Caitlin Vengazo
Caitlin Vengazo is a junior high school student at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. She plays on the high school golf team, is an entertainment editor for the school newspaper, and is an officer for Maine South’s DECA chapter, Maine South Business Honor Society, and Maine South Donation Club.
Vengazo was diagnosed with type-one diabetes (T1D) at age ten and currently serves as a Youth Ambassador for JDRF, the global leader in T1D research. Additionally, she is the founder and president of a school club dedicated to providing service and raising awareness for those with T1D.
Vengazo looks to pursue the business field, specifically finance and business administration and was a 2023 Illinois DECA State Finalist for Business Solutions Project and 2023 Regionals 2nd Place Medalist for Human Resources. She has gained experience in her fields of interest through her business internship with the Amina Grace Memorial Fund, a local Down syndrome and differing abilities charity, and by working as the marketing manager for Chicago Financial Coaching.
Vengazo babysits and works as a phone hostess at a local Italian restaurant, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, bike rides, and going to the beach.
The NSHSS Nobel Academic Excellence Scholarship recognizes high school juniors and seniors making a positive impact on society, and how college will help these students continue to make an impact for years to come.