John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School is proud to announce that two of its seniors, twins Guovanna and Sylvia Shoukri, were chosen for Drexel University’s Liberty Scholars program. They each receive a full tuition and fee scholarship with a maximum reward of $320,000, renewable for the four or five years of the student’s matriculation. The Shoukris are twin daughters of Melanie Shoukri from St. Richard’s parish in South Philadelphia.

Drexel University Liberty Scholars program was designed to continue the connection of Drexel University to its Philadelphia communities. Fifty recent Philadelphia high school graduates were selected for this inaugural program. In letters to Sylvia and Guovanna, Drexel’s senior vice president Joan McDonald said “While competition for entry into the program was competitive, your past accomplishments, hard work, community focus and potential to lead helped you to stand out from other candidates.” Although they plan to attend Drexel they had also been offered scholarships to LaSalle University, University of the Sciences of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia University.

As their four years at Hallahan ends, the girls have definitely left their imprint. They excelled academically and were very involved in many clubs and activities at Hallahan. Guovanna, ranked third in the senior class, received an Alumnae Academic Scholarship each of the four years she has been at Hallahan. Sylvia, ranked second in the senior class, will be this year’s Salutatorian. She has received the Connelly Achievement Award, all four years at Hallahan and became a JCC Scholar, additionally she also received an Alumnae Academic Scholarship, each of the fours years at Hallahan.

Guovanna and Sylvia are members of Mathletes, Respect Life Club, Science Club, Asian Culture Club, Drama Club, Dual Enrollment, National Honor Society, Tutoring, School Office Assistants, and Traditional Lebanese Dabke Group. Their community service experience includes Volunteering at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Methodist Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital, Operation Santa Clause, Project Linus, Church Festival, and the Broad Street run.