The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Sophia Williamson has been awarded the 2025 Ralph King Career & Technology Education Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Sophia’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in technology. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
We asked Sophia 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?
SW: In the fall I plan to major in Criminal Justice at Illinois State University with a minor in Cybersecurity.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
SW: I’m incredibly grateful for Mrs Gansberg’s assistance throughout my High School experience. Her positivity and empathetic attitude, especially during difficult times has been crucial in keeping me on track over the past 4 years, even outside of a classroom setting.
CNF: What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
SW:My goal in the next few years is to gain experience within the Criminal Justice field by searching for an internship for one of the following summers. I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
SW: I’ve had many wonderful memories at Lisle High School, but one of the most memorable parts was the last day. There was a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness from my classmates. It’s a truly bittersweet feeling to watch who we have grown up with to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Our class was fortunate enough to walk through the Elementary and Junior classes to relieve good memories from our childhood together. I believe it’s a perfect way to remember the past but to accept the future.
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.
SW: I am beyond thankful to be selected as a recipient of the Carlin Nalley scholarship. This generous contribution will help me dedicate more to my studies at Illinois State University, and this scholarship not only helps financially but also boosts my motivation to accomplish my academic and personal goals for the next few years.
The Ralph King Career & Technology Education 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 Sophia’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in technology. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
We asked Sophia 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?
SW: In the fall I plan to major in Criminal Justice at Illinois State University with a minor in Cybersecurity.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
SW: I’m incredibly grateful for Mrs Gansberg’s assistance throughout my High School experience. Her positivity and empathetic attitude, especially during difficult times has been crucial in keeping me on track over the past 4 years, even outside of a classroom setting.
CNF: What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
SW:My goal in the next few years is to gain experience within the Criminal Justice field by searching for an internship for one of the following summers. I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
SW: I’ve had many wonderful memories at Lisle High School, but one of the most memorable parts was the last day. There was a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness from my classmates. It’s a truly bittersweet feeling to watch who we have grown up with to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Our class was fortunate enough to walk through the Elementary and Junior classes to relieve good memories from our childhood together. I believe it’s a perfect way to remember the past but to accept the future.
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.
SW: I am beyond thankful to be selected as a recipient of the Carlin Nalley scholarship. This generous contribution will help me dedicate more to my studies at Illinois State University, and this scholarship not only helps financially but also boosts my motivation to accomplish my academic and personal goals for the next few years.
The Ralph King Career & Technology Education 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
RSS Feed