Ryleigh was the 2024 Angel scholarship winner. Read how she is making an impact after her first year at Arizona State University.
As a middle school student at Ss, Simon and Jude Cathedral School, Ryleigh Mangundayao always felt a sense of admiration at award ceremonies when older students received the Catholic Community Foundation’s Christian Service Award. What started as early inspiration blossomed into a significant moment for her last year, when she was honored with the Angel Scholarship for social work, peace, and justice studies.
This empowering scholarship opportunity for Catholic high school students was established 13 years ago by an anonymous benefactor of the Catholic Community Foundation. The donor had a keen interest in helping the underserved and underprivileged and hoped this scholarship would encourage young men and women to consider a life of service to others through social work.
Now a sophomore at Arizona State University, Ryleigh is pursuing a degree at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions while also participating in Barrett Honors College. Her academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrate that she's truly embodying the values instilled in her throughout her years of Catholic education, and she’s just getting started!
“As a member of the Next Generation Service Corps, I'm actively participating in the Civic Engagement Mission Team and serve on the Ambassador Committee,” Ryleigh explains. “Being surrounded by students who share a passion for public service has inspired me to become a character-driven leader. I’ve found a meaningful way to give back, guided by the same principles required through the scholarships offered through the Catholic Community Foundation.”
Ryleigh’s dedication to both academic excellence and spiritual growth has already garnered recognition. She was named to the Dean’s List, received the Watts Student Celebration Award, and had the honor of chairing the Ambassador Committee, where she mentors the next generation of student leaders.
At the same time, she has remained deeply connected to her Catholic identity through the Newman Center at ASU, where she participates in a supportive Bible study group and engages with fellow young Catholics.
“It’s helped me deepen my relationship with Jesus,” she shares. “These moments, academic, personal, and spiritual, remind me of my life’s mission and keep me focused on the work I’m called to do,” she says.
Her journey has truly come full circle. This year, she had the privilege of serving as a scholarship application reviewer for the very same Christian Service Award that once inspired her, witnessing firsthand how today’s students continue the legacy of faith, leadership, and service.
“My Catholic education at Ss. Simon and Jude and Xavier College Preparatory gave me more than just a strong academic foundation,” she reflects warmly. “For thirteen years, I was surrounded by devoted teachers, principals, priests, and nuns who modeled what it means to live as a disciple of Christ. Their love and dedication have profoundly shaped who I am today.”
To the generous donors who make all of the Catholic Community Foundation scholarships possible, she shares a heartfelt message of gratitude:
“Catholic education is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Because of your support, I’m now able to pursue my hopes and dreams, centered on the ideals of public service and the common good, the values that I’ve cherished since kindergarten. Thank you for investing not just in students but in the bright future of our Church, our communities, and our world!”