The Morehead-Cain Foundation—home of the first merit scholarship program in the United States, founded at the first public university in the country—is proud to announce its class of 2025.

This fall, Morehead-Cain will welcome to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 76 new Morehead-Cain Scholars from throughout North Carolina, the United States, and the world. The class of 2025 includes:

• 36 scholars from North Carolina
• 30 scholars from 20 different states
• 5 scholars from the United Kingdom
• 4 scholars from Canada
• 1 scholar from Nepal

Note: Scholars who attend high schools in different counties, states, or countries other than their hometowns are listed in more than one location.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at UNC–Chapel Hill. It also features a distinctive program of summer enrichment experiences designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones. They have opportunities to complete an outdoor leadership course, work in teams on problems facing cities throughout North America, conduct research or work with organizations around the globe, and gain professional experience that helps launch their careers.

The Summer Enrichment Program is complemented by the Morehead-Cain Discovery Fund. Scholars are encouraged, and receive financial support, to deeply explore their interests, whether those involve studying under celebrated artists, attending leadership retreats, or obtaining wilderness-first-responder certification. From researching food and agriculture industries in Iceland to examining the interrelationship between climate change and infectious diseases, Morehead-Cain Scholars have the resources to pursue educational opportunities wherever they may find them.

As set out in the Program’s founding documents, selection criteria for the Morehead-Cain are leadership, moral force of character, academic achievement, and physical vigor. Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen based on their record of inspiring peers to work together, displaying courage and humility, and thriving in an academically rigorous environment.

More than 275 Morehead-Cain Scholars study on campus, making outstanding contributions across the full range of University life. From student government to community service to the performing arts, Morehead-Cain Scholars play a prominent role in Carolina’s vibrant and innovative student community. For example, more than 1,200 scholars and alumni are members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. Lauren Eaves ’18 and Scott Diekema ’19 co-founded Carolina’s first student-run coffee shop, The Meantime; Sean Nguyen ’21 co-founded the Asian American Center; Patrice McGloin ’23 is the fifth scholar in ten years to serve as co-president of the Campus Y; and Ashton Martin ’20 served as UNC’s first Native American student body president. Since 2010, five student body presidents, four student attorneys general, and five honor court chairs have all been Morehead-Cains.

During the past twenty years, fifteen Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Rhodes Scholarships to England’s Oxford University, one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious awards for graduate study. Since 1957, when the first Morehead Scholars graduated from Carolina, 32 of UNC’s 36 Rhodes Scholars have been Morehead-Cain Scholars—and Morehead-Cains account for 15 of UNC’s past 16 recipients.

Morehead-Cains have also accounted for 28 of the University’s 42 Luce Scholars, 8 of its 21 Marshall Scholars, and 20 of Carolina’s 30 Truman Scholars, among the nation’s most generous and distinguished awards for graduate study. Twenty-nine Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Fulbright Fellowships, five have won Gates Cambridge Scholarships for graduate study at the University of Cambridge in England, and five have received the Schwarzman Scholarship, an elite China-based graduate scholarship that enrolled its first students in 2016. One alumnus was among the inaugural class of the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University; another was among the inaugural class of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University in Montréal, Québec.

Like the scholars, the more than 3,200 Morehead-Cain Alumni across the world are a diverse and distinguished group. They include:

• North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper;
• Sallie Krawcheck, owner of Ellevate Network and former head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Smith Barney;
• Jerry Blackwell, Minnesota Special Assistant Attorney General and prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin murder trial;
• Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Taylor Branch;
• Karen Stevenson, a U.S. Magistrate Judge and the first Black American woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship;
• U.S. Congressmen Jim Cooper and David Price;
• North Carolina Representative Ricky Hurtado, the first Latino Democrat elected to the North Carolina State Legislature and a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Education honoree;
• Ann Livermore, current board of directors member of HP Enterprise and former executive vice president at Hewlett-Packard;
• Tim Sullivan, former Ancestry.com CEO and former Ancestry.com board of directors chairman;
• Brian Strong, Global Head of Communications at Bloomberg;
• Niki Shamdasani, co-founder and CEO of the South Asian fashion brand Sani;
• Award-winning filmmakers and directors Tessa Blake and Ed Perkins;
• Robyn Hadley, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer at the University of Virginia;
• Jesse Moore, co-founder of M-KOPA Solar, which was named by FORTUNE as one of the Top 50 Companies Changing the World;
• Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, chief diversity officer for Microsoft;
• Michelle Jana Chan, travel and adventure journalist and editor of Vanity Fair on Travel;
• New York Times columnist and author Frank Bruni;
• New York Times best-selling novelist Shilpi Somaya Gowda;
• Danae Ringelmann, co-founder of the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo; and
• Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health.

