The University of Nebraska High School had 14 applications submitted for the K.O. Broady Scholarship Fund during the 2025-2026 school year. This scholarship fund makes it possible for UNHS to award scholarships annually to any student interested in furthering their education through UNHS.
The Broady Scholarship Fund has provided over $71,000 to students since its establishment in honor of Dr. Broady in the early 1980s. Dr. Broady was a successful educator who spent his career helping students and teachers first in Nebraska, and ultimately around the world.
This year, UNHS had a wide representation of Broady applications from around the world and was able to select and award scholarship funds to approximately 70% of students who applied. This year’s deserving recipients are an accomplished and talented group, including high-level athletes, rising STEM students, and students overcoming health issues and learning to thrive, among other impressive qualities. The 10 winning applicants represented the United States (Nebraska and Tennessee), Egypt, Canada, Bangladesh, Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. Application requirements included three letters of recommendation and any non-UNHS high school transcripts for each student.
Here are this year’s recipients of the K.O. Broady Scholarships:
Suleiman Diriye, Kamal Azhar High School, Cairo, Egypt
Suleiman’s primary goal right now is to finish high school and continue her education at a prestigious university. She wants to become a cardiologist because she was born with a serious heart condition and had open-heart surgery before she turned two years old – a life experience which inspired her desire to become a doctor so she can help other youngsters with similar health issues. Suleiman believes UNHS courses have challenged her in subjects that support her long-term goal of studying medicine. She enjoys the flexibility that UNHS provides and is convinced UNHS courses will prepare her to graduate in a timely manner and succeed in the future. Suleiman stated the following in her application: “UNHS will help me reach my goals by giving me a flexible and strong education that prepares me for college. The courses will let me focus on the subjects I need most while also challenging me to do my best.”
Jaime Escudero, University of Nebraska High School, Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Jaime’s current goal is to complete tenth grade within the next few months and be well into eleventh grade by the end of May, all while maintaining good grades, preparing for the SAT, and potentially adding some engineering classes to his schedule. Jaime says that while UNHS has given him the freedom to pursue his dreams of playing golf professionally, his parents have always stressed the importance of education, so Jaime is committed to finishing high school and going on to college. One of Jaime’s recommenders stated that Jaime “manage[s] his training schedules with responsibility, giving priority to school, and balances his athletic commitments with his academic work.” A teacher who recommended Jaime stated that he “is a very respectful and responsible student. His attitude towards learning is a positive one; eager to learn and open to new things.”
David Hruby, University of Nebraska High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA (originally from Czech Republic)
David’s short-term educational goal is to complete his high school diploma through UNHS with high academic marks and prepare for the rigors of a post-secondary institution. David’s long-term plans include studying at a college in the U.S. and earning a degree in a field that interests him and also complements a career in hockey. David stated that UNHS offers “a flexible program that I can complete from anywhere, which is important while traveling and training for hockey.” A recommender of David’s stated, “David is motivated in his ability to work independently.” Another recommender stated that “David’s autonomy for his school work is commendable! Being a member of a [top hockey team] and a full-time student is not easy. The demands of both are a lot! He shows that he is a student athlete and not an athletic student!”
Jori McNeil, Litchfield High School, Litchfield, Nebraska, USA
Jori’s current goal is to recover credits she missed during her freshman year so she can stay on path to graduate in May 2026. UNHS courses would provide her with the opportunity to complete the final credits she needs to graduate. After high school, Jori plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and ultimately pursue a nursing program through the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Jori’s principal stated that Jori is ambitious and motivated, and “has balanced summer classes, online classes during school, and a full work schedule to get [to] where she is now.” Another recommender stated that “Jori’s intellectual strengths, paired with her perseverance, make her a student who excels both independently and collaboratively.”
Lyla Phillips, University of Nebraska High School, Winchester, Tennessee, USA
Lyla, in her fourth year with UNHS, has completed 26 courses thus far and maintains high grades. Her short-term goal includes taking dual credit courses and pursuing as many college-level courses as she can to prepare for college, all while maintaining good grades. Her long-term goal is to attend a good college, join the Air Force ROTC, and ultimately earn a STEM degree. A recommender stated that “[i]nvesting in Lyla is an easy decision. Lyla’s ability to thrive in an unconventional living situation, while simultaneously maintaining her academic focus (successfully), is a testament to her remarkable resilience, maturity, and determination.” Another recommender stated that Lyla’s “proactive approach to tasks and projects showcases her strong self-discipline and commitment to excellence.”
