Santa Fe Christian’s senior Mila Sonkin achieved national recognition, distinguishing herself among 16,000 applicants as one of only 25 finalists for the National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship. Sonkin is the first student from Santa Fe Christian (SFC) to reach this milestone, according to a news release.
In honor of her achievement, the National Association of Secondary School Principals flew Sonkin and SFC college counselor and NHS adviser Nancy Olah to Washington, D.C., for the National Education Leadership Awards Gala.
“Attending the NHS awards gala in Washington, D.C. with Mila was an amazing experience,” said Olah in the news release. “We were honored to come together with other top students and educators from all over the country to discuss how we can advocate for positive changes in education.”
While there, Sonkin participated in leadership development, team-building exercises, and advocacy training alongside outstanding students, advisers, and s from across the country.
“It is 100% all Mila,” said Lori Montoya, SFC’s college counselor, in the news release. “She is a dedicated student who is mature beyond her years with tenacity and fortitude.”
Adding to her impressive list of accolades, Sonkin was also named a San Diego County Ford Salute to Education Scholarship winner. She was selected as one of just 100 high school seniors across San Diego County to receive this honor, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership.
“Watching my mom build her company from the ground up showed me the power of strong, mission-driven female leadership,” said Sonkin in the news release. “I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I saw firsthand how powerful women can be in business and how much courage, creativity, and resilience it takes. But I also saw how rare it was to see women in leadership, and I want to change that.”
Beyond her scholarship honors, Sonkin has demonstrated a ion for young women in leadership. She initiated a trip for 13 female students from SFC to attend the BOLD Conference at Harvard Business School, an event designed to equip young women with tools, skills, and mentorship for success in the business world. Sonkin served as SFC’s Harvard Ambassador, reflecting her commitment to leadership and advocacy.
“My ion for business grew even deeper through my involvement with Harvard’s Women in Business BOLD Conference,” said Sonkin in the news release. “After attending, I was inspired to lead the trip the following year and establish a new tradition at SFC—bringing a group of young women to BOLD annually. I hope that more students can feel the same sense of possibility and empowerment I did.”
Sonkin’s academic achievements also include being named a Coca-Cola Scholarship Regional Finalist. In the fall, she will continue her academic journey at Harvard University.
“My experiences have deepened my commitment to empowering women to lead in business and to creating spaces where young women can see themselves as future leaders and changemakers,” Sonkin said in the news release.
