Seven Star NYC Students Named Milken Scholars, Receive $10,000 Awards
Published 06/16/2026 in Program Updates
Written
06/16/2026
2026 class members embody “Lifelong Leaders for a Better World”
Santa Monica, Calif., (June 16, 2026) — Seven exceptional NYC students’ college funds just got an exciting $10,000 boost. As the 2026 Milken Scholars class, they will unlock a lifetime of valuable support in college, career and life.
The scholarship Program, a joint initiative of the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation, honors high school seniors in New York City, Los Angeles County, and Washington, D.C., each year with a $10,000 cash prize and lifelong access to college advising, career counseling, internship assistance, community service opportunities, and a fund to help with graduate school applications, unpaid internships, study abroad programs, and other costs associated with their career preparations.
The 2026 NYC Milken Scholars are:
- Angelica Capparelli, Forest Hills High School, UC Santa Barbara
- Tian “Sky” Jin, Francis Lewis High School, Swarthmore College
- Mariana Mosquera-Joaqui, Francis Lewis High School, Princeton
- Hasin Shaykat, The Kew-Forest School, MIT
- Katlyn Toranzo, High School of American Studies at Lehman College, Bowdoin College
- Tseday Williams, The Packer Collegiate Institute, Northwestern University
- Sarah Zou, Stuyvesant High School, Yale
A photo and biography are provided for each student below. Photos courtesy of the Milken Institute.
The Milken Scholars Program was established in 1989 by Mike and Lori Milken. After completing a rigorous nomination, application and interview process, Milken Scholars are selected based on academic performance, community service, leadership, and their ability to persevere in the face of personal challenges. Past recipients include inaugural poet Amanda Gorman; Ruben Harutunian, treasurer of the board of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt and minister-counselor for public diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo; Dr. Joelle Simpson, chief of emergency medicine at Children’s National Hospital; and award-winning entrepreneur Emanuel Yekutiel.
“The members of the Milken Scholars Class of 2026 remind us that the future belongs to those who never stop learning,” said Mike Milken. “In a world being reshaped by new technologies and new opportunities, they have already demonstrated a record of achievement and intellectual curiosity that will serve them well throughout their lives. Lori and I are proud to welcome them into the Milken Scholars community and look forward to the contributions they will make in the years ahead.”
The NYC Milken Scholar Alumni and community members will gather later this month to celebrate the 2026 NYC Scholars at an annual Recognition Ceremony. In July, they will attend a three-day summit in Washington, D.C., where they will join the full class of 2026 Milken Scholars as well as undergraduates and Alumni facilitators in fields across all industries. Students will gain insight and guidance from speakers, panels and activities surrounding the Summit theme, “Leading in a New Era,” and learn more about the support structure they will receive throughout their lives. Access to such resources creates a setting that prepares these exceptional youth to achieve their personal, academic and professional goals and, in the process, become “Lifelong Leaders for a Better World.”
A special highlight of the summit will be a visit to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) on Pennsylvania Avenue, where Milken Scholars will find their stories and those of their peers featured throughout various exhibits.
Mike and Lori Milken founded the Milken Scholars Program to promote and assist exceptional youth as they navigate the transitions from high school to college and from college to graduate school or the world of work. Milken Scholars represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences and academic and professional interests, and are admitted to top colleges and universities. Twenty-four percent were born outside the U.S. and 79% have parents originating from 85 countries. More than half are first generation in their family to attend college, while 45% are the first person in their family to attend college in the U.S. The class of 2026 is significantly diverse, representing 14 countries spanning North America and the Caribbean, Central America, South America, West Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
MEET THE 2026 NYC MILKEN SCHOLARS
Angelica Capparelli
UC Santa Barbara
Angelica Capparelli has made it her mission to turn life’s obstacles into a winning hand. These defining moments are what drive her toward the medical profession, where she hopes to share her optimism and resilience with those who need it most. A graduate of Forest Hills High School (FHHS), Angelica has dedicated her time outside of school, work, and extracurriculars to volunteer as an administrative and medical staff assistant at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Recently, she continued her journey into the medical field through an internship with Northwell Long Island Jewish Hospital.
Angelica always helped lead school events as vice president of student government and founder and president of the science career exploration club. She was a passionate competitor and member of FHHS’ We the People team, whose simulated congressional hearing matches resulted in top honors statewide. In addition to her selection as a National Honor Society member, AP Scholar with Honor, and National Recognition by the College Board, Angelica is a talented researcher. Her research has been published in the Urban Barcode Project, and her research group earned third place in the Terra NYC STEM Fair for manufacturing a biodegradable plastic using shrimp shells.
