing competitions in high school, and she dual-enrolled at Cape Fear Community College. In the athletic arena, she was captain of her school’s lacrosse team. Outside of school, she volunteered at and participated in mission trips with her church. She plans to attend Cape Fear Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington her freshman year before transferring to UNC Wilmington full time, with a planned major in marketing. (Photo: Kyndal Fox with father Ryan.)

■ Alexander Hicks, Pratt Industries (Conyers, Ga.).

Alex took 10 AP courses throughout his high school years, including AP Calculus and AP Physics, and he scored 1330 on the SAT. In addition, he was on the honor roll and Student Council throughout high school and played varsity golf. After learning about the hazards that lithium-ion batteries pose to the recycling industry—in particular, the risk of starting fires or releasing harmful chemical particulates in the air—Alex started brainstorming about battery-detection equipment to remove batteries from the recycling stream and divert them for recycling. Outside of school, Alex says, “I enjoy staying active through personal fitness and golf, while also making time for family, friends, and new experiences. I love a good balance of staying active, spending time outdoors, and enjoying life’s simple moments.” He plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Georgia. (Photo: Alexander Hicks and father Kelly Bell.)

■ Ryan Ho, The Wilmington Group (Parsippany, N.J.).

Ryan distinguished himself in high school for his intellectual growth, character and integrity, earning a 4.4 weighted GPA and completing 21 college credits. His approach to thermodynamics and equilibrium in chemistry class impressed his teacher as he approached challenges with resilience and a positive attitude. In terms of athletics, he was captain of his school’s varsity fencing team, taking 8th place in the New Jersey Fencing Tournament. He also played varsity tennis for four years and was on the swim team for six years. He is working this summer at his local pool. Ryan likes to understand how things work and, like his engineer dad and uncle, he will attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology to study electrical engineering. (Photo: Ryan Ho and mother Lan Ly.) 

■ Lilly Krasinski, Smurfit Westrock (Marietta, Ga.).

Lilly amassed an extensive record of extracurricular and service activities, including participation in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Bremen Future Educators, a club that introduces students to careers in education; and Interact club, a high school service organization sponsored by local Rotary clubs. In all, she logged over 300 service hours throughout her high school years. She also found time to take mission trips with her church and work in a bridal boutique for five years. This summer she is working at a camp. Lilly will attend Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, Ga.) to study education. She is passionate about supporting children academically and emotionally, so her goal is to pursue a licensed professional counselor (LPC) certification and work as child life specialist. (Photo: Lilly Krasinski (center) with Will Howard (left), GM Smurfit Westrock Atlanta West Recycle, and father Mike Krasinski, Operations Manager Smurfit Westrock Atlanta West Recycle.)

■ Bella Lowry, International Paper (Memphis, Tenn.).

Bella was a “diligent student” who made the honor roll numerous times at her classical Christian school, which teaches all required classes at the honors level. Beyond academics, she served on her school’s spirit committee and service committee as well as its photography and yearbook clubs. What’s more, she played on her school’s varsity soccer team and sang on its select choir and its Dolce Girls Singing Group. Outside of school. Bella was involved in various youth groups and community service activities in her church. She will attend Mississippi State University with plans to study occupational therapy or psychology. (Photo: Bella Lowry and father Richard.)

■ Andrew “AJ” Maloney, International Paper, Cedar River Mill (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Thanks to his high academic performance, AJ consistently was on his school’s honor roll and earned membership in the National Honor Society as well as Academic All-District honors in 2024 and 2025. At the same time, he was a high-achieving multisport athlete, winning titles on his school’s track team and serving as a key contributor on the football and baseball teams. Recognized as a “tireless volunteer,” AJ participated in numerous community service projects through his church, including building beds for families and serving as a “buddy player” for children with disabilities. AJ will attend Wartburg College (Waverly, Iowa) and possibly major in mechanical engineering. He also will be a member of the college’s running team. (Photo: AJ Maloney and father Andrew.)

■ Ivan Mata, PADNOS (Holland, Mich.).

Ivan’s academic distinctions include taking AP and International Baccalaureate classes, being dual-enrolled for six semesters through Western Michigan University, and being a member of the National Honor Society. He was an equally distinguished three-sport athlete on his school’s varsity baseball, football and wrestling teams, making the varsity football team as a sophomore and being recognized as an All-District Academic Athlete and as a Cy Young Award winner as a baseball pitcher. Outside of school, his love of baseball prompted him to serve as a Little League baseball umpire. Ivan plans to attend Adrian College (Adrian, Mich.) to study radiology, and he will play on the school’s baseball team. (Ivan Mata and mother Noelia.)

■ Bridget Shaffer, International Paper (Prattville, Ala.).

