by Amanda Selm, ACB Scholarship Committee Chair
From future scientists and educators to advocates, performers, counselors, and innovators, the 2026 ACB scholarship recipients represent an extraordinary group of students whose passion, perseverance, and leadership are already shaping the future. Each scholar brings a unique story, a powerful sense of purpose, and a commitment to breaking barriers within their chosen fields and communities. The ACB Scholarship Committee is excited to introduce this year’s scholarship recipients.
Jessica “Jessie” Brownlee lives in Gainesville, Ga., and will soon begin her first semester in the master’s program at Western Michigan University, where she is working toward becoming a certified vision rehabilitation therapist. Jessie is the proud mother of three children, ages 8, 10, and 11. After a life-changing accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, the loss of her vision and sense of smell, and the passing of her spouse, she chose to return to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Before losing her vision, she worked for many years as a physical therapist assistant. Today, she is dedicated to supporting individuals with visual impairments through education, training, and meaningful connection within the blind and low vision community. Jessie enjoys spending time with her children, boyfriend, family, and friends. She especially enjoys reading suspense novels. She is actively involved with the Georgia Council of the Blind and ACB.
Nick Frazier is from Deatsville, Ala., and will attend Samford University this fall as a freshman studying sports business. Outside of academics, Nick enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, which fuel his passion for the sports and entertainment industry. He is committed to using his leadership skills, perseverance, and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports business. Nick is always planning which concert or sporting event to attend next. He looks forward to connecting with others, networking, and making new friends at the convention.
Toban (Toby) Harnish is a computer science student at Messiah University, where he will be a sophomore next semester. Born in China, Toban moved to the United States with his parents shortly before turning 14, and now lives in a rural town in Pennsylvania. During the academic year, he serves as an office assistant for the Office of General Education, contributing to research efforts and conducting data analysis. Outside of class, he enjoys playing chess, listening to historical documentaries, programming, and volunteering as a tutor for a math club organized by Math Minds Unseen. He looks forward to connecting with blind professionals in computer science.
LaQuon S. Johnson, originally from New York and now residing in Chesapeake, Va., is pursuing a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Hampton University. With 15 years of counseling experience, LaQuon has worked in numerous roles, including rehabilitation counselor, career educator, disability specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, and transition to college advisor. He is also the author of four fictional books highlighting individuals who have overcome adversity or struggled with fear of failure. LaQuon looks forward to meeting, socializing, and building long-lasting relationships with fellow scholarship recipients and attendees at the ACB Convention.
Olivia (Oli) Collazo lives in Westchester, N.Y., and will attend Oberlin College this fall as an incoming freshman. Oli plans to pursue dual degrees through Oberlin’s BA+BFA program in environmental studies and integrated arts. Outside of classes, Oli enjoys reading, writing, art, traveling, and researching unusual topics, with an extensive interest in pirates. They are eager to meet others with similar experiences and gain a deeper understanding of self-advocacy as a legally blind individual.
Lauren Mack is an aspiring social worker based in New York City. A journalist for 25 years, her writing about travel and food has appeared in more than 150 publications. She has traveled to 60 countries across five continents. Originally from Miami, Fla., Lauren has also lived in Beijing and Taipei. In fall 2026, she will begin graduate studies at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Newly blind, Lauren is passionate about educating others about vision loss, and hopes to open her own counseling and advocacy practice serving under-resourced communities. She is excited to attend her first ACB convention.
Lauren (Ren) Lovegood is from Boston, Mass., and is a Ph.D. student at the University of Massachusetts-Boston studying business administration, with a focus on organizations and social change. Ren works as a teaching fellow and research assistant and enjoys yoga, running, writing, pottery, meditation, travel, reading, and lifelong learning. Ren has traveled to 40 countries across five continents, and Missouri will be the 39th U.S. state they have visited. They look forward to connecting with members of the community and learning more about the history of advocacy at the convention.
Madeline (Maddy) Major is from Plymouth, Minn., and will begin her second year at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall, where she is double majoring in sociology and technical writing and communication. Outside of academics, Maddy enjoys dancing, spending time with friends, and attending music concerts and festivals. She has been dancing for over 15 years and is a member of her college’s competitive ballroom dance team. She is excited to meet other blind individuals at the ACB convention.
Suzette May lives in Waco, Texas, with her husband, David, their two sons, daughter, and daughter-in-law. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in orientation and mobility at Western Michigan University. Suzette works as a consultant collaborating with transportation professionals, researchers, and policymakers to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or have low vision. She recently completed her undergraduate degree with honors at Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys studying jazz piano, learning languages, dining out, playing games with her Seeing Eye dog Fred, and listening to her children perform bluegrass and country music. Suzette is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at the ACB convention. Her favorite quote is from L.A. Williams: “I refuse to let what I can’t do define what I will do.”