Outside of academics, Angelica is a force on the softball field. As team captain, she is a four-year varsity athlete while also participating on FHHS’ cross country and track teams. She volunteers annually as a meal distributor for God’s Love We Deliver and earned the Columbia Youth Climate Summit Impact Award in 2025 for her climate action plan that boosted her school cafeteria’s sustainability efforts.
Angelica will study biological sciences and environmental engineering at UC Santa Barbara and plans a career in medicine.
Tian “Sky” Jin
Swarthmore College
While the world grappled with the pandemic, Tian "Sky" Jin was experiencing a battle of his own: a debilitating allergy to heat, exercise, and even strong emotions. No stranger to hardship after immigrating from rural China, he quickly adapted, researching his condition, advocating for his care, and turning his suffering into triumph. Now, this Francis Lewis High School graduate is on track to become the first in his family to attend college and sets his sights on one day adding “Dr.” to his title. Sky interned at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital, served as a health liaison in Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s ACComPLISHED program, and worked as a bioethics intern at NYU Langone’s High School Bioethics Project, where he published a public resource on the social determinants of health for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Sky is an ARISTA National Honor Society member, Alexander Hamilton Scholar, and Philip Evans Scholarship finalist. Under his leadership, his science research team published two award-winning studies in a peer-reviewed journal. Sky also volunteered as a tutor for SchoolHouse’s SAT Bootcamp and founded his school’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, where he led canvassing efforts and organized events for local food pantries.
Since the third grade, Sky has maintained a passion for all things aquatic – turning it into a successful business venture as owner of an online aquarium plant shop. He sold his first plant order six years ago and has since sold 1,800 more, used the proceeds to support his family, and extended his green thumb beyond his aquariums as a seasonal maintenance volunteer at Queens Botanical Garden.
Sky will study public health and sociology at Swarthmore College on the premed track.
Mariana Mosquera-Joaqui
Princeton
Mariana Mosquera Joaqui knows firsthand how to live every day to the fullest. Born in Colombia, Mariana’s determination to not only live – but also thrive—after a debilitating stroke is attributed to her mother, whose journey as an immigrant inspired her to persevere. When she lost her ability to walk and write, Mariana defied the odds. She walked across the stage as a Francis Lewis High School (FLHS) graduate and proudly faces her future as the first in her family to attend college in the U.S. To support others who have lived through similar journeys, Mariana hopes to become a future motivational speaker.
Mariana is an AP Scholar with Distinction, an AP Capstone Diploma recipient, and an ARISTA National Honor Society member. At FLHS, she served as a board member of the social justice club and vice president of the Red Cross club, where she supported local shelters through organizing period poverty fundraisers and partnered with the NYC Fire Department to offer CPR training classes. With a passion for addressing educational disparities, Mariana works through the Youth Power Collective to increase awareness of school resources. FLHS also benefited from her keen eye and talent as an athlete and manager for the track and field team.
The Queens community is no stranger to Mariana’s positive impact. She spent her free time volunteering as a certified junior gardener at the Queens County Farm Museum, as well as serving as a dual-language discovery guide at the Queens Zoo through its youth volunteer program.
Mariana is a QuestBridge match to Princeton, where she will study psychology or international affairs.
Hasin Shaykat (Shoy-koth)
MIT
Between immigrating to the U.S. from Bangladesh, surviving a childhood cancer diagnosis, and losing his family’s home to a fire, Hasin Shaykat has gained resilience at an early age. He channels these lessons into positivity and innovation, finding inspiration to teach the next generation. Passionate about sharing his love of physics and mathematics, Hasin, a graduate of The Kew-Forest School, volunteers as a math club leader at his local library, tutors students, and teaches coding to youth through his nonprofit, CodeforChampions. Through this organization, he develops coding courses and organizes hackathons that raise funds for school supplies and Wi-Fi routers for students in need.
At school, Hasin continued to exercise his love of learning as Model UN president, founded the robotics club, and participated in student government. Beyond the campus, he is an intern and speaker for MoMath and attended MIT’s Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) program, where he published two theoretical physics papers through Noether & Bell’s Theorem and the International Journal of High School Research. He is a MITES Science, Writing, and Communication Instructor Choice Award winner, recipient of the A Better Chance–Morgan Stanley Distinction Award, the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award, and was honored in 2025 by the New York State Attorney General with the Triple “C” Award.
Beyond STEM, Hasin authored a science fiction novel, DIACO, and has secured a literary agent. He is also passionate about filmmaking and aspires to become a screenwriter and director. A talented athlete, he is co-captain of his school’s varsity soccer team and played on the basketball, cross country, and track teams while volunteering at his local mosque during Ramadan.
Hasin will major in computer science, data science, and economics and writing at MIT and plans to enter the tech and finance industries before transitioning into the creative industry.