Academically, Bridget was a high-performing student who took a number of AP and honors classes. She was on the varsity soccer and cross-country teams all four years (including serving as captain of the latter team) and was on the indoor and outdoor track teams her junior and senior years. Her club involvement included the Key Club, Spanish Club, and Knitting Club, among others. Bridget also managed to fit in community service activities such as coaching girls on their running form, making mattresses out of plastic bags for unhoused individuals, and serving as a peer tutor for writing. She is a talented artist and has exhibited her art at various state competitions, earning recognition and awards such as being a member of the National Art Honor Society her last three years. She will attend the University of Oregon (Eugene, Ore.), leaning toward pursuing a degree in business administration and marketing. (Photo: Bridget Shaffer (second from left) with (left to right) Brian Spear, Mill Manager; father Stephen Shaffer, Manufacturing Excellence Manager; and Natalie Johnson, Operations Manager.)

■ Gabe Shumaker, Circular Services (Normal, Ill.).

Gabe ended high school with a 4.0 GPA, scored 35 on the math portion of the ACT, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He competed on his high school math team all four years, earning a trip to the state championship each year. He also was active in numerous school groups, including being a member of the Student Council, Key Club, Drama Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. In addition, Gabe played football for his school all four years as well as tennis and soccer. He juggled all of his academic and extracurricular activities while holding down a part-time job for the past two years. Gabe will attend Arizona State University to study business. (Photo: Gabe Shumaker with father Todd.)

■ Collin Sims, Graphic Packaging International (West Monroe, La.).

Beyond playing on his school’s basketball team, Collin’s main focus was on sporting clays and trap shooting, in which he is a state, regional and national award winner. Faced with a life-changing family event in 8th grade, he had to “figure things out” and, in the process, learned that “community helps and asking [for] and accepting help can solve many of life’s challenges.” Collin’s shooting prowess earned him a scholarship to Schreiner University, which is known for its shooting teams. The school has an Olympic-quality facility and coaches who have Olympic skeet experience. After spending his summer traveling to shooting competitions, Collin pans to study agricultural business at Schreiner. His goal is to be part of the U.S. skeet team for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo: Collin Sims (center) with parents Chris Hilburn and Megan Hilburn.)

■ Chris Taveras, Pratt Industries (Staten Island, N.Y.).

Chris had a long and distinguished athletic record at his high school. He played for the baseball team as a sophomore and junior and was on the track-and-field team his junior and senior years, receiving multiple first-place medals. He also played all four years on the school’s football team, making the varsity team as a sophomore and serving as one of the team’s captains in his senior year. Notably, he represented his school at the sportsmanship interscholastic North Jersey conference and, as a result, earned a local football scholarship from his school. Outside of school, Chris was a volunteer at the football summer camp of his town’s recreation department, working with elementary and middle school students. He also stays busy working part-time jobs at retailers in his area. Chris is going to Kean University and hopes to study exercise science. (Photo: Chris Taveras and father Edward.)

■ Sarah Woodin, Graphic Packaging International (Kalamazoo, Mich.).

Sarah was a solid straight-A student with a 4.00 unweighted GPA and was dual-enrolled her senior year at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, taking courses in accounting and principles of marketing. On top of being a member of the National Honor Society, she graduated with distinction from her high school. Teachers praised Sarah for her strong work ethic, adaptability, kindness, and perseverance, with one teacher stating that she “has served her fellow students as a model of integrity and citizenship every single day she has attended our school over the past four years.” Outside of school, she was on a competitive dance team for more than six years and engaged in volunteer activities such as helping at her church’s nursery room and acting as an assistant coach in a ballet/gym class for children. Sarah will attend Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Mich.) to pursue a degree in marketing. (Photo: Sarah Woodin and father Dale.)

■ Caroline Young, Graphic Packaging International (Macon, Ga.).

Caroline took 15 AP classes and had a 4.0 GPA, distinctions that earned her multiple Georgia certificates for academic excellence. No wonder she was accepted by all 10 colleges to which she applied. Beyond academics, she was involved in the Social Studies Honor Society, serving as president for two years, and was a cheerleader all four years. In addition to serving as captain of the cheer team, Caroline was selected as Cheerleader of the Year and won first place at Cheersport National. She “learned from the bench her first year as an alternative by watching others perform skills and techniques but also to recognize the personalities that make the best leaders,” she says. Caroline grew up in a papermill family, and her father—a chemical and pulp engineer—has inspired her to follow his example. She will attend University of Georgia to study biochemical engineering. (Photo: Caroline Young (center) with Jeff Hargrave, GM of the GPI Macon mill, and father Donnie Young, Senior Project Manager.)

ReMA Paper Stock Industries (PSI) Chapter

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