Zach McLean is from Seattle, Wash., and is currently finishing his sophomore year at Central Washington University, where he majors in special education. During school breaks and summer vacation, Zach works as a special education paraeducator at his former high school. He is also deeply involved in inclusive athletics and events, helping organize programs such as Day of Champions, a special needs track event, prom, and unified track athletics. Zach also plays college football. He is one of only two people in the world with his specific eye condition. This experience has strengthened his commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Zach looks forward to networking with other young adults at the ACB convention and learning from the broader community.
John Mobley IV is a rising third-year Ph.D. student in the Engineering Education Research Program at the University of Michigan. Originally from Jefferson, Iowa, John’s research focuses on education, workforce development, disability studies, and nuclear engineering education, particularly within advanced reactor technologies and public policy. John holds five degrees from Iowa State University, including degrees in physics, mathematics, higher education administration, and an MBA. He currently serves as a graduate student research assistant and will also work as a graduate student instructor in the Ford School of Public Policy during the fall 2026 semester. Outside of academics, John is active in the American Nuclear Society and enjoys collecting nuclear memorabilia, listening to jazz, traveling, and spending time outdoors. This summer, he will return to Japan with a University of Michigan delegation to study nuclear policy and public communication initiatives.
EmmaGrace Olech is a freshman from San Antonio, Texas, who will attend Texas A&M University in College Station as a biomedical sciences major. She plans to pursue a career in medicinal chemistry. In her free time, EmmaGrace enjoys reading, writing, learning Latin, and spending time outdoors. She is excited to meet new people and explore assistive technology at the convention.
Sarah Owofade is from Georgetown, Texas, and is an undergraduate vocal performance major at Texas State University. Sarah has a strong passion for music and creativity and enjoys expressing herself through performance and personal style. Outside of school, she loves shopping, dressing up, exploring new cities, and trying unique experiences that allow her to grow personally and artistically. Sarah and her two sisters all have a rare form of retinitis pigmentosa that affects only the sisters in their family. Their story was featured in an article about their mother raising three visually impaired daughters with determination and strength. Sarah is eager to connect with others who have faced similar challenges while continuing to thrive and inspire others.
Matthew James Potter is from Southampton, N.J., and will attend Stockton University this fall as a freshman pursuing a degree in general business. Matthew has a rare genetic condition called Alstrom Syndrome, which also affects his two brothers. All three lost their vision around age five. During high school, he participated in marching band as an alto saxophone player, unified basketball, chess team, and track and field, where he competed in throwing events and sprinting. Outside of school, he enjoys swimming, fishing, and going to the beach. Matthew looks forward to using his energy and enthusiasm to help others through ACB.
Claire Schultz lives in Firestone, Colo. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado as a psychology major. Claire currently works at the Longmont Innovation Center within the St. Vrain Valley School District, serving on the Music Innovation Team, Accessibility Team, and Creative Content Team. She is an avid record collector and music enthusiast who also enjoys baking, reading, and weightlifting. Claire looks forward to making meaningful connections, hearing new perspectives, and learning more about ACB.
Jenna Sheetz is from Arlington, Va., and will attend Tufts University this fall as a freshman majoring in criminal psychology. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys diving, theatre, and debate. She also works as a dive instructor part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. She is excited to meet new people through ACB and connect with other successful, passionate individuals with visual impairments.
Ella Shrout is from Portland, Ore., and is a sophomore at Baylor University, where she is double majoring in biochemistry and psychology on the pre-med track. Ella works in a chemistry and biochemistry research lab, and also serves as a medical assistant and phlebotomist in a pediatric clinic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, going to the gym, and watching movies.
Phil So is from New Jersey and will attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick to pursue a Ph.D. in communication, information, and media. His research explores artificial intelligence, accessibility, and digital communication. Phil is active in his community, serving on the boards and committees of several nonprofit organizations. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting his favorite soccer teams and continually learning new things.
Muhammad Sohaib is originally from Pakistan and now lives in Denton, Texas. He is a third-year doctoral student in special education at the University of North Texas and works as a graduate assistant in the Center for Leadership Development within the Division of Student Affairs. Outside of academics, Muhammad enjoys blind cricket, traveling, hiking, and mountaineering. He has trekked up to 4,500 meters in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopes to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. He is eager to connect with the ACB community and celebrate advocacy and leadership alongside fellow members.
Batya Sperling-Milner is from the Bronx, N.Y., and will attend Yale University this fall, where she plans to major in psychology. Batya enjoys reading, knitting, cooking, and taking long walks with friends. She is excited to connect with and learn from blind mentors and peers at this summer’s convention.
Each of this year’s recipients brings a unique story, perspective, and passion that reflects the strength and diversity of the blind and low vision community. The ACB Scholarship Committee hopes you will take time during the convention to meet these remarkable young people, learn from their experiences, and celebrate all they have already accomplished. We look forward to watching the impact they will continue to make within their communities and beyond.