Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lois Bronz Scholarship: Azon Laurel of Fallsburg Junior-Senior High School and Oluwatobiloba “Tobi” Fashipe of North Rockland High School.
Established in honor of the late Lois Bronz—a distinguished educator, advocate, and champion for educational opportunity—the Lois Bronz Scholarship recognizes outstanding male students of color who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and a commitment to the transformative power of education.
Azon Laurel has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar, leader, and community servant. Serving as President of the Student Government Association, participating in My Brother’s Keeper and Senior Band, and completing more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service—including as a volunteer firefighter with the Mountaindale Fire Department—Azon exemplifies dedication to both academic excellence and community engagement. Remarkably, he has earned both his high school diploma and an associate degree while maintaining a strong academic record. This fall, he will attend Syracuse University to study International Relations and pursue a career in public service.
Oluwatobiloba “Tobi” Fashipe is an aspiring educator whose commitment to learning, service, and leadership reflects the values embodied by Lois Bronz. An Honor Roll student at North Rockland High School, Tobi has been actively involved in the school’s Track Team and Band while also serving faithfully on his church’s Worship Team. This fall, he will attend Orange County Community College, where he plans to major in Sociology with a minor in Education. Inspired by the impact educators can have on the lives of others, Tobi aspires to make a meaningful difference through education and counseling.
“At Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers, we believe that education changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for future generations,” said Dr. Bettye Perkins, Founder and Executive Director of TSTT. “Azon and Tobi exemplify the leadership, perseverance, service, and commitment to excellence that the Lois Bronz Scholarship was designed to recognize. We are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to the many ways they will positively impact the world.”
Francine Shorts, daughter of Lois Bronz and President of the Lois Bronz Foundation, reflected on the enduring legacy of the scholarship’s namesake. “My mother devoted her life to ensuring that young people had access to educational opportunities and the encouragement needed to pursue their dreams. Azon and Tobi embody the values she cherished—integrity, service, determination, and a passion for learning. It is an honor to celebrate these remarkable young men and to continue her legacy through this scholarship.”
This is the first year that TSTT was able to award the scholarship to two recipients, each for $2000.00 ($500 per year). Both scholarship recipients embody the mission of Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers through their academic accomplishments, leadership, service, and dedication to making a positive impact in their communities. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the power of education to transform lives.
TSTT congratulates Azon and Tobi on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to witnessing the positive contributions they will make as future leaders, advocates, educators, and changemakers.
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