AEON School and USA Fencing Reveal Second Annual Scholarship Recipients

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing and AEON School are proud to announce the second annual class of fencing scholarship recipients, highlighting two exceptional student-athletes who demonstrate impressive commitment to academics and the sport. Formerly known as Avenues Online, AEON School is the Official School of USA Fencing and continues to create new pathways for young fencers to excel both on the strip and in the virtual classroom.

“In 2024, our inaugural scholarships recognized an outstanding pair of fencers who set the bar high for all future recipients,” says Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing. “We’re thrilled to continue that tradition of excellence by honoring a new pair of remarkable young people who embody the dedication, passion, and sportsmanship that define our sport.”

This month, AEON School awarded scholarships to:

From Harvard Westlake in Los Angeles, Matthew has been fencing for six years. A top student in advanced STEM courses, he balances an intense travel schedule for Junior and Cadet competitions, striving to fence in both the 2026 Youth Olympics in Senegal and eventually the Olympic Games. His commitment to personal growth extends beyond fencing — he fosters and rehabilitates abandoned kittens and has taken part in stand-up comedy performances to hone his public speaking skills.

“Why AEON?”
“I’m pursuing an education at AEON School because its rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum provides the flexibility I need to travel internationally while striving for my Olympic goals,” Matthew says. “I believe AEON’s innovative approach will allow me to excel in both academics and fencing without compromise.”

Jaelyn, who is from Dallas and trains in Massachusetts, discovered fencing at the age of 8 and has flourished ever since, balancing a demanding competitive circuit with a love for arts and crafts, singing, and dancing. She credits fencing for building her confidence and shaping friendships that span the globe. In January 2025, she captured a historic gold medal at the Hong Kong World Cup — her first medal on the senior circuit — becoming the youngest U.S. Women’s Foil fencer ever to win a World Cup gold. She even defeated teammate and Olympic champion Lee Kiefer OLY in the Round of 32 on her path to victory.

Jaelyn aims to qualify for world teams in cadet, junior, and senior categories, and she views AEON’s flexible online curriculum as the perfect solution for her academic and athletic ambitions.

“Why AEON?”
“AEON provides the flexibility I need to thrive both academically and athletically,” Jaelyn says. “With a more adaptable schedule, I can stay on top of my studies while traveling for competitions around the world. Most importantly, AEON allows me to pursue my fencing dreams without compromising my education.”

Although AEON School underwent a name change in August of 2024, its mission remains the same: to provide a world-class education to learners with demanding lifestyles — whether they’re traveling fencers, up-and-coming athletes, or students simply seeking a more personalized learning experience. That philosophy resonates deeply with these two scholarship winners, who hope to represent Team USA in the future while maintaining high academic standards.

“Every year, we see students push the boundaries of what’s possible,” Andrews adds. “We congratulate Matthew and Jaelyn on their scholarships, and we look forward to watching them become even stronger competitors and scholars in AEON’s flexible program.”

For more information on AEON School’s commitment to fostering student-fencers, or to learn about upcoming scholarship opportunities, visit the AEON School website.