2024: Marie Popielarz (Pennsylvania)
Marie’s coach wrote that “Marie lives in the spirit of the Sarah Weinberg Memorial Scholarship and is very deserving based on her character, serving the community, and work ethic.” Serving as her team’s captain gave NCL staff a chance to watch Marie’s encouraging style of leadership and infectious spirit. Congratulations to Marie for receiving the 2024 Sarah Weinberg scholarship!
2023: Kaitlyn Johnson (Delaware)
Kaitlyn has a broad base of experience in her community service. From her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards to 4-H projects, she has reached a wide variety of organizations as recipients of her good deeds, all while maintaining a 4.51 GPA. She plans to major in mechanical engineering.
2022: Sadie Eckert (Nebraska)
Sadie is an excellent student and has given so much back to her community. She will be studying psychology in college to help others with their mental health. Her strength of character really shone through in the nomination by her LifeSmarts coach. Congratulations to Sadie!
2021: Sophia Merka (Georgia)
Sophia was nominated by her 4-H agent/coach for her excellent academic record, her 4-H club involvment and her service contributions to her community. The scholarship committee agreed, saying, “She has a definite plan for her future and helps financially support both her parents’ households.” She has found time to clean a river, lead a book club, sew masks for donating, teach classes about horses, clothing, and various other subjects, serve as captain of her 4-H Food Challenge team, coach younger 4-H’ers in horse quiz bowl….all on top of her family obligations, school and horse responsibilities. And she sews, too! LifeSmarts and the staff of the National Consumers League, along with the parents of Sarah Weinberg, congratulates Sophia!
2020: Hannah Wolfe (Pennsylvania)
Hannah was nominated by her coach for her excellent classroom and club involvement coupled with exceptional contributions to her community. The scholarship committee agreed, saying, “One of the applicants stands out as perfect to receive the Sarah Weinberg LifeSmarts Memorial Scholarship in 2020 because she seems to be all about service to her community.” Hannah has written successful grants on behalf of local nonprofits, made numerous Safety Smart presentations to younger students, and been active in a number of local events and initiatives.
LifeSmarts and the staff of the National Consumers League, along with the parents of Sarah Weinberg, congratulates Hannah!
2019: Everett Charles (Tennessee)
The recipient of this year’s scholarship is actively involved in his community, teaching nutrition and fitness to youth through his local 4-H chapter. This student’s volunteer work reached over 600 middle school youth. His coach said that working with 4-H and LifeSmarts, has lead this student to gain “leadership, citizenship, and communication skills.” Everett will be heading to Sarah’s alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Martin, this fall. LifeSmarts and the staff of the National Consumers League, along with the parents of Sarah Weinberg, congratulates Everett who was named the 2019 recipient of the Sarah Weinberg Memorial Scholarship.
2018: Lekabel Abul (Washington, DC)
The staff of the National Consumers League, along with the parents of Sarah Weinberg, congratulates Lekabel who was named the 2018 recipient of the Sarah Weinberg Memorial Scholarship during the Nationals LifeSmarts Championship in San Diego. Her coach describes Lekabel’s powerful impact not only in her school community, but in the surrounding community as well. A particular focus for her has been bringing awareness to the lack of safe and equitable play areas for elementary school students in the neighborhoods surrounding her school.
2017: Kathryn Tackett (Georgia)
The staff of the National Consumers League, along with the parents of Sarah Weinberg, congratulates Kathryn (pictured in blue), the first-ever winner of the Sarah Weinberg LifeSmarts Memorial Scholarship. The selection committee agreed that Kathryn exemplifies the ideals that Sarah lived, giving back to her community in a variety of ways. In nominating Kathryn, her LifeSmarts coach Jeremy Cheney said, “Kathryn is the definition of a stand-out student,” adding that she not only carries an intense school load, but she also actively volunteers throughout the community. Kathryn serves as a youth therapeutic riding instructor for children with various disabilities. She also volunteers at the Atlanta Zoo, teaching younger children about the environment, and has led seven large-scale community service projects.