Founded in 1945, the Morehead-Cain has been a model for countless merit scholarships throughout the United States. These include the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholars Program, Duke University’s Benjamin N. Duke Scholars Program, and Emory University’s Woodruff Scholars Program.

Images of scholarship recipients can be downloaded here. A biography of each scholar is below.

Class of 2025

New Morehead-Cain Scholars are listed below alphabetically by North Carolina county, state, and country. Students noted with an asterisk (*) are listed in more than one location.

North Carolina

Alamance County
Sheidy Rios-Vazquez (Sheidy) will graduate this spring from Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, and captain of the varsity cheerleading team. Sheidy has accumulated more than 400 hours of volunteer work in her community and founded the Crafting for the Community club. For six years, she served as a translator and volunteer at a local nonprofit called Young Musicians of Alamance. She is a Nu Scholar of Elon Academy, a college-access program, and a member of the Latin, English, Math, and National Honor societies. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biology and nutrition. Sheidy is the daughter of Emelia Vazquez Puebla of Whitsett, North Carolina.

Buncombe County
Owen Garrett Gast (Owen) will graduate this spring from North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, North Carolina. At North Buncombe, Owen is involved in the band program (as a three-time all-state trombonist) and the mock trial team (which competed at the state championship this year) and serves as a Beta Club officer. He is also the captain of the school’s cross country and track teams and loves running in his spare time. Outside of school, Owen is a member of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra and enjoys volunteering with the youth group of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the North Carolina Governor’s School class of 2020. Owen is the son of Heather and Donald Gast of Weaverville, North Carolina.

Elizah Liberty Van Lokeren (Eliza) will graduate this spring from North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, North Carolina, where she serves as student body executive president. She is also co-founder and chair of the Communications and Outreach Committee, which she helped establish to focus on student mental health. Elizah is a volunteer WyldLife leader (affiliated with the nonprofit Young Life), a varsity tennis player, and a student ambassador. Outside of NBHS, she’s been recognized as a “high gold” dance soloist with the Weaverville Dance Academy for four years. With a passion for the arts, Elizah choreographed the musical The Lion King Jr., and works as a freelance photographer. At Carolina, she is interested in studying business administration, economics, and public policy in the hopes of founding her own nonprofit. Elizah is the daughter of Anna Booraem and George Sieburg of Asheville and the late Markus Van Lokeren, also of Asheville, North Carolina.

Durham County

*Kabir Dewan (Kabir) will graduate this spring from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. Kabir is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys playing a plethora of sports, including tennis, basketball, and golf. He also enjoys music and has played the guitar for eight years. At school, Kabir enjoys working with many clubs, holding leadership positions in his school’s National Honor Society and DECA chapters. He also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where he serves as president of the Youth Advocacy Team and director of North Carolina Teen Outreach. The positions have allowed him to advocate for type 1 diabetes research and reform on a national level. He also is the published author of a memoir entitled L1V1NG that details his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. Kabir is the son of Ritu Dass and Kamal Dewan of Waxhaw, North Carolina.

*Emilee Arlisha Liggins (Emilee) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. Emilee is a research technician for the UNC School of Medicine, where she studies the lived experiences of minorities working in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry. At NCSSM, she serves as an officer for the Heritage Opportunity and Progressive Education Club, which represents and celebrates students identifying within the African Diaspora, and as the co-president of NCSSM’s Colours Choir, an inspirational gospel group. A women’s varsity basketball team captain, Emilee is a North Carolina Women’s 3A State Champion, 2A Mid-State Conference Champion, and a 2A Mid-State All-Conference Team Member. Outside of NCSSM, Emilee is an office associate for Food Lion and runs a tutoring business. She also volunteers as a Student Mentoring Awareness and Resource Team (SMART) Committee Member; with the Thomasville Medical Center; and with the St. Matthews AME Hospitality Ministry, where she serves within the Youth Usher Board Ministry, the Young People’s Department, and the Youth Choir. At Chapel Hill, she plans to major in biomedical engineering and minor in business and economics, with the hope of pursuing medical school. Emilee is the daughter of Deborah Liggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, and the late Timothy Liggins.

