Our Work

For Aaliyah Veloz ’26, a Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship opened the door to opportunity, and she has made the most of every step of her journey.

A graduating senior at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Aaliyah has distinguished herself as a scholar, leader, researcher, athlete, and person of deep faith. This fall, she will continue her academic journey at Dartmouth College, where she plans to study neuroscience or biomedical engineering and pursue her passion for using science to improve lives.

Aaliyah’s path has been marked by extraordinary achievement. She graduated from Central Catholic with a 4.8 GPA on a 5.0 scale and completed 11 Advanced Placement courses during her high school career. She was also one of only 10 students in the Class of 2026 to earn the AP Capstone Diploma in addition to her Central Catholic diploma. The distinction recognizes students who complete a rigorous program of project-based research, a capstone project and presentation evaluated by Central Catholic faculty and the College Board, and demonstrate high-level competency across multiple AP courses.

At commencement-related celebrations, Aaliyah’s leadership and character were on full display. She delivered the Student Reflection at the Baccalaureate Mass before nearly 2,000 classmates, faculty members, Board of Directors members, families, and guests gathered in the Central Catholic Memorial Gymnasium. Standing at the podium, Aaliyah offered words that reflected the faith, gratitude, and purpose that have guided her throughout her time at Central Catholic.

She was also recognized with several notable school honors, including the National Honor Society Award, the Neuroscience Club Award, the Student Admissions Ambassador Award, the Legion of Honor Award, and the Student Alumni Ambassador Award. The Neuroscience Club Award held special meaning, as Aaliyah founded the club two years ago to help create opportunities for students to explore the brain, science, and research in a collaborative setting.

From an early age, Aaliyah knew she wanted to help others. What began as a childhood dream of becoming a doctor has evolved into a passion for neuroscience, research, and community service, all fueled by her curiosity and drive to make a meaningful impact.

Aaliyah’s journey was shaped by her family values and her experience at Central Catholic. She vividly remembers the day her family received the Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship letter when she was in eighth grade.

“It was such a relief,” she said. “Tuition was too high for my family at the time, and that scholarship lifted a huge weight off our shoulders. It gave me the chance to focus on my education and future without worry.”

That opportunity gave Aaliyah access to a strong academic foundation and opened doors to formative experiences beyond the classroom. Through the Tufts University Summer Scholars Program, she first experienced life on a college campus and built lasting friendships. More recently, she participated in the Broad Summer Scholars Program at the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The six-week program brings together highly motivated high school students to conduct original, cutting-edge research in fields such as cancer biology, biotechnology, and genomics. For her project, Aaliyah conducted a comparative analysis of three quality control instruments essential to single-cell sequencing — an experience that deepened her understanding of genetics and sparked a new interest in biotechnology.

“This program allowed me to deepen my understanding of genetic research and explore new possibilities in science,” Aaliyah said. “It also showed me how much collaboration, communication, and mentorship matter in research.”

The Broad Institute experience connected Aaliyah with peers from diverse scientific backgrounds, mentors in the field, and admissions representatives from top universities. She credits her acceptance into the program to her authenticity and the essays she wrote about her enthusiasm for science and her ability to overcome challenges.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this experience,” she shared. “It brought me together with ambitious, supportive friends and mentors who inspire me every day.”

At Central Catholic, Aaliyah has been deeply involved in school life and leadership. She served as Vice President of Student Council, President of both the National Honor Society and Neuroscience Club, and an Executive Board Member of the Student Alumni Association. She was also active in Campus Ministry and the Art Club, and served as a Student Ambassador, welcoming new students and leading tours on campus.

Her goal has always been to leave Central Catholic even better than she found it.

“I want to build a culture where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn,” she said. “Whether it’s in student council or neuroscience club, I want to make sure others know about the opportunities out there and feel empowered to pursue them.”

Beyond the classroom, Aaliyah was a captain of the Greater Lawrence Rowing Team and a sailing instructor at the Abe Bashara Boathouse — experiences that taught her teamwork, discipline, and leadership on and off the water.

Having attended Catholic schools since childhood, Aaliyah says her faith has been an anchor throughout her journey.

“Catholic education has taught me about community and compassion,” she reflected. “I’ve grown so much in my faith and I’ve seen God working behind the scenes, guiding me toward the people and opportunities that help me grow.”

As she prepares to join the Dartmouth College Class of 2030, Aaliyah carries with her the lessons, relationships, and values that have shaped her Central Catholic experience. She hopes to use neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or research as a path to serve others and make a tangible impact.

“I want to use science to make a tangible impact,” she said. “My goal has always been to help others, and I know there are so many ways to do that — whether through medicine, research, or engineering.”

For Aaliyah, the Catholic Schools Foundation has been more than financial support. It has been a source of empowerment, connection, and hope.

“This scholarship means everything,” she said. “It’s allowed me to grow, explore, and find my path. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

As the Catholic Schools Foundation celebrates Aaliyah Veloz ’26 and all she has accomplished, her story stands as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when talent, faith, hard work, and opportunity come together.