Verona, NY — The New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association (NYSPHADA) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 College Scholarship Program during the 34th Annual Spring Conference, held June 16–18 at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Stacy Wilson, a senior at Fairport High School and resident of the Fairport Housing Authority, was named the 2025 NYSPHADA Scholarship Winner. Stacy will attend Morgan State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. An active leader in her school’s Black Student Union, Student Advisory Council, and Model UN, Stacy was also recently inducted as a Black Scholar by the Urban League of Rochester. Her long-term goal is to become a judge and advocate for social justice in underserved communities.
Jianna Santon, a senior at Rensselaer High School and resident of the Rensselaer Housing Authority, was named Scholarship Runner-Up. Jianna will attend Hudson Valley Community College to study in the radiological field. She has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership as Editor of her school newspaper, and entrepreneurial spirit through her small business, Ji’s Treats.
“Each year, NYSPHADA is honored to support the academic and career dreams of extraordinary young people living in public housing communities across the state,” said Brenda Westfall, NYSPHADA’s Vice President of Scholarship. “Stacy and Jianna embody resilience, leadership, and dedication to their futures—we are proud to celebrate them.”
The NYSPHADA Scholarship Program is a cornerstone of the organization’s mission to uplift public housing residents and invest in the next generation of changemakers.