Forsyth County
David Dresslar Nicholson (David) will graduate this spring from R. J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. David spent the first 10 years of his childhood as an expatriate on the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Upon moving to the United States, he helped establish his family’s clean meats farm, spearheading his own lamb and turkey enterprises. David pursues his passion for music as a guitarist, and he is a member of the “AcaFellas” music group at Reynolds. After running a marathon at the age of 13, he fell in love with distance running and is now the captain of the varsity cross-country and track teams. David is an Eagle Scout and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys surfing, skiing, skateboarding, and serving as lead counselor at NOMAD Farms Summer Camp. At Carolina, he is interested in studying journalism and advancing in Mandarin. David is the son of Dana and Mark Nicholson of Tobaccoville, North Carolina.

Kathryn Clare Quadland (Kate) will graduate this spring from R. J. Reynolds Senior High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At Reynolds, Kate is the business manager of three a cappella groups, in which role she’s organized three annual A Cappella Jam fundraisers (raising a total of more than $13,000 for local charities). Kate is also the captain of the varsity cross country, varsity basketball, and varsity lacrosse teams, and she serves as co-president for the Senior Girls Service Club and president of the Tri-M Music National Honor Society. At Carolina, she plans to study business and biology. Kate is the daughter of Clare and Marten Quadland of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Guilford County
*Emilee Arlisha Liggins (Emilee) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. Emilee is a research technician for the UNC School of Medicine, where she studies the lived experiences of minorities working in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry. At NCSSM, she serves as an officer for the Heritage Opportunity and Progressive Education Club, which represents and celebrates students identifying within the African Diaspora, and as the co-president of NCSSM’s Colours Choir, an inspirational gospel group. A women’s varsity basketball team captain, Emilee is a North Carolina Women’s 3A State Champion, 2A Mid-State Conference Champion, and a 2A Mid-State All-Conference Team Member. Outside of NCSSM, Emilee is an office associate for Food Lion and runs a tutoring business. She also volunteers as a Student Mentoring Awareness and Resource Team (SMART) Committee Member; with the Thomasville Medical Center; and with the St. Matthews AME Hospitality Ministry, where she serves within the Youth Usher Board Ministry, the Young People’s Department, and the Youth Choir. At Chapel Hill, she plans to major in biomedical engineering and minor in business and economics, with the hope of pursuing medical school. Emilee is the daughter of Deborah Liggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, and the late Timothy Liggins.

Henderson County
Jake Weber Patterson (Jake) will graduate this spring from Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where he is president of the Key Club, vice president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, and captain of the golf team. Jake also serves at Hendersonville High’s Math Help Center and is the statistician for the men’s basketball program. Outside of school, Jake is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 601, an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, and a volunteer at Interfaith Assistance Ministry in Hendersonville. In his free time, Jake loves to play as much golf as possible and is always catching up on the latest news of the world. At Carolina, Jake plans to study business administration with a minor in public policy. Jake is the son of Caroline and Patrick Patterson of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Iredell County
Morounfoluwa David Agbebi (Foluwa) will graduate this spring from South Iredell High School in Statesville, North Carolina. Foluwa is a member the marching, concert, and jazz bands at his school. As the drum major, he helped lead his band-mates to a first-place finish at the Class 3A level at the Newton-Conover Marching Band Competition. Foluwa is also a student ambassador and established a tutoring partnership between fellow ambassadors and area elementary and middle school students. In addition, he tutors virtually with the nonprofit organization Learn to Be. At Carolina, Foluwa is excited to learn more about genetics and neurology. He is the son of Olufunlola and Abayomi Agbebi of Mooresville, North Carolina.

Mecklenburg County
Eleanor Lindsay Bolton (Eleanor) will graduate this spring from William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina. Eleanor is the founder and president of the Hough Make-A-Wish Club, which raises money in order to grant wishes for local children with life-threatening medical conditions. She also serves on the Youth Leadership Council for Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina. Eleanor is vice president of mentorship of the DECA chapter at her school, where she helps incoming students prepare for marketing competitions, and has participated in her school’s voter registration drive and social justice club. At Carolina, Eleanor is interested in studying political science and statistics. She is the daughter of Holly and John Bolton of Davidson, North Carolina.

