INIA Scholarship 2026

2026 Scholarship Winner

Amber Wronski

North Hunterdon High School | Occupational Therapy

The Michael Garbo Foundation is proud to recognize Amber Wronski as a 2026 recipient of the International Narcotics Interdiction Association (INIA) Scholarship.

Throughout high school, Amber has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and inclusion, particularly through her work with individuals with special needs. Growing up with her younger brother, Andrew, who has special needs, helped shape Amber's patience, responsibility, and empathy and inspired her to become actively involved in programs supporting individuals of all abilities.

As an Executive Leader of Unified Social Club, Amber helps plan club meetings, organize fundraising opportunities, and promote awareness and inclusion throughout her school. She also participates in Unified Soccer and Unified Basketball, where she assists athletes with special needs in developing sports skills while encouraging teamwork, confidence, and good sportsmanship.

Amber's commitment extends into her community. As a Team Leader with Special Olympics, she helps lead practices, motivate athletes, and create an inclusive and supportive team environment. She also volunteers with North Hunterdon Buddy Ball, providing guidance and encouragement to children with special needs as they learn the fundamentals of baseball.

In addition to her extensive service, Amber has maintained an outstanding academic record and is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society. She has balanced her academics and volunteer commitments with employment at Pino's Gourmet Restaurant and as a childcare provider.

Amber's experiences with her brother and the special-needs community have inspired her to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She plans to enter an accelerated doctoral program and hopes to build a career helping patients gain greater independence, develop new skills, and improve their quality of life.

In her essay, Amber shared what inspires her to pursue this path:

Watching him work on it for weeks and finally seeing his proud smile and hearing his contagious laughter when everyone congratulates his success motivates me to bring that same joy to others.

Amber's compassion, leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities make us proud to recognize her as a 2026 INIA Scholarship recipient.

2026 Scholarship Winner

Emma Soto

Kansas State University | Forensic Psychology

The Michael Garbo Foundation is proud to recognize Emma Soto as a 2026 recipient of the International Narcotics Interdiction Association (INIA) Scholarship.

Emma will attend Kansas State University, where she plans to major in forensic psychology and pursue a minor in Spanish. Already having earned the Seal of Biliteracy, Emma hopes to continue strengthening her language skills so she can better serve people from diverse backgrounds throughout her future career.

Throughout high school, Emma has been actively involved in Girls Soccer, Peer Jury, Student Council, National Honor Society, Helping Paws Volunteer Club, and Best Buddies. She has also earned recognition for her academic achievements as an A Honor Roll student.

Emma's passion for psychology comes from her desire to understand how thoughts, emotions, and environments influence behavior. Her long-term goal is to become a correctional counselor working with juvenile offenders, providing guidance and support to young people who may be struggling and helping them recognize that their mistakes do not have to define their future.

As a first-generation college student, Emma understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing higher education. She plans to continue her education beyond her undergraduate degree by earning a master's degree or doctorate while gaining hands-on experience through internships within the justice system.

In her essay, Emma shared her belief in giving young people the opportunity to grow:

I want my career to focus on the transformation of others rather than just consequences.

Emma's compassion for at-risk youth, commitment to her education, and desire to build a career centered on helping others make us proud to recognize her as a 2026 INIA Scholarship recipient.