Resident Spotlights: Lanya Scott, Tatiana Belcatro and Tristan Smith

Among the Take Flight participants was Lanya Scott, who got a full scholarship to Loyola University to study nursing. She was inspired by her grandmother, who she’d take to doctor’s appointments when she was a young girl of six years old. 

“Watching how doctors helped my grandmother, I want to help and inform others as much as I can,” said Lanya, who grew up in the Austin neighborhood and graduated from North-Grand High School.

Tatiana Belcastro, who will be attending University of Illinois this year, is on the pre-law track and will major in Psychology amd minor in Criminology. She said CHA and the Take Flight event makes her feel supported.

“It feels good knowing there are people I can turn to when things get rough,” she said.

Tristan Smith, who won both an academic and basketball scholarship from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, said: “I’ve been preparing myself for this since I started high school. My family is real big on education. My dad was telling me he loves me playing basketball. He always told me when the ball stops bouncing, focus on education, be successful and make a lot of money.”

Photo: Tatiana Belcatro and  Tristan Smith