HAMBURG, NY – Hilbert College has awarded its prestigious Franciscan Scholarships to an exceptional group of incoming students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to their communities.
The Franciscan Scholarship, Hilbert College’s highest academic scholarship, recognizes students whose accomplishments reflect the College’s Franciscan values of respect, service, compassion, peace, hope, joy, integrity, and vision. Scholarship recipients represent a wide range of academic interests and talents and will join Hilbert this fall to pursue degrees across numerous disciplines while making meaningful contributions to campus life.
This year’s Franciscan Scholarship recipients include:
Brynn Hallock
Brynn Hallock, a National Honor Society member from Wellsville, NY, graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, served as student council treasurer, completed more than 100 hours of community service, and ranked among the top ten students in her class at Wellsville High School. She chose Hilbert for its nationally recognized Crime Scene Investigation program and will also compete as a member of the Hilbert softball team.
Ciara Grey
Ciara Grey of Millbrook, NY, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and a master’s in Criminal Justice Administration through Hilbert’s 4+1 program. A graduate of Millbrook High School, she is a member of the Hilbert Honors Program and a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and softball, and she chose Hilbert for its strong forensic science and criminal justice programs, its internship opportunities, and the chance to keep competing in collegiate athletics.
Jacob Croglio
For Jacob Croglio, the decision came down to community. The Buffalo, NY native and West Seneca West Senior High School graduate chose Hilbert for its close-knit atmosphere and Franciscan values, earning multiple honor society memberships along with the New York State Seals of Biliteracy and Civic Readiness before graduating with honors. He’ll major in Business Administration and continue his passion for volleyball as a Hilbert Hawk.
Damien Mayer
A National Honor Society member and student government officer at Lake Shore Central Senior High School, Damien Mayer hopes to build a career in professional sports. The Derby, NY native will major in Sports Industry Management while competing for the Hilbert men’s soccer program.
Norah Adoretti
Norah Adoretti combined academic excellence with athletic achievement in high school, helping organize Special Olympics fundraising events through her school’s Youth Activation Committee and winning a Montana U19 Girls Hockey State Championship. The Bigfork, Montana native and Flathead High School graduate will major in Crime Scene Investigation at Hilbert, which she chose for its forensic programs and hockey program. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, painting, and puzzling.
Isaiah Williams
Isaiah Williams served as captain of both the cheerleading and volleyball teams at Charter School for Applied Technologies. He also took on leadership roles in the National Honor Society, student leadership, senior council, and student government. The Buffalo, NY native will major in Crime Scene Investigation and chose Hilbert for its welcoming community and nationally respected program in the field.
Claire Anderson
Ranked fourth in her graduating class at Depew High School, Claire Anderson earned an Advanced Regents Diploma with Mastery in Science and the Seal of Civic Readiness. The Cheektowaga, NY native will major in Intelligence and Data Analysis and chose Hilbert for its welcoming campus, convenient location, and unique academic offerings. That same problem-solving instinct shows up outside the classroom too: she can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds.
Lorilei Steinitz
Lorilei Steinitz has already logged two Young Life mission trips to El Salvador and a term as an Interscholastic Equestrian Association regional captain, earning the Regional Sportsmanship Award along the way. The Buffalo, NY native and Sweet Home High School graduate plans to study Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation at Hilbert. She hopes to work in forensic science at the federal level and chose the college for its hands-on learning opportunities and family-like campus community.
Carter Mann
Music and athletics defined Carter Mann’s high school years: varsity sports, drama, and numerous ensembles, capped by an Advanced Regents Diploma and Seal of Biliteracy from Iroquois High School. The East Aurora, NY native will pursue the Crime Scene Investigation 4+1 program at Hilbert, chosen for its welcoming campus, nationally recognized CSI program, and the opportunity to play collegiate soccer.
Jacob Neuland
Jacob Neuland of Lancaster, NY, a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School, will major in Crime Scene Investigation at Hilbert. Drawn to the college by the positivity of its staff and campus community, he spends his free time training for American Ninja Warrior competitions.
Mallory Iaquinto
Mallory Iaquinto arrives at Hilbert as a member of multiple honor societies and a standout varsity athlete in ice hockey and lacrosse. The Palm Harbor, Florida native and East Lake High School graduate will major in Sports Industry Management and chose Hilbert for its academic offerings and the opportunity to compete on the women’s ice hockey team.
Mareotis McFadden
Mareotis McFadden graduated as a member of multiple honor societies at West Seneca West Senior High School, earning the Seals of Civic Readiness and Biliteracy along with having done extensive volunteer work in her community. The Buffalo, NY native will major in Crime Scene Investigation and chose Hilbert for its strong forensic science program, supportive campus environment, and hands-on learning opportunities. Outside the classroom, she’s played bass since fourth grade and enjoys video games.
Lexi Lambert
Lexi Lambert’s high school years spanned the National Honor Society, the Academy of Finance, theater productions, Girl Scouts, and numerous school clubs at Hamburg High School. The Hamburg, NY native will major in Digital Media & Communication with a concentration in Integrated Marketing, drawn by the range of paths it could open up. She chose Hilbert for its welcoming local community, strong family connections to the College, and the chance to study abroad while pursuing marketing and communications.
Victoria Higgins
Victoria Higgins founded and operates a nonprofit serving underprivileged children through her church in Boston, and in 2025 she ran a half marathon as one of the youngest competitors in the race. The Randolph, Massachusetts native and Ursuline Academy graduate will major in Biology and chose Hilbert for its close-knit community and its ability to combine academics with athletics, hoping to one day work as an athletic trainer for a high-level sports team.
Kimberly Schmitt
Kimberly Schmitt graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a three-sport varsity career at Newfane High School, earning MVP honors in volleyball, swimming, and softball. The Newfane, NY native will major in Biology, drawn to Hilbert’s small class sizes and welcoming community, with hopes of becoming a physician in the Intensive Care Unit. Outside the classroom, her family raises emus, goats, and chickens on a small farm.
“The future belongs to people who have the courage to lead, serve, and innovate,” said Michael R. Cornell, Interim President of Hilbert College. “Our Franciscan Scholars have already demonstrated the personal character and commitment to academic excellence that define the Hilbert experience. We are proud to invest in them and excited to watch them flourish at Hilbert College.”
This year’s fifteen Franciscan Scholars arrive at Hilbert from across the country, from Buffalo to Bigfork, Montana, and Palm Harbor, Florida, representing majors ranging from Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science to Biology, Business Administration, and Digital Media & Communication. On the field, in the classroom, and in their communities, they’ve already shown the kind of initiative the Franciscan Scholarship was created to recognize. As members of the Hilbert community, these scholars will join a campus dedicated to preparing graduates for meaningful careers and lives of purpose grounded in the Franciscan tradition.
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