
scholarship
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Every year, APAHA awards scholarships to qualified applicants to ensure their continuing education and dedication to sharing knowledge about AAPI Heritage. Please join us to congratulate the following scholarship recipients. We encourage them develop into great leaders for our communities.

Aliya Macknojia
H-E-B Scholarship Recipient
Aliya Macknojia, a senior at Clements High School, merges medical research with public service. A former researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, she investigated neurobiological behaviors in insects. An accomplished long-distance runner who has completed six half-marathons, Aliya will attend Johns Hopkins University to study Neuroscience and Public Health, aspiring to a career as a dermatologist.

Arsh Maredia
H-E-B Scholarship Recipient
Arsh Maredia, a top 5% senior at Travis High School, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and captain of the varsity swim team. Co-founder of Leading2Succeed Fort Bend, he helped raise over $10,000 for disaster relief. Arsh will attend Texas A&M University to study mechanical engineering and agribusiness, aiming to apply his diverse leadership and technical skills toward real-world impact.

Ayan Virani
Mariam Issa Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Ayan Virani, a senior at Clements High School, is the founder of a Steel City Codes chapter, where he mentors underserved students in technology. A DECA state qualifier with over 200 hours of community service, Ayan combines his technical skills with a strong foundation in finance. He will attend the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin this fall.

Ethan Huynh
Mariam Issa Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Ethan Huynh, a senior at Cypress Ridge High School, ranks third in his class and is a Gates and Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship semifinalist. A symphony violinist and dedicated student leader, Ethan co-founded "Growing for Good" to revitalize community gardens. He will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study neuroscience, continuing his commitment to academic excellence and service.

Shayan Ali
APAHA Scholarship Recipient
Shayan Ali, a senior at Austin High School and Eagle Scout, is dedicated to leadership and mentorship. Through his work as a student assistant at Malala Yousafzai Elementary and his experiences in basketball, he has cultivated strong teamwork and discipline. Shayan plans to study mechanical engineering in college, using his problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and community impact.

Fatima Vohra
Mariam Issa Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Fatima Vohra, a senior at Dulles High School and three-time FBISD Academic Excellence Award recipient, prioritizes balance between academics and service. She is a dedicated volunteer at the Synott Community Center and IslamInSpanish. Fatima will attend the University of Houston to major in Psychology, with future plans to pursue a career in law or medicine.

Laiba Murshid
Mariam Issa Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Laiba Murshid, a senior at Clements High School and 2025 NCWIT Greater Houston Affiliate Winner, is passionate about healthcare innovation and computing. She developed a medication reminder app to assist senior citizens with patient safety and complex schedules. Laiba will attend the University of Houston to major in Computer Science, merging technical expertise with community service.

Sophie Zeng
Mariam Issa Community Service Scholarship Recipient
Sophie Zeng, a senior at George Ranch High School and AP Scholar with Distinction, ranks 7th in her class. A prominent BPA leader and public speaker, she has mentored thousands and raised significant funds for Special Olympics. Sophie will attend the University of Texas at Austin’s Canfield Business Honors Program to study finance, aiming to drive community impact through leadership.

Amisha Parmar
APAHA Scholarship Recipient
Amisha Parmar, a top 1% senior at Travis High School, is President of the National Spanish Honor Society and founder of a STEM mentorship program. Following an IT internship with the City of Sugar Land, she is dedicated to leadership and service. Amisha will attend Texas A&M University to study Electrical and Computer Engineering, aiming to drive technological innovation.

David Boll
APAHA Scholarship Recipient
David will attend Texas A&M University to pursue Kinesiology and join the club gymnastics team. A high-level athlete, he competed at Nationals in 2024, helping his Level 10 team secure a first-place national title. David embraces his stature as a competitive advantage and looks forward to the spiritual and physical growth opportunities awaiting him in College Station.

Lisa Le
APAHA Scholarship Recipient
Lisa Le, a senior at Alief Kerr High School and 2025 FBLA National Champion, is the founder of Forever Flowers by Lisa. A dedicated advocate for AAPI representation and Student Council Vice President, she blends entrepreneurship with community leadership. Lisa will attend Emory University to major in International Business, focusing on merging global commerce with cultural advocacy and impact.

Miranda Wang
APAHA Scholarship Recipient
Miranda Wang, a senior at Bellaire High School, is a Chief Product Engineer in robotics and a published researcher in quantum and biomedical sciences. A National History Day global champion and Medical Club President, she founded the STEMBotics Summer Camp. Miranda will attend Rice University as a Trustee Distinguished Scholar to study Bioengineering and Global Health Technologies on the pre-med track.
