Five exceptional students are beginning their college journeys with support from the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), which has awarded them the 2026 Diann Woodard Scholarship.
Open to children of AFSA members entering college for the first time in 2026, the program provides up to $4,500 per student, including a $2,500 AFSA award and an additional $2,000 supplemental scholarship made possible through the generous support of M3 Technology.
Each year, AFSA honors graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, a strong commitment to service, and an exceptional work ethic. Selected by the AFSA General Executive Board, this year’s recipients were recognized for their leadership, purpose, and commitment to using higher education as a pathway to impact their communities.
The scholarship is named in honor of the late Diann Woodard, former AFSA president and lifelong advocate for education and equity. It continues her legacy by investing in the next generation of leaders committed to service and social progress.
The recipients of the 2026 Diann Woodard Scholarship are:
Emma Moroz
• Parent: Magdalena Moroz
• AFSA Local 1: Council of School Supervisors and Administrators
• School: Saint Joseph Hill Academy
• College: Lafayette College
• Major: Chemical Engineering/Chemistry and Law
Emma Moroz plans to combine science and law in a future career as a patent attorney in the pharmaceutical field. She intends to study chemical engineering or chemistry before pursuing law school, with a focus on drug development and access.
Her motivation is deeply personal. Inspired by her grandfather’s experience living with Type 1 diabetes, Moroz hopes to contribute to the development of medications that are both more effective and more accessible to those who need them most. That goal has shaped her academic path and long-term ambitions.
Moroz has completed more than 400 hours of community service and is a multiple-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She currently serves as president of the National Honor Society, where she leads service initiatives and coordinates tutoring programs, and as captain of her varsity archery team, mentoring younger athletes and organizing team activities.
“I’ve seen how much people rely on medication just to live their everyday lives,” Moroz says. “I want to be part of making those treatments better—and making sure more people can actually access them.”
Through her work in both STEM and leadership, Moroz is building toward a future where innovation and advocacy intersect, using science and law to create meaningful change.
John Bacon
• Parent: Lashella Stanfield
• AFSA Local 25: Public School Administrators & Supervisors Association of Baltimore City
• School: Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
• College: University of Maryland
• Major: TBD
John Bacon is focused on architecture and sustainable design, with a goal of creating spaces that are functional, environmentally responsible, and centered on community needs.
He gained hands-on experience through the National Aquarium’s Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship, where he worked on conservation, water quality, and public education initiatives. Through this work, he developed a deeper understanding of how environmental systems and urban spaces intersect, shaping his interest in sustainable design.
Bacon has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, contributing to affordable housing projects and gaining practical experience in construction and collaboration. These experiences reinforced his belief that design should not only be innovative, but also accessible and impactful.
At Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Bacon serves as president of the Aquaponics Club and vice president of the Gardening Club. In these roles, he has expanded student participation, led environmental science initiatives, and supported STEM outreach for younger students. He is also actively involved in community service through his church and local programs.
“I’ve seen how the spaces around us affect how people live and feel,” Bacon says. “I want to design places that don’t just look good, but actually support the people who use them and the environment around them.”
He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture and hopes to continue developing sustainable solutions that strengthen both communities and the environment.
Liam Olds
• Parent: Stephen Olds
• AFSA Local 134: Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools
• School: Saint Augustine High School
• College: Georgetown University
• Major: TBD
Liam Olds is driven by a belief that education carries responsibility beyond personal success. Raised in a family of educators, he has built a record of leadership centered on service, journalism, and global engagement.
As editor-in-chief of his school newspaper, he leads a staff of 30 students and oversees multiple publications each year. He also serves as president of the Interact Club, where he has developed partnerships with local organizations and led community service initiatives, including work with the Emilio Nares Foundation supporting children undergoing cancer treatment.
Olds is a National Merit Commended Scholar with a range of academic honors. He plans to pursue international relations with a focus on diplomacy and conflict resolution.
“I’ve been given so much support and opportunity,” Olds says. “I feel a responsibility to use that—not just to succeed for myself, but to show up for others and make a difference where I can.”
Irie Wolfe
• Parent: Stanley Wolfe
• AFSA Local 25: Public School Administrators & Supervisors Association of Baltimore City
• School: Fallston High School
• College: Susquehanna University
• Major: Biology/Neuroscience
Irie Wolfe plans to pursue a career in medicine, with interests in neuroscience and women’s health. She aims to become a physician while contributing to research on conditions such as endometriosis and improving patient outcomes through both science and advocacy.
Her interest in medicine is rooted in both curiosity and purpose. Drawn to understanding the brain and human behavior, Wolfe has explored neuroscience beyond the classroom while also developing a strong commitment to addressing gaps in women’s healthcare through research and education.
Wolfe’s dedication to service spans schools, athletics, and community organizations. She has volunteered with programs supporting students with disabilities, local schools, and community initiatives, while also showing up in quieter, more personal ways—helping neighbors in times of need and supporting those around her. Across each experience, she has demonstrated consistency, compassion, and a willingness to lead by example.
“Service, to me, is about being present,” Wolfe says. “It’s about noticing when someone needs help and choosing to show up, even in small ways.”
Balancing rigorous academics with leadership and athletics, Wolfe brings discipline and focus to every area of her life. She plans to carry that same commitment into her future in medicine, where she hopes to combine research, care, and advocacy to make a lasting impact.
Donovan Esver
• Parent: Rakia Esver
• AFSA Local 83: United Administrators of Oakland Schools
• School: Saint Mary’s College High School
• College: University of California (intended)
• Major: Computer Science
Donovan Esver is pursuing computer science with a focus on game design, driven by a commitment to improving representation in technology and digital media.
Growing up with hearing loss shaped his understanding of inclusion at an early age. What once felt like something to hide became a source of purpose, influencing his goal to create digital spaces where people of all backgrounds and abilities feel seen. That perspective now guides both his academic interests and his approach to technology.
Esver has developed his technical skills through programs including the Hidden Genius Project and Hack the Hood, where he trained in programming, game development, and collaborative, community-based tech work. Through these experiences, he has also mentored peers and contributed to projects that use technology to address real-world needs.
In addition to his technical work, Esver has demonstrated resilience and responsibility through significant family caregiving and ongoing community involvement, shaping a strong sense of empathy that informs his goals.
“When I was younger, I tried to hide my hearing loss,” Esver says. “Now I want to build things where no one feels like they have to hide who they are to belong.”
Donovan views technology not only as a career path, but as a platform for impact—one that can challenge assumptions, expand representation, and create spaces where everyone is recognized.
