2024 CHS Scholarship winners

Chaska High School recently celebrated the recipients of the prestigious Courage and Character Award, presented by the Thomas A. Costello Legacy Foundation (TACLF). The award recognizes students who exemplify exceptional personal strength, integrity, and leadership. This year’s scholarship winners, selected for their resilience and commitment to positive change in their community, embody the core values of the award.

The Courage and Character Award is a cornerstone of the Thomas A. Costello Legacy Foundation, established in honor of the late Thomas A. Costello’s dedication to fostering education, compassion, and service. The foundation’s mission is to support students who excel academically while demonstrating the resilience and kindness that make them standout leaders.

“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Sarah Costello, Executive Member of the Thomas A. Costello Legacy Foundation. “The recipients of the Courage and Character Award have shown remarkable strength in the face of challenges and demonstrated outstanding character in all aspects of their lives. They are true examples of what it means to lead with compassion, and we are excited to support their continued success.”

This year’s scholarship winners represent a diverse group of students who have not only excelled academically but also gone above and beyond in service to their peers, schools, and communities. Their leadership and courage have been shown through everything from supporting classmates in times of difficulty to organizing initiatives that create lasting positive change in their neighborhoods.

Ashley Costello, Executive Member of the Foundation, emphasized the importance of the values represented by the award. “The Courage and Character Award is about more than just academic achievement. It’s about how these students rise to meet challenges, support others, and lead with integrity,” she said. “We are honored to recognize their extraordinary efforts, and we look forward to seeing all the amazing things they will continue to do.”

The 2024 winners come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, with achievements ranging from volunteer work in local shelters to organizing peer mentoring programs. Their efforts have not only shaped their school community but have inspired others to act with empathy and resilience.

Each recipient will receive a scholarship to support their academic pursuits, whether at college or through vocational training, as well as a mentorship opportunity to continue developing their leadership skills. The scholarship serves as a reward for their hard work and a stepping stone for their continued success.

The Thomas A. Costello Legacy Foundation remains committed to honoring Tom Costello’s memory through initiatives like the Courage and Character Award, which nurtures the development of students who are not only excelling in their studies but also poised to make a lasting difference in the world through their actions and values.

This years winners:

Halle Browning

Tate Miller

Varun Sridhar

Yabsera Yidnekachew