Kyle Lucinda Lumsden (Kyle) will graduate this spring from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the co-founder and co-president of the social justice club Myers Park Students Demand Action, a local chapter geared toward ending the gun violence epidemic. She is also a member of the community service–focused Myers Park D.R.E.A.M. Team, an ambassador of the Young Black Leadership Alliance, and a leader of the Myers Park Showing Up for Racial Justice chapter. At Carolina, Kyle is interested in studying public health and medical anthropology. Kyle is the daughter of Erika Gantt and Dana Lumsden of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Luke Hudson Manna (Luke) will graduate this spring from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is one of four senior class officers. Luke is president of the Chinese Language & Culture Club and the Filmmaking Club; an active member of the school’s Investment Board, which invests school funds in the stock market; and captain of the cross country and track teams, where he specializes in long hurdles. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Manna Breads, a homemade bread and pasta business, which directs all profits toward combating food insecurity in Charlotte. At Carolina, Luke plans to study business, international relations, and Chinese. Luke is the son of Carla and Angelo Manna of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Madelyn Norrell Miyares (Maddie) will graduate this spring from William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina. Maddie rides and shows American Saddlebred horses. She shares her passion for horses by volunteering at Victory Farm, teaching children with physical and mental disabilities to ride. As a student ambassador for the Echo Foundation, Maddie is dedicated to educating herself and others about global injustice. She advocates for change at her high school through her work with Global Minds United to create a more inclusive and welcoming school community. Maddie plans to major in biology and continue her humanitarian efforts in the medical field. She is the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Miyares of Huntersville, North Carolina.

Laura Maria Saavedra Forero (Laura) will graduate this spring from Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Laura is the co-founder and CEO of By Immigrant Hands, a clothing company whose mission is to empower immigrants while giving back to the community through their sales. She is also the co-coordinator of Extinction Rebellion Youth Charlotte and a national action coordinator for Extinction Rebellion Youth U.S., a movement that strives to combat climate injustice. In addition, Laura is the founder and director of Aprende Jugando, a summer camp for underprivileged Latinx kids, and she is developing a student-run diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting firm for predominantly white institutions. At her school, she is the president of the Hispanic and/or Latinx Alliance, a member of the Diversity Executive Board, and involved in the International Studies Board. Laura plans to double major in neuroscience and public policy on the pre-med track in the hope of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Laura is the daughter of Liliana Forero and Oscar Saavedra of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tucker Brooks Stillman (Tucker) will graduate this spring from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is student body vice president, president of Inter-Club Council and National Beta Club, and captain of the men’s varsity swim team. Tucker is also co-president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council and an alumnus and current ambassador for NewGen Peacebuilders, a global youth peace education program. In collaboration with NewGen and Footprint App, Inc., he co-led a team of interns to develop curricula for AP courses that link environmental sustainability with peace-building, and he taught a series of webinars on environmental justice and peace constructs to teachers throughout the country. Tucker is president and founder of ATOM Senior Leaders, a student-athlete service organization. At Carolina, he plans to study business administration and public policy. Tucker is the son of Meredith and Vance Stillman of Charlotte, North Carolina.

*John Spencer Whitman (Spence) will graduate this spring from Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia, where he serves as a prefect in a sophomore dormitory and as the senior scribe of the Executive Prefect Committee. Spence is passionate about visual arts, working as the co-editor-in-chief and head of art and design for Woodberry’s literary arts magazine, The Talon. He also loves to support his school through community service, serving as the president of the Community Service Committee to help organize fundraising and service projects for students. Spence is the son of Leslie and John Whitman of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Moore County
Mallie Clara Purvis (Mallie Clara) will graduate this spring from North Moore High School in Robbins, North Carolina, where she is president of Future Business Leaders of America, president of Future Health Professionals (HOSA), and captain of the varsity volleyball team. She volunteers weekly at HOPE Academy Preschool, where she founded the FIT Kids Program to ensure that children learn healthy food and fitness habits from a young age. Mallie Clara was awarded first place in the Moore County Writer’s Competition with her poem, “Where I’m From,” which was chosen for publication in PineStraw Magazine. Acting on her passion for healthcare and education, she volunteered during the summer of 2020 with the Moore County Literacy Council to deliver lunches and distribute free books within the community to ensure food needs were met and literacy levels maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Carolina, she plans to pursue studies in psychology and biochemistry while completing pre-med requirements. Mallie Clara is the daughter of Jennifer and Jerry Purvis of Robbins, North Carolina.

