In 2004, the late Phil Sokolof left a bequest to create the Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund. These funds provide for the Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund Scholarships to honor exceptional students and teachers. Recipients of these awards epitomize the scholarship criteria of achievement, scholastic performance, community service, and overall good character. Each year, the applicants are stellar.
It is with great pleasure that the Sokolof Committee announces the 2025 Sokolof Scholarship Awards. Graduating high school seniors for their college freshman year, the recipients are Miles “Mo” Blair and Joe Scioli; for health care recipients, Julia Brodkey and Lillian Cohen. Ainsley Meyerson is the recipient of the music award. Ali Sherman is this year’s Outstanding Jewish Teacher. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 award.
Miles Blair
Mo will graduate from Millard North High School. Seeking an academically rigorous institution with a strong Jewish community, he has chosen Brandeis University where he has been accepted into the international business scholars program which offers undergraduates in business the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree in as little as one additional year.
In addition to taking advanced placement and honors courses, Mo has been involved in Millard North Mentors, a program for upperclassman to help underclassmen navigate the new world of high school. He offered tutoring help as well as offering advice on how to transition to a new school. He was also a member of DECA and the National Honor Society.
On top of his academic accomplishments, Mo was also the 2024 & 2025 Millard North Wrestling team captain, a member of the varsity football team and named to the academic all-state team 3 times during his high school career. He was also named as an academic all-state student athlete for the 2025 winter sport season (wrestling).
One recommender shared “Miles is nothing short of exceptional. What truly sets Miles apart is his ability to foster comradery among his peers. Whether he is helping a struggling classmate understand a difficult problem or leading a group discussion, he elevates the learning experience for everyone around him.”
Mo’s parents are Gabriella & Jason Blair.
Joe Scioli
Joe will graduate from Westside High School, where he has excelled both academically and personally. Impressed by its strong academics, business and entrepreneurship programs, supportive Jewish community, and school spirit, he will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Despite a demanding academic schedule, Joe has remained highly involved in school activities. He played a leading role in DECA, earning the title of Distinguished Member of the Year for 2024–25. He is also a proud member of the Westside varsity baseball team, demonstrating his dedication and teamwork both on and off the field. His passion for the arts is evident through his participation in the varsity show choir, where he competed at the local, regional, and national levels. Joe’s leadership skills have been consistently recognized—he served as vice president of his junior class and president of the senior class.
One of Joe’s teachers said, “Balancing the demands of athletics with academic and entrepreneurial pursuits is a testament to his time management skills and determination. Joe is motivated and goes above and beyond in all his endeavors.”
Joe’s parents are Andee & Anthony Scioli.
Julia Brodkey
Julia began Creighton University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program last August and anticipates graduating in May 2027. She earned her BA in Psychology with concentration in Developmental Psychology from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Even with challenging coursework, Julia makes time for volunteer opportunities – working with new mothers, parents, and pregnant women facing challenges at Guiding Grace and assisting clients in need at Heart Ministry’s Monen Healthcare Clinic. She also serves as a Student Ambassador at Creighton, representing her program to prospective students and is part of multiple interprofessional clubs focused on building collaboration.
One recommender said “Julia has already distinguished herself as a promising future healthcare professional, demonstrating academic skills, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning. She actively participates, asking thoughtful questions, and approaches challenges with determination and an open mind.” Another said “Julia is a self-motivated young woman, who judges her work against her own moral compass, not her peer’s work. She is a natural leader and an inspiration. Her love of Judaism and her Jewish identity is obvious, and she sets a great example.”
Julia’s parents are Stacie & Jason Metz and Marc Brodkey.
Lillian Cohen
Lillian will begin her graduate studies in the field of Speech-Language Pathology at Arizona State University in the fall of 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology, from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in December 2024. She also completed a minor in Education Studies. As part of her undergraduate experience, Lillian studied at Hebrew College’s Kivunim Institute in Jerusalem, where she broadened her academic and cultural perspective.
During her time at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lillian served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Brain, Learning, and Behavior Lab. In this role, she contributed to various projects by managing and interpreting data. She was recognized in this role for her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, consistently demonstrating empathy, patience, and professionalism.
Lillian also volunteered at the Munroe-Meyer Institute in Omaha, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during summer camp programs. This experience further strengthened her dedication to inclusive communication and care.
Her passion for Speech-Language Pathology is driven by a deep curiosity about how the brain processes language and the impact of medically complex conditions on communication. Lillian aspires to use her career to empower others by helping them find their voice.
Lillian’s parents are Karen and Michael Cohen.
Ainsley Meyerson
Ainsley is currently finishing her sophomore year at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an active member of The Sirens, an all-female a cappella group, with whom she rehearses weekly and performs throughout the academic year.
Ainsley’s passion for music began early, sparked by her participation in the Jewish Community Center’s musical theater program. From a young age, she was captivated by the energy of the stage and the expressive power of performance. Her enthusiasm for music continued to flourish through high school, where she was involved in show choirs, vocal ensembles, and a cappella groups.
Looking ahead, Ainsley aspires to work at the intersection of music and mental health research. She is particularly interested in exploring the therapeutic applications of music and developing interventions that support mental well-being. Her academic background in psychology and neuroscience, combined with her lifelong dedication to music, uniquely equips her to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field.
One recommendation read “Ainsley has gone above and beyond in all her roles – as student, musician, and campus leader.” And another “Although her strong musical talent and academic excellence are immediately apparent, Ainsley truly shines as a strong leader in our community, marked by humility, enthusiasm, and infectious optimistic motivation that in turn inspires all. Consistently, she excels in ambition, integrity, and kindness.”
Ainsley’s parents are Jamie and Troy Meyerson.
Alison Sherman
Ali has dedicated 23 years to teaching at McMillan Middle School, part of Omaha Public Schools and located in the heart of North Omaha. As the Head of the Art Department and Electives Team Leader, Ali teaches art to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, including an adapted art curriculum that supports students with special needs.
Within the classroom, Ali is committed to nurturing both the creative and personal growth of her students. She designs inclusive and engaging lessons that reflect a wide range of interests and abilities, encouraging each student to discover and develop their artistic voice. She is also a strong advocate for student well-being, creating a calm and supportive classroom environment, mediating peer conflicts, and helping students build confidence in themselves and their work. Many former students credit her with inspiring their paths into teaching and the arts.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ali is an active contributor to both the school and the wider community. Her leadership includes coordinating support efforts for students in crisis—such as organizing assistance for a family who lost their home in a fire—and serving on multiple school committees. She has led numerous extracurricular initiatives and school-wide activities, and her dedication has been recognized through several outstanding teaching awards. Ali has two sons, Isaac and Noah and is the daughter of Patty & Michael Sherman.
The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund are administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
