Meet CISCO’s 2026 Scholarship Winners

April 14, 2026

BURR RIDGE – CISCO is honored to announce the recipients of its 2065 Scholarships. These young women will be formally recognized at CISCO’s Annual Luncheon, Friday, May 1, 2026, at Harry Caray’s, inside the Westin, Lombard.

CISCO scholarship recipients include: Samantha Sieverding, Karolina Kyrych, Addison Webb, Sydney Jones, and Daryna Greben.

Three, 4-year scholarships and two, 2-year scholarships were awarded.

Samantha Sieverding — Building the Future

CISCO is proud to award a four-year college scholarship to Burlington’s Central High School senior Samantha Sieverding — a driven student whose ambition, leadership, and purpose exemplify the future of our workforce.

From an early age, Sieverding understood the value of hard work and determination. Inspired by her first business class as a freshman, she quickly recognized a gap in representation — a lack of visible female leaders in the business world. Rather than discouraging her, that realization fueled her motivation to succeed and create opportunities for others.

Sieverding plans to pursue a degree in accounting, a field she sees as both practical and impactful. She is drawn to the discipline for its blend of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical responsibility. Her long-term goal is to build a meaningful career that not only provides stability but also allows her to support organizations and give back to her community.

Her achievements already reflect that commitment. Sieverding earned second place at the 2024 Northern Illinois University’s Business Olympics as part of the only all-girl team competing in the AI Superhuman competition. The experience challenged her to apply artificial intelligence to real-world business scenarios, strengthening her confidence and reinforcing her passion for problem-solving and leadership.

Beyond academics, Sieverding is a well-rounded student and leader. A member of the National Art Honor Society, she has demonstrated both creativity and discipline in her artistic pursuits. According to her Art teacher, Sieverding’s dedication, leadership, and ability to inspire her peers set her apart as a role model within her school community.

CISCO is honored to support Sieverding as she continues her educational journey at Iowa University Tippie College of Business. Her determination to succeed — and to open doors for other young women — reflects the very values this scholarship was created to promote. We look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.

Karolina Kyrych — Future in Science

CISCO’s second four-year scholarship recipient is Karolina Kyrych, a student at Northside College Prep High School. Recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and passion for science, Kyrych represents the next generation of innovators in biotechnology and medicine.

Kyrych’s interest in biology was sparked during her junior year, when a classroom lesson on biotechnology introduced her to the possibility of growing tissues and organs from a patient’s own cells. The idea that science could eliminate transplant rejection and improve lives inspired her to explore the field further. That experience solidified her desire to pursue biology and use it to make a meaningful impact on others.

She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, gain laboratory experience, and continue her education at the graduate level. Kyrych hopes to build a career as a biotechnology researcher or cardiologist, combining her curiosity with a commitment to improving human health. She has been accepted to both University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Beyond the classroom, Kyrych has demonstrated strong leadership as co-captain of her school’s swim and dive team. She has worked to build team unity, mentor younger athletes, and keep her teammates motivated — even during a challenging season without access to their home pool. Her ability to lead with empathy and encouragement reflects her dedication to helping others succeed.

Kyrych also serves as vice president and media director of her school’s chemistry club, where she organizes meetings and promotes scientific engagement. Her achievements, including national recognition in Spanish and the College Board First-Generation Award, highlight her drive and discipline.

Whether mentoring younger swimmers, teaching children water safety, or supporting her peers in academic settings, Kyrych consistently shows a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Her determination, curiosity, and leadership make her an outstanding recipient of the CISCO scholarship an we congratulates her on this well-deserved honor and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the world of science and beyond.

Addison Webb — Driven by Passion

CISCO’s final four-year scholarship recipient is Addison Webb, a student at Antioch Community High School. Known for her leadership, creativity, and dedication, Addison has discovered a passion for sports media that is shaping her future. She has been accepted at Bradley University.

