The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Fiona Pellicano has been awarded the 2025 Beverly Fiore Award, Outstanding Thespian Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Fiona’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
We asked Fiona for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
FP: Following graduation, I will attend the University of California, Irvine where I will major in Drama. I will work towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Drama or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
FP: The most influential teachers at Lisle High School were Mr. Stellmacher, Mr. Lascala, and Mr. Pat Woyna. Mr. Stellmacher was my choir director and music director of theater productions. He never withheld opportunities based on age, allowing me to gain lead role experiences as an underclassman. He always pushed me to be my best while still remaining supportive, and he has been a huge part of my vocal and theatrical growth. I had Mr. Lascala for Honors Biology and AP Biology. While science was never a huge passion of mine, he taught tricky concepts in an engaging way and made me enjoy hard classes. More than that, he is one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever met. He was observant of my emotions and always helped me keep a more positive perspective. Finally, I had Mr. Woyna for two English classes. He was always open to questions and further explanation, and I think I grew more as a student in APLC than any other class. He is also a big supporter of the arts and always came to see my shows. All of these teachers were incredibly influential during my time at Lisle, and I will cherish their support and advice as I move on to college.
CNF: What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
FP: After achieving a Bachelors degree from UC Irvine, I hope to work as an actor, stage manager, or crew member in live theater either in LA, New York, or Chicago. While acting is currently my biggest passion, I am very open to behind-the-scenes positions. Any role that helps put on a theatrical production interests me, and I can't wait to branch out and try out roles other than acting on stage.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
FP: My best memory during my time at Lisle High School was playing Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act my Freshman year. The cast was very supportive, making me feel welcome in my first musical production. Rehearsals were so fun, and everyone truly did their part to make the show great. Sister Act also brought me closer to Evie Rizzo, who is now my best friend.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals. Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years. We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
FP: Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Carlin Nalley Foundation. UC Irvine is a significant financial undertaking for my family, and this scholarship will greatly lessen the weight of tuition costs. Further, being a part of Lisle's thespian troupe was undoubtedly the best part of my high school experience, and that wouldn't have been possible without Ms. Fiore's contributions to the program. Her passion for the arts and achievements at Lisle are deeply inspiring, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized under her name. I hope to continue to honor Ms. Fiore's legacy through this next chapter of my life. I am following my dreams all the way to California, and I sincerely thank the Carlin Nalley Foundation for making my dreams possible.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Fiona Pellicano
The Beverly Fiore Award, Outstanding Thespian Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Fiona’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
We asked Fiona for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
FP: Following graduation, I will attend the University of California, Irvine where I will major in Drama. I will work towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Drama or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
FP: The most influential teachers at Lisle High School were Mr. Stellmacher, Mr. Lascala, and Mr. Pat Woyna. Mr. Stellmacher was my choir director and music director of theater productions. He never withheld opportunities based on age, allowing me to gain lead role experiences as an underclassman. He always pushed me to be my best while still remaining supportive, and he has been a huge part of my vocal and theatrical growth. I had Mr. Lascala for Honors Biology and AP Biology. While science was never a huge passion of mine, he taught tricky concepts in an engaging way and made me enjoy hard classes. More than that, he is one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever met. He was observant of my emotions and always helped me keep a more positive perspective. Finally, I had Mr. Woyna for two English classes. He was always open to questions and further explanation, and I think I grew more as a student in APLC than any other class. He is also a big supporter of the arts and always came to see my shows. All of these teachers were incredibly influential during my time at Lisle, and I will cherish their support and advice as I move on to college.
CNF: What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
FP: After achieving a Bachelors degree from UC Irvine, I hope to work as an actor, stage manager, or crew member in live theater either in LA, New York, or Chicago. While acting is currently my biggest passion, I am very open to behind-the-scenes positions. Any role that helps put on a theatrical production interests me, and I can't wait to branch out and try out roles other than acting on stage.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
FP: My best memory during my time at Lisle High School was playing Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act my Freshman year. The cast was very supportive, making me feel welcome in my first musical production. Rehearsals were so fun, and everyone truly did their part to make the show great. Sister Act also brought me closer to Evie Rizzo, who is now my best friend.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals. Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years. We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
FP: Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Carlin Nalley Foundation. UC Irvine is a significant financial undertaking for my family, and this scholarship will greatly lessen the weight of tuition costs. Further, being a part of Lisle's thespian troupe was undoubtedly the best part of my high school experience, and that wouldn't have been possible without Ms. Fiore's contributions to the program. Her passion for the arts and achievements at Lisle are deeply inspiring, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized under her name. I hope to continue to honor Ms. Fiore's legacy through this next chapter of my life. I am following my dreams all the way to California, and I sincerely thank the Carlin Nalley Foundation for making my dreams possible.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Fiona Pellicano
The Beverly Fiore Award, Outstanding Thespian Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors
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