Hartford, CT – April 25, 2025 – Hartford, CT — The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO), in partnership with the Greater Hartford National Pan-Hellenic Council, proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Next Gen Impact Scholarships, awarded to four exceptional graduating seniors from Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, and Windsor public schools.

This year’s awardees were recognized not only for their academic excellence, but for their remarkable commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. Each recipient received a $1,250 scholarship, honorary designation as an HSO education partner, and concert tickets. They were also recognized at the Fire Shut Up in My Bones pre-concert reception on April 24, 2025.

2025 Next Gen Impact Scholarship Recipients

Mikayla Evans – Windsor High School – Attending University of Connecticut

Mikayla Evans is a high-achieving senior at Windsor High School, headed to the University of Connecticut to pursue a degree in psychology with a focus on children and families. Known for her strong work ethic and quiet leadership, she is a member of the National Honor Society and maintains her high academic standards while balancing student council, varsity athletics, and a part-time job as a preschool assistant teacher.

Through her academic and personal experiences, Mikayla has developed a deep interest in the role of empathy and mental wellness in building stronger communities. She believes that creating a united, fair, and inclusive environment begins with listening, understanding, and ensuring that every individual feels seen and valued.

Whether leading a classroom activity, mentoring a teammate, or volunteering in her community, Mikayla brings care, confidence, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. With a thoughtful and intentional approach, she is ready to contribute meaningfully to her college community and beyond.

Hometown: Windsor

Harlow Ton-That – Academy of Aerospace and Engineering – Attending Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

Harlow Ton-That is a graduating senior at the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering with a passion for robotics, education, and building access to opportunity. As captain of his FTC Robotics team, he’s led them to four straight state championships and even a world title. But his impact goes far beyond competition over the past few years, he’s helped launch and support robotics teams in Hartford, East Hartford, and Nigeria, securing more than $50,000 in grants to make STEM education more accessible.

In the classroom, Harlow stands out for his insight, curiosity, and thoughtful leadership. Whether he’s diving into college-level sociology texts or bringing creative flair to civics projects, he always finds a way to elevate the conversation. Teachers and teammates alike admire his ability to lead with kindness and bring others along with him.

Harlow will attend Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering this fall, where he looks forward to continuing his work at the intersection of technology, equity, and education.

Hometown: Glastonbury

 

Shammia Martin – Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts- Attending Northeastern University or Rochester Institute of Technology

Shammia Martin is a creative force and passionate changemaker graduating from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. A gifted writer and thoughtful leader, Shammia has earned awards for her poetry, led school productions like Hadestown, and served as a peer mediator and advocate for youth voice through organizations like Our Piece of the Pie.

Her journey has been shaped by questions of identity, justice, and belonging and she’s not afraid to challenge assumptions, including her own. Whether cleaning up parks or giving keynotes on youth empowerment, Shammia consistently shows up with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to helping others grow.

As she looks ahead to college, Shammia is weighing her options between universities that will feed her passion for cultural exchange, social impact, and creative expression. Wherever she lands, she’s sure to keep lifting her voice and others’ in powerful ways. Shammia will attend the Northeastern University or Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall.

Hometown: Hartford

 

Kayhula Johnson – Windsor High School- Attending Tuskegee University

Kayhula Johnson is a standout senior at Windsor High School and future Tuskegee University student with big goals and a heart for community. As captain of the cheerleading team and president of Windsor High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter, she’s shown what true leadership looks like- balancing school, service, and team spirit with positivity and drive.

Her passion for building strong, inclusive communities comes from experience. Whether she’s leading stunts or group projects, Kayhula believes in the power of trust, open-mindedness, and encouragement. That mindset has earned her top academic honors, a spot among the top 25 in her class, and the respect of teammates and teachers alike.

Kayhula plans to study animal sciences and one day become a veterinarian. With her compassion, work ethic, and determination, there’s no doubt she’ll get there- and inspire others along the way.

Hometown: Bloomfield

About the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is a leading cultural institution in Connecticut, renowned for its exceptional performances and commitment to artistic excellence. The HSO brings a diverse range of classical and contemporary music to audiences throughout the region, while also fostering community engagement through education and outreach programs. The orchestra’s mission is to enrich lives through the power of music and to serve as a vibrant cultural resource for the Hartford community and beyond.