Raed Rashid, University of Nebraska High School, Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Raed has completed 24 courses with UNHS thus far and carries a very high GPA. Raed is interested earning an undergraduate degree in computer science. After that, he plans to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in a country renowned for its excellence in STEM fields. Raed stated that “UNHS has been a lifeline for me because it gives flexibility while keeping me accountable. The advanced math, science, and computer science courses I’ve taken are directly tied to my future goals.” A former teacher of Raed’s stated that he “is a self-reliant learner who proactively seeks out challenges and enjoys the process of figuring things out independently. Raed's ability to approach and resolve technical problems with minimal supervision is a testament to his resourcefulness and sharp analytical skills.” Moreover, another recommender stated that “Raed contributes ideas and perspectives that make me reflect as well. He’s not just a learner but an intellectual peer who pushes discussions forward, and that’s rare for someone his age.”
Paige Schlenger, Wheeler Central High School, Bartlett, Nebraska, USA
Paige is interested in UNHS courses to meet the fine arts requirement to graduate from Wheeler Central High School. Her current school offers a general art class, choir, or band but she would like to pursue fine arts courses in a different area. Her long-term goal is to continue her education in college and pursue a degree in equine reproduction or veterinary medicine. Paige’s science teacher stated, “Paige is respectful, dependable, and goal-oriented. She sets high standards for herself.” Another teacher stated that Paige “has strong leadership qualities, works well with her peers, and constantly sets a positive example for others. Paige’s character, work ethic, and academic achievement make her an exceptional candidate for [the K.O. Broady Scholarship.]”
Jonathan (Yonatan) Shatenstein, University of Nebraska High School, Johannesburg, South Africa
Jonathan’s goal is to complete UNHS courses by next August. He also stated that UNHS has been incredibly helpful in allowing him to advance his religious studies and enroll in a tertiary institution to further his studies. Jonathan stated that “[UNHS] has allowed me to gain an excellent general knowledge and general studies training and skills in my own time while I focus on advancing my religious studies from a young age.” A recommender stated that Jonathan “is a rare student that needs very little structure or incentive from any outside influences or institutional structures. It all comes from within him.” The recommender goes on to say that Jonathan “is a humble person. He doesn’t need to have the limelight. He is hyper aware of other people’s feelings and experiences even if unexpressed. He’s disciplined and [has] a gentle nature and loves sports.”
Lilly Strebinger, Westmount Collegiate Institute, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
Lilly’s short-term educational goal is to graduate from both UNHS and to receive her Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Ultimately, Lilly would like to become a teacher to younger children. Lilly has stated, “as a blind student, the University of Nebraska High School credits will be the only way I can get the core requirements needed to pursue my university dreams….UNHS will best meet my educational goals by providing an accessible format that allows me to excel in my classes.” One of Lilly’s teachers stated that “Lilly is a very kind, caring and devoted student. This is not only seen in the classroom but also in her extracurricular activities.” Another recommending teacher stated that “Lilly is an exceptional student who consistently models initiative, responsibility, empathy and focus.”
Claudia Valtierra-Torres, University of Nebraska High School, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Claudia’s immediate goal is to graduate from UNHS and get ready for college by learning as much as she can in business, management, and languages. Claudia’s long-term goal is to study business or supply chain management/global logistics. In her own words, Claudia stated that UNHS will help offer the “support and resources I need to prepare for college, develop important skills, and build a strong foundation for my future career.” Additionally, one of Claudia’s recommenders stated that “Claudia is more than capable to finish this program. She has shown me that she is a responsible individual who successfully balances education, family, and work with a positive attitude and intense work ethic.”
Congratulations to these scholarship recipients, and thank you to every student who submitted an application for consideration! Please watch for next year’s application on our website late next summer or early fall.