New Hanover County
William Bernard Dahl (William) will graduate this spring from Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he serves as student body president. William has been an active member of student government for all four years of high school. He is also vice president of his school’s chapter of the International Thespian Society and participates in theater and choral productions both on and off the stage. William is the co-editor-in-chief of Cape Fear Academy’s yearbook and the student delegation leader for Youth and Government. He is also a member of the varsity cross country team and enjoys playing recreational basketball. At Carolina, William is interested in studying business administration and statistics. He is the son of Jennifer and Jason Dahl of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Emma Charlene Johnson (Emma) will graduate this spring from John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Emma is an officer and event coach for Science Olympiad, editor-in-chief and podcast producer for the school’s club newspaper, and an ambassador for the IB program. She is also a Girl Scout, earning her Gold Award and founding ARTreach, a program that creates, distributes, and teaches an engaging and easily implemented visual arts curriculum for elementary after-school students. Emma is a team captain for her school’s varsity swim team and team representative of the Waves of Wilmington club swim team. She also assists with music production at her church and has been involved with city sustainability activities. At Carolina, Emma is excited to learn more about environmental science, urban studies, and journalism. She is the daughter of Kara and Brian Johnson of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Emma Grace Lewis (Emma) will graduate this spring from Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she has served as student body vice president. Emma is the co-founder of Ecobucs, a club dedicated to environmental activism; the captain of the varsity soccer team; and a member of the biomedical STEM program. She has been selected for the UNC Catalyst Conference through UNC-Chapel Hill’s Campus Y, the Project Drawdown Teen Summit through the UNC Institute for the Environment, and the North Carolina Governor’s Page Program. Emma was also elected by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina to serve as chaplain for the high school-led retreat, Happening. Last summer, Emma completed the Camp Don Lee Leader in Training program, earning her U.S. Sailing, Leave No Trace, Lifeguarding, and Wilderness First Aid certifications. At Carolina, Emma plans to study political science. She is the daughter of Erica and Scott Lewis of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Catherine Ann Miller (Cate) will graduate this spring from John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president, National Honor Society president, Future Health Professionals (HOSA) president, and captain of the varsity golf team. She has served on the state board for the North Carolina Junior Classical League as a technology coordinator and has competed in quiz-bowl style games on her local chapter’s advanced Certamen team. Cate is the founder of an honor council that supports disadvantaged students, an ambassador for her school’s health clinic, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross, where she assists in running blood drives and conducting virtual mapping in Indonesia to support vulnerable communities during natural disasters and health crises. As an intern at a local law office, Cate will help complete a patent application to be used in the healthcare industry. She is also a volunteer coach for a Science Olympiad middle school team and an active member of her church, where she sings in the youth choir and is a frequent reader and soloist. Over the summers, she is a volunteer assistant coach for the Wilmington Stingrays, a nonprofit swim team that serves the greater Wilmington community. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public health and public policy, and in conducting medical research. Cate is the daughter of Rebecca and Jonathan Miller of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Orange County
Julian Max Taylor (Julian) will graduate this spring from Carrboro High School in Carrboro. Originally from New York City, Julian moved to the Chapel Hill area in 2015. He is the co-founder of CHS’s Black & Brown Student Coalition, which provides students of color with platforms for addressing the achievement gap. The coalition produces the Anonymous Student Voice Podcast, a series intended to allow CHS faculty to better provide for students of color. The podcast has also since been included in UNC School of Education curricula. In his local community, Julian is the Chapel Hill Youth Council’s liaison to the town’s Transportation and Connectivity Advisory Board, and he wrote an op-ed in Education Week about the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School system. For the past three years, he has served as captain of his school’s baseball team. At Carolina, he is interested in learning about urban planning and social justice. Julian is the son of Becca Zerkin and Ihsan Taylor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Lauren Grace Young (Gracie) will graduate this spring from Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. She serves as co-president of Key Club and Science Olympiad and is the publicity officer for Classics Club. Outside of Cedar Ridge, Gracie was an intern at Positive Impact, a consulting agency that develops marketing materials and plans fundraising events for nonprofit clients. She is also a recreational youth volleyball coach and the libero and captain of her club volleyball team. In Chapel Hill, you can find Gracie waitressing at Blue’s on Franklin or playing with her miniature pigs. At Carolina, Gracie is interested in studying public policy and global studies, but first, she plans to participate in Morehead-Cain’s international gap year program. Gracie is the daughter of Cheri and Andrew Young of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Pitt County
Murphy McKeand Fisher (Murphy) will graduate this spring from Junius H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. Murphy is co-editor-in-chief of her school’s newspaper, where she led efforts with her peers to advance the publication’s website as a centralized resource for the school. Serving in leadership roles in student government all four years, Murphy also led and implemented service projects such as the decoration of elementary schools for the holidays, letters to nursing homes, and fundraising for her school’s proms. She also supported special needs students through inclusive activities and the nonprofit AMBUCS. Along with participating in varsity cross country and tennis, Murphy served as co-captain of the basketball team her senior season. At Carolina, she is interested in pursuing media and journalism. Murphy is the daughter of Meredith and Maxwell Fisher of Greenville, North Carolina.

Randolph County
Margaret Jane Kern (Maggie) will graduate this spring from Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro, North Carolina, where she is the captain of the Mock Trial team, president of Beta Club, and treasurer of Key Club. Maggie also plays the violin and the piano in her school orchestra, and she studied music theory at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Maggie was the recipient of the GRIT Award for her research on ocean acidification at Summer Ventures with the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. At Carolina, Maggie is interested in studying biomedical engineering. She is the daughter of Angela and John Kern of Asheboro, North Carolina.