Katlyn Toranzo
Bowdoin College
A graduate of the High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS), Katlyn Toranzo is the definition of a leader and advocate for those in underserved communities. A first-generation student, her work with HSAS for Ukraine shed light on her perception of education after tutoring a teenage Ukrainian girl trying to learn while war raged just outside of her home. Serving as an overseas virtual mentor, tutor and friend to the student, Katlyn realized how often accessible public education is taken for granted, which only ignited her personal desire for academic growth. She worked together with the student – creating English lesson plans, researching study abroad programs, and more – to sustain the passion for learning despite their positions on opposite sides of the globe.
Katlyn is an AP Scholar, ATLAS Fellow Scholar, Posse Scholarship semifinalist, and a member of both the National Honor Society (NHS) and Spanish National Honor Society. As a member of NHS, she helped lead school open houses and events and served as a panelist and guide for incoming students. She participated in the FBI’s teen academy program, where she received unique, hands-on training and learned FBI investigative and victim-services processes. Continuing to champion underserved communities, Katlyn dedicated countless hours to her school’s community service club and was nominated to speak and serve as a student panel leader at ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education).
Adding to her portfolio, Katlyn captained a division-title-winning varsity basketball team, is an award-winning recreational basketball player, and volunteers as a Christian little league basketball coach for players aged six through nine.
Katlyn will study biology at Bowdoin College and plans a career as a scientific researcher.
Tseday Williams (Suh-Day)
Northwestern University
Tseday Williams, a graduate of The Packer Collegiate Institute, is deeply passionate about social justice around the world. She served as an anti-incarceration researcher for the NY Presbyterian Youth Anti-Incarceration Initiative, volunteered in the Telemetry Unit at the NY Presbyterian (Brooklyn-Methodist) Hospital, and traveled to Greece as a leader of the Packer Action Around Refugees and Migration Club. In her leading volunteer role, Tseday supports NYC’s migrant and refugee crisis – whether through volunteering, advocacy work, or helping NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) collect donations – and expands that assistance across the globe. This work led her to aid the refugee crisis on the Greek island of Lesbos.
Tseday co-led her school’s Black Student Union and served as an Equity Council member, where she helped to significantly increase club membership and organized the school’s first-ever Juneteenth event. She studies multiple languages, earning the ACTFL Global Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish. Tseday is a natural student leader; her friendliness and peer mentorship of Packer Collegiate freshmen at an annual camping trip and throughout the year uplift the overall school community. With her attendance of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference and participation in the Yale Young Global Scholars Program, it’s no surprise that Tseday left her mark on the next generation of student leaders at Packer Collegiate.
Tseday’s visibility extends to the dance floor, where she has served as a team captain, choreographer, and performer for her school’s dance team, as well as a choreographer, student, and performer within her school’s dance curriculum—earning induction into the National Honor Society for Dance. On the basketball court, she is a respected manager of the girls’ varsity basketball team.
Tseday will study law and global health at Northwestern University and plans a career in law, medicine, or forensics.
Sarah Zou (ZOH)
Yale
As the first in her family to attend college, Stuyvesant High School graduate Sarah Zou is already trailblazing a green, prosperous future. A fierce advocate for climate education in under-resourced communities, Sarah champions civic engagement through her roles as a Youth Eco Ambassador for Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development and SDGs (Sustainable Development Solutions Network) Today’s Eco Ambassador Solutions Lab, and her role on the Youth Executive Board of the National Wildlife Federation Climate and Resilience Education Taskforce. There, she led advocacy that helped pass New York State’s climate education mandate, making climate literacy a K-12 instructional requirement starting in 2027. At the UN 80th General Assembly and NYC Climate Week, she served as a panelist and presented research to thousands internationally.
Sarah is an AP Scholar with Distinction, three-time National Latin Exam Gold Medalist, and USA Biology Olympiad Certificate of Merit holder. At Stuyvesant, she served as co-vice president of amneStuy: Amnesty International Chapter and was a health liaison for Columbia University’s ACComPLISHED Community Health Program.
In her free time, Sarah was a youth urban forester and citizen tree pruner for a New York Urban Forester internship. As part of the recovery effort from Hurricane Sandy, she co-stewarded hundreds of trees in high-need areas, co-authored and presented an NYC Housing Authority Stewardship plan, and managed NYC Open Street Tree Map data. She also participated in countless community garden events and workshops through her Youth Tiller Internship for the Green Guerillas.
Sarah will study environmental engineering and global health at Yale and plans a career in medicine.
About the Milken Scholars
Michael and Lori Milken founded the Milken Scholars in 1989 to honor exceptional young individuals who have demonstrated the potential to make a profound difference in the world. Scholars are chosen while high school seniors on the basis of distinguished academic performance, school and community service, leadership, and evidence of having overcome personal, financial, and/or social obstacles. Milken Scholars receive financial assistance plus a strong support system of resources and networks during their academic and professional careers. For more information, visit www.MilkenScholars.org.
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