Three Students Awarded Isidore Wise Scholarships

Since 1996, the Isidore Wise Scholarship Fund has honored the legacy of Isidore Wise by supporting the educational goals of exceptional high school seniors who are current or former patients at Connecticut Children’s. Mr. Wise, who served on the Newington Children’s Hospital Board of Directors for 45 years, established the scholarship fund through a generous bequest.

This year, dozens of students applied for one of three scholarships. We congratulate all of the 2026 high school seniors who applied. Each has demonstrated remarkable determination while navigating health challenges and pursuing a bright, healthy future.

Meet this year’s Isidore Wise Scholars:

Drew Fowler

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age four, Drew spent 13 years on and off chemotherapy at Connecticut Children’s. While he faced scary-looking needles, strenuous treatment side effects, and a donut-shaped machine that beeped, buzzed, and lacked any of the comfort donuts typically provide, he learned how to face life with an uncommon degree of positivity. His nurses, doctors, and parents helped him view going to the hospital as an adventure. Now Drew’s memories are of his Child Life specialist’s jokes, watching Disney movies, and making crafts. Drew’s frequent absences due to his treatment schedule led him to push himself in school to prove that a tumor didn’t have to limit his achievements. As a result, Drew served as class president and captain of the cross country team, ran indoor track, was president of the Leo Club and the National Honor Society, and earned the distinction of Valedictorian at Terryville High School. He will attend Yale University on his path to becoming a lawyer who specializes in medical finance, so he can help doctors obtain the resources they require to continue providing top-notch care to their patients.

Aidan Lang

Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in elementary school, Aidan not only learned to live with his condition—he embraces it and uses his experience to help others. Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and sounds known as tics—sometimes causing a child to be unable to remain seated or breathe regularly. But with the support of Gyula Acsadi, MD, at Connecticut Children’s, Aidan grew to understand his tics and power through them. He grew confident, eventually campaigning and fundraising to raise awareness for Tourette Syndrome and traveling throughout the Vernon Public School District, giving presentations to staff and students.An active leader, Aidan has served as a class officer, captain of his high school Math Team, Robotics Team, Trivia Team and Golf Team, as well as participating in debate, writing club, cross country and indoor track. A member of the Class of 2026 at Rockville High School, Aidan plans to attend Northeastern University to pursue a career in STEM. Outside of his academics, Aidan wants to engage in community outreach initiatives, ranging from peer tutoring to supporting those with disabilities in the STEM field.

Lorelei Frazzini-Kendrick

Lorelei always had a voracious appetite for knowledge and understanding and regarded resting as a weakness. But when chronic joint pain, migraines, digestive issues, and severe dizziness stopped her in her tracks, her care team at Connecticut Children’s helped her adjust to a new way of life as she lives with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Autonomic Dysfunction. With physical therapy, pain management, and infusions, Lorelei learned that resilience is not merely pushing through, but having the strength to rest and digest. But even while learning to slow down, Lorelei managed to excel as a scholar-athlete as a member of the Wethersfield High School Swim and Dive Team, sing in the Choralaires Honor Choir, serve as a Student Government officer, and be an active community volunteer and Parkinson’s Disease fundraiser, which earned her the Michael J. Fox Foundation MVP Award. Inspired by her caregivers’ empathy, Lorelei plans to attend Vassar College and major in neurobiology to explore the mind-body connection.College and major in neurobiology to explore the mind-body connection.