Robeson County
Anna Louise Mercer (Anna) will graduate this spring from Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton, North Carolina. Anna holds multiple leadership positions in Future Farmers of America (FFA), including president of the Lumberton FFA Chapter, vice president of the South Central region, and national delegate for the North Carolina FFA Association. Outside of FFA, Anna is a captain of the softball team and a member of the volleyball team. She is also an active member in Juniorettes Women’s Club, a community service group. At Carolina, she plans to study psychology and neurology. Anna is the daughter of Sandra and Miles Mercer of Lumberton, North Carolina.

Sampson County
Zoey Mae Locklear (Zoey) will graduate this spring from Clinton High School in Clinton, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president and captain of the varsity volleyball team, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. A proud member of the Coharie Tribe, Zoey serves as secretary of the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization and as president of the Native American Student Organization at CHS. She assists with and participates in culture classes, coordinates the annual CHS Native American Heritage Program, and represents both offices at various powwows and cultural events throughout the state. An online student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Zoey serves as a student ambassador and is a member of Akwe:kon, the Native American students club. She is also a volunteer for the Christian Food Bank of Salemburg, a local outreach ministry dedicated to providing assistance to fellow community members. At Carolina, Zoey is interested in studying public health, nutrition, and American Indian and Indigenous studies. Zoey is the daughter of Lesa and David Locklear of Roseboro, North Carolina.

Union County
Layah Michelle Clinton (Layah) will graduate this spring from Sun Valley High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where she created a tutoring program, served as vice president of the Conversation Club, and was president of the National Social Studies Honor Society. She is also an active member of student council and Beta Club. Outside of school, Layah is a competitive dancer and student mentor for eighth graders entering high school. She also spends time volunteering at local food banks and helping the PTSO (parent-teacher-student organization) with teacher appreciation events. Also, Layah previously served as the chair of the Luminaria Committee for Relay for Life of Union County. At Carolina, Layah is interested in studying psychology, forensics, and neuroscience. She is the daughter of Michelle and Ellison Clinton, Jr. of Waxhaw, North Carolina.

*Kabir Dewan (Kabir) will graduate this spring from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. Kabir is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys playing a plethora of sports, including tennis, basketball, and golf. He also enjoys music and has played the guitar for eight years. At school, Kabir enjoys working with many clubs, holding leadership positions in his school’s National Honor Society and DECA chapters. He also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where he serves as president of the Youth Advocacy Team and director of North Carolina Teen Outreach. The positions have allowed him to advocate for type 1 diabetes research and reform on a national level. He also is the published author of a memoir entitled L1V1NG that details his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. Kabir is the son of Ritu Dass and Kamal Dewan of Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Hudson Thomas Shank (Hudson) will graduate this spring from Piedmont High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where he serves as student government president and senior class president, and as a member of the National Honor Society. Hudson is captain of the varsity swim team, a member of the varsity tennis team, and an American Red Cross certified lifeguard. He was selected as the Union County Board of Education’s John H. Crowder Service Award recipient for his academic success and his established history of community service. He also serves as vice president of the Leo Club, an organization that partners with local Lions Club International chapters to lead volunteer projects around his community. Hudson also established a program to provide volunteer virtual tutoring for students and families in need of academic support. At Carolina, he is interested in studying biomedical engineering and statistics. Hudson is the son of Sherri and Steven Shank of Monroe, North Carolina.

Wake County
Keenan James Baker (Keenan) will graduate this spring from GRACE Christian School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has served for four years in student government as Sergeant of Arms and Vice President. Keenan was also captain of the cross country team, a member of the track team, and a participant in GRACE band, as well as a National Honor Society tutor and Writing Center mentor. Outside of the classroom, he has been involved with the YMCA preschool and special needs communities and is a member of the Cary Teen Council. Keenan is also the founder and photographer for Perspective Mission, a fundraising mechanism focused on impacting both local and international communities through the creation of photo letter art. At Carolina, he is interested in studying sociology, psychology, and statistics and analytics. Keenan is the son of Courtney and James Baker of Apex, North Carolina.

