As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Cleaning for a Reason is proud to announce the recipient of the inaugural Cleaning for a Reason Debbie Sardone $5,000 Scholarship—Victoria Miller of Yorkville, Illinois.

The scholarship honors founder Debbie Sardone for her visionary leadership, enduring influence, and lasting impact on the nonprofit and the cleaning industry. Administered through ISSA Scholars, a signature program of ISSA Charities, the scholarship recognizes students affiliated with Cleaning for a Reason partner companies whose academic achievement, resilience, integrity, leadership, and commitment to serving others reflect the values that have defined Sardone’s legacy and the organization’s mission.

Miller is a 2026 graduate of Yorkville High School and will attend Liberty University, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation while working toward her goal of becoming a commercial pilot. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Wheeler, owner of Gem Maid Service, a Cleaning for a Reason partner company.

Victoria’s scholarship application reflected not only her academic achievement, but also her resilience, leadership, and commitment to serving others. She was recognized among the top 10% of seniors in Illinois and pursued a rigorous academic program that included advanced placement courses, dual-credit college coursework, and Project Lead The Way engineering courses.

Her academic interests ultimately helped lead her toward aviation, a field she hopes to pursue as a commercial pilot. Her journey has been shaped by determination, curiosity, and a desire to inspire others—particularly young women who aspire to careers in aviation.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Miller has demonstrated a commitment to serving others through volunteer work with Abundant Life Family Church, where she supports children’s ministry programs. She has also gained professional experience while balancing her education and career goals.

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me because it brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a commercial pilot,” said Miller. “This support will help make that dream more attainable as I pursue my degree and flight training. I hope to use my career to encourage other young women, especially women of color, to pursue opportunities they may not have thought were possible. I want to show them that their circumstances do not have to define their future. Eventually, I hope to create opportunities and scholarships for women of color who aspire to become pilots, allowing me to give others the same kind of encouragement and support that this scholarship is giving me.”

Gem Maid Service of Yorkville, IL, partnered with Cleaning for a Reason in July 2025 and has since provided free house cleanings to 12 cancer patients, with donated services valued at $5,970. Through its partnership, Gem Maid Service helps bring comfort, support, and hope to individuals and families facing cancer.

“We are incredibly proud of Victoria and the commitment she has shown toward her education and her future,” said Elizabeth Wheeler, owner of Gem Maid Service. “Cleaning for a Reason’s mission is about providing hope and support during difficult times, and this scholarship represents that same spirit of encouragement and opportunity for the next generation.”

“Victoria represents the qualities this scholarship was created to celebrate—determination, leadership, compassion, and the courage to pursue a meaningful goal,” said Lucy Lee, Program Manager of Cleaning for a Reason. “Her passion for aviation, commitment to helping others, and dedication to her education reflect the values Debbie Sardone has championed throughout her career. We are honored to recognize Victoria as the recipient of this scholarship.”

The Cleaning for a Reason Debbie Sardone Scholarship was created during the nonprofit’s 20th anniversary year as a lasting tribute to Debbie Sardone’s belief that one person’s vision can create meaningful, lasting change. The scholarship supports owners, employees, and eligible family members of Cleaning for a Reason partner companies who are pursuing higher education while demonstrating resilience, service, leadership, and compassion.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, ISSA Scholars awarded 64 scholarships totaling $182,500, made possible through the generous support of ISSA member companies and individual donors.

About Cleaning for a Reason

Cleaning for a Reason partners with more than 1,400 residential cleaners throughout the United States and Canada to offer free house cleaning to any household battling cancer. Since 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $23 million in services, helping more than 65,000 cancer patients. In 2017, Cleaning for a Reason was adopted by ISSA Charities, the charitable arm of ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions. To learn more about Cleaning for a Reason and to apply for free house cleaning, visit cleaningforareason.org.