Addison’s interest in digital media began during her junior year in a sports media course, where students produced magazines and managed social media content highlighting school athletics. As a multi-sport athlete, the class immediately resonated with her. She quickly immersed herself in content creation, producing standout work that led to her promotion as social media manager for her school’s publication, Tom Tom. In this role, she has taken pride in leading the program’s online presence with energy and creativity.

Her passion was further solidified when she attended a social media conference in Nashville with members of the executive board of Tom Tom – the award-winning student media organization at Antioch Community High School. At the conference, she heard from professionals across the digital media industry. The experience opened her eyes to the possibilities ahead and confirmed her goal of pursuing a career in sports media.

Addison aspires to work for a professional sports team, ideally in Chicago, combining her love of athletics with her creative talents. She plans to continue as a student-athlete in college while gaining hands-on experience to refine her skills and build her portfolio.

Her achievements reflect a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Named Student of the Month, Addison earned praise from numerous teachers for her positive impact and dedication. She has also achieved her goal of competing in Division I athletics — an accomplishment that speaks to her perseverance, discipline, and time management.

A leader on and off the field, Addison serves as a captain in multiple sports and is known for uplifting her teammates and peers. CISCO congratulates Webb on this well-deserved scholarship and looks forward to her bright future in sports media.

Sydney Jones – Focused on the Future

With CISCO’s 2-year continuing education scholarship, Sydney Jones is about to take the next step toward an incredible future in Radiologic Technology at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.Jones is a student at Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville with a strong interest in healthcare and a passion for learning.

Jones’ fascination with the human body and its many functions led her to pursue a career in radiography. She is especially drawn to the field’s blend of anatomy, physiology, and advanced imaging technology, including X-ray physics. The dynamic nature of the profession also appeals to her, as each day brings new patients and unique cases. Sydney is excited by the opportunity to specialize in areas such as pediatric imaging, where she can combine technical expertise with patient care.

Her coursework has played an important role in shaping her career goals. Through her studies, Jones has developed strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills, along with digital literacy and a deeper understanding of the world around her. These skills will serve as a strong foundation as she continues her education and training in the healthcare field.

Outside the classroom, Jones has taken full advantage of opportunities to explore her interests. She has participated in several STEM and healthcare-focused programs, including Northwestern Health Professionals Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) and Midwestern University Mini Medical School. These experiences allowed her to practice hands-on skills such as suturing wounds and conducting case studies, further solidifying her commitment to a career in healthcare.

Jones’ teacher, Stephanie Bassett, describes her as a dedicated and motivated student with a true passion for learning. CISCO congratulates Jones on this well-deserved scholarship and looks forward to the positive impact she will make in the healthcare field.

Daryna Greben – Inspiring the Next Generation

Our final recipient in CISCO’s 2-year Community College category is Daryna Greben, a remarkable student who graduated from Wheaton Warrenville South High School. With a passion for education and a commitment to making a difference, Greben is dedicated to shaping the future through teaching at College of DuPage.

Greben’s interest in education comes from her genuine love for working with children and her belief in the power of early learning. She understands that the earliest years of education are critical in shaping a child’s confidence, curiosity, and long-term success. Inspired by this, she hopes to become an educator who not only teaches but also uplifts and motivates young students to reach their full potential.

She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and pursue a career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language teacher. Looking ahead, Greben hopes to expand her impact by teaching abroad, bringing her passion for education to students in different parts of the world.

One of Greben’s most meaningful experiences came during her time as a teacher assistant in a first-grade classroom. From September to December 2025, she worked closely with students, helping them understand lessons and build confidence in their abilities. It was during this time that she realized teaching was her true calling. The reward she felt when helping a struggling student succeed confirmed her desire to pursue a career in education.

Greben’s English teacher, Holly Wiergchem, describes her as dependable, thoughtful, and hardworking. Known for her strong work ethic and inclusive nature, Greben consistently brings creativity and insight to everything she does.

CISCO congratulates Greben on this well-deserved scholarship and looks forward to the positive impact she will make as an educator.