Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship Winner Announced

The Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of John Torgenson’s grandmother, Renee Torgenson. Her life reflected selflessness, integrity, and care for others. Each year, Torgenson Law awards this scholarship to a student whose character, service, and goals reflect those same values.

This year, we are proud to recognize Eva Polumba as the 2026 recipient.

Eva is a senior at Arizona School for the Arts. Her mornings are spent in academic classes, and her afternoons are filled with performing arts. She studies creative interdisciplinary courses, plays violin, and sings soprano in choir. Music has been a constant in her life. It shapes how she thinks, how she works, and how she connects with others.

Her interest in neuroscience began in an early program that introduced her to the field. Curiosity quickly became passion. That passion grew personal when her grandfather was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease. The experience strengthened her desire to work with patients facing similar challenges.

Alongside school, Eva works in a neuromuscular research lab. She drives to Tucson on weekends to continue her work. This summer, she will work full time in the lab and join a new project which will likely be in regenerative medicine.

Eva plans to study neuroscience as an undergraduate and eventually become a patient-focused neurologist, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. While she originally planned to attend the University of Arizona, she has since been accepted to Stanford University and was also named a Flinn Scholarship semifinalist. She has applied to top-tier schools across the country and will make her final decision in April.

Eva’s dedication to service is clear in her work with Hospice of the Valley. She began as a volunteer and later worked in the dementia care unit. It was there that Eva saw just how much respect, kindness, and human connection can change a patient’s day, especially for those who are often overlooked.

Her background in the arts also shapes her work in neurology. “Music affects the brain in a way which allows patients to completely change,” she said. She recalls a patient with moderate dementia who seemed apathetic. But, when Eva played a small piano keyboard, the patient’s face lit up.

When asked about standing up for fairness and equality, Eva shared a story from early in her time at the dementia unit. One patient, a blind Russian immigrant with dementia, couldn’t communicate because no one spoke Russian. Eva used Google Translate to connect. The patient reached out immediately, speaking excitedly and relieved to be understood. Eva doesn’t see this as going above and beyond. She believes this kind of care is the bare minimum.

“We can’t escape the value of small moments of affirmation,” Eva said.

Her commitment to community extends beyond healthcare. Proud of her Spanish and Mexican heritage, Eva was active in ASA’s Latin Student Union all four years of high school and later served as president. She focused on celebrating Latin excellence and joy. She organized ASA’s Latin Cultural Festival with “Latin Excellence” as the theme, giving students a platform to showcase their talents.

Earlier this year, Eva’s musical talent was recognized at the state level. She was the only vocalist selected to perform at the All-State Choir Festival.

When asked why she believes she is a strong recipient of the Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship, Eva said simply: “My story is noted by service. My love of music and identity as a musician is to serve others. My passion for neuroscience is derived from my passion for serving people who are dealing with a neurodegenerative disease.”

Eva Polumba embodies the values at the heart of the Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship. We are proud to support her as she continues her education and look forward to the impact she will make as a future neurologist!