TOPP Foundation awards scholarships to students living with type 1 diabetes – Bucks County Herald newspaper
The TOPP Foundation has awarded its 2025 Higher Education Scholarship recipient to three high school graduates living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who exemplify academic excellence, community involvement and unwavering resilience.
This year’s awardees have not only excelled in their studies but have also shown remarkable strength in managing the daily challenges of T1D. Each recipient was awarded $500 to support their college tuition. While modest in amount, the scholarship is rich in meaning — reflecting the foundation’s commitment to honoring resilience and investing in the futures of young adults navigating chronic illness.
The recipients are:
• Riley Williams, Sellersville: Diagnosed at age 15, Williams graduated from Pennridge High School and is now studying finance at Auburn University.
• James Rutenberg, Doylestown: Diagnosed at age 5, Rutenberg graduated from Central Bucks West High School and is attending Arcadia University to pursue business.
• Erica Zhao, Philadelphia: Diagnosed at age 14, Zhao graduated from Central High School and is currently studying biology at Drexel University.
“Living with T1D isn’t easy. These students meet daily challenges with strength and determination, and they haven’t let it stop them from chasing their dreams,” said Christine Gunsiorowski, co-founder and president of the TOPP Foundation.
“We were proud to honor their resilience as they take this exciting next step into college.”
The TOPP Higher Education Scholarship is open to high school seniors residing in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties. It recognizes students living with T1D who are pursuing post-secondary education and have demonstrated academic achievement and personal resilience.
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