Sage McKenzi Crosby (Sage) will graduate this spring from Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she served as executive secretary, co-leader of the African American girl affinity group, and a co-captain of the women’s lacrosse team. She was also an International Diploma recipient. A leader beyond the classroom, Sage is the Mid-Atlantic regional teen secretary for Jack and Jill of America, Inc., serving more than 400 teens. Sage is also the chief operating officer of RxDisinfect, an organization that provides vulnerable populations with alcohol-free sanitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an active volunteer at Central Regional Hospital as well. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science, public policy, and pre-law. Sage is the daughter of Tijuana and Kenneth Crosby of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Elias Michael Guedira will graduate this spring from Athens Drive Senior High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Elias is an active leader in his school’s student government, as well as his Future Farmers of America and Science National Honor Society chapters. He served as a student delegate to the 2020 World Food Prize Global Youth Institute, where he advocated for policy change to improve food security in regions prone to natural disasters. He has also volunteered on hurricane relief trips throughout the Carolinas and Puerto Rico. Elias founded and manages a community garden that provides youth with hands-on access to sustainable agriculture and raises produce for local food banks. He is a violin soloist in the Triangle Youth String Sinfonia and captain of his school’s cross-country team. At Carolina, Elias is interested in studying public health and biology. He is the son of Gina Brown-Guedira and Mohammed Guedira of Raleigh.

Tarynn Denise Neal (Tarynn) will graduate this spring from Corinth Holders High School in Wendell, North Carolina, where she serves on the Student Council Association and the CHHS chapter of the National Honor Society. A member of the varsity tennis team, Tarynn previously served as co-captain of the school’s first step team. In collaboration with summer academies, she has worked for several years to introduce STEM education to minority elementary students as an administrative assistant. In 2020, the honors choir member was accepted into the North Carolina Governor’s School in the choral discipline. Tarynn has also been involved with the local arts community through her involvement in the Carolina Youth Theatre. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biochemistry and public health. Tarynn is the daughter of Michelle and Lee Neal of Clayton, North Carolina.

Pratyush Seshadri (Pratyush) will graduate this spring from Raleigh Charter High School in Raleigh, where he has served as president of the Model United Nations club and the investment club and as the speaker for the Student Legislative Assembly. Pratyush has also been a member of the varsity soccer team, and is a competitive archer. He was named a Senior Action Fellow at the Alliance for Climate Education and has served as executive director of the Masks for the Triangle initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pratyush is also the founder of Investokids, an organization that promotes financial literacy, and a research associate at the Cardiovascular Dynamics Group at N.C. State University. At Carolina, Pratyush plans to study mathematics and economics, and will continue working to bring about more equitable systems wherever he goes. Pratyush is the son of Jayanti Jagannathan and Vijay Seshadri of Cary, North Carolina.

Wayne County
William Tye Fickling, Jr. (Will) will graduate this spring from Wayne Country Day School (WCDS) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He is a member of his school’s soccer, swim, and golf teams, and serves as the golf team captain. Will helped develop a course curriculum about sports history and economics at WCDS, where he also served as a teaching assistant. Will also holds numerous leadership capacities at his church and hopes that his passion is helping others. His Eagle Scout service project benefited pediatric oncology patients in Tanzania; he volunteers with Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina; he organizes annual food drives to benefit the United Way; and he has worked as a youth basketball referee, day camp counselor, and lifeguard. Will plans to major in business administration and hopes to have a career in a sports-related field. He is the son of Marjorie and Tye Fickling of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Kendall Leigh (Kendall) will graduate this spring from Wayne Christian School in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where she has served as class president in the Student Government Association for four years. Kendall is also a member of the National Honor Society and a varsity cheerleader and soccer player. Outside of academics, Kendall serves as chair of the Goldsboro Mayor’s Youth Council, a community service organization that partners with Special Olympics, Senior Games, and Salvation Army Natural Disaster Relief programs. She is also a member of the Autism Society Wayne County Chapter and the N.C. Child Youth Advocacy Council. In her free time, she enjoys working at Target, tutoring kids in math and English, and singing along to the Hamilton soundtrack. At Carolina, Kendall plans to study economics with the hope of attending law school and becoming an attorney. Kendall is the daughter of Kesha and Louis Leigh of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Out of State

Arkansas
Jessica Ashlyn Hoffman (Jessica) will graduate this spring from Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her involvement at Episcopal Collegiate includes being student co-director of the writing center, co-president of the Spanish National Honor Society, and captain of the girls’ lacrosse team. Jessica also developed the Our House Community Writing Center, a program offering academic support to low-income students in the broader Little Rock area. Outside of school, Jessica spends her time as a counselor at Camp Aldersgate, a local nonprofit offering residential camp experiences for youth with special needs, and as a Girl Scout Ambassador. She hopes to further her love of reading and writing at Carolina with a possible major in English and comparative literature, and a minor in philosophy, politics, and economics and/or Spanish. Jessica is the daughter of Kim and Edward Hoffman of Little Rock, Arkansas.

California
Willow Taylor Chiang Yang (Willow) will graduate this spring from Nueva School in San Mateo, California. She is grateful to be the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper and student government co-president—positions that have helped grow her love of politics and humanity. Willow has worked in the political world since ninth grade, from organizing for political nonprofits to interning with two Congresspeople to being a senior project reporter for the Since Parkland Project, for which she was interviewed on her local TV station. While politics remains Willow’s primary passion, she also enjoys club and varsity volleyball, research projects, philosophical writing, crossword puzzle-making, Aaron Sorkin works, and a life-affirming group of friends. Willow is the daughter of Sophia Chiang and Andrew Yang of Burlingame, California.

Colorado
Sofia Abigail Casini (Sofia) will graduate this spring from Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colorado. Sofia says she loves understanding others’ experiences through language; she is fluent in French and Spanish. She also studies Portuguese, Sardo, Greek, and Latin. She is a dedicated tutor, working with other students through the National Honor Society, Science National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society. Sofia’s community work has inspired her to work with teachers and classmates to develop a bilingual tutoring program for her school district. She also cares about social justice and civil rights, attending Gay-Straight Alliance, Black Student Union, and Latino Student Union meetings as a member and ally. At Carolina, Sofia wants to learn more about language, anthropology, journalism, and education. She is the daughter of Shannon Berg and Roberto Casini of Lafayette, Colorado.

Genevieve Allison Holliday (Genevieve) will graduate this spring from Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. She is co-founder and co-president of her school’s creative writing club and has written a young adult novel that she aims to publish. Genevieve is also a public forum debate captain and president of the National Chinese Honor Society at her school. As a lover of language, Genevieve has spent two summers studying Chinese language and culture through STARTALK and the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship. Additionally, she spent one summer studying Hindi with the South Asian Summer Language Institute. Genevieve is also an avid rhythm tap dancer and has tapped and performed since the age of five. At Carolina, Genevieve is interested in studying economics and Asian studies. She is the daughter of Laura and Jason Holliday of Englewood, Colorado.

Connecticut
Mercy Lifting Adekola (Mercy) will graduate this spring from Farmington High School in Farmington, Connecticut. Mercy is the National Honor Society president as well as a representative on the Social Justice Council. She is an accomplished public speaker and social justice activist who participates on the Farmington Racial Equality Taskforce and as the president of the Multicultural Student Union (MCSU). In addition to being a track athlete, Mercy plays a wide variety of musical instruments, including the euphonium, piano, and violin. As a certified Emergency Medical Technician in the state of Connecticut, she is able to explore another one of her many passions—medicine. Mercy is interested in studying public health and medicine with the hope of one day combating disparities in healthcare. She is the daughter of Titilayo and Aderemi Adekola of Farmington, Connecticut.

*Michael Lu Zhang (Michael) will graduate this spring from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, where he engages in social justice activism, politics, and music. Michael has worked to diversify his school’s humanities curriculum and has collaborated with ERASE Racism, an equity advocacy group that promotes racial cognizance in housing and public schools throughout Long Island, New York. He also serves as co-editor-in-chief for his school’s political magazine and helps facilitate civic engagement among his peers. In his free time, Michael plays soccer and ultimate frisbee, and teaches students the piano. At Carolina, Michael is interested in studying sociology, education, and public policy. Michael is the son of May Wang and Lushan Lu of Great Neck, New York.

Delaware
Liam Thomas Furlong (Liam) will graduate this spring from Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. A self-described “enthusiastically eclectic” individual, Liam has spent his high school years reforming his high school newspaper as editor-in-chief, delegating startup funds to nonprofit organizations on his county’s Youth Philanthropy Board, and coordinating community leadership workshops with the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Network. Liam represented his state at the 2019 HOBY World Leadership Congress in Chicago, which inspired him to fulfill his leadership ambitions as the president of Salesianum School’s National Honor Society. At Carolina, Liam intends to explore his interests in business and creative writing as potential academic majors, hopefully sparing enough time to try musical theatre. Liam is the son of Meghan and Timothy Furlong of Wilmington, Delaware.

*Jill Tora (Jill) will graduate this spring from St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where she serves as student body co-president and as a member of the Form Council. As co-leader of the Medical Society Club, she organizes events and helps fundraising efforts to benefit the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. Jill is also co-leader of the Essence Affinity Group, where she seeks to facilitate a safe space for Black girls in the school community, and she runs the St. Andrew’s coffee shop. For three years, she’s competed on the varsity basketball team. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biology and neuroscience, with plans to pursue a career in medicine. Jill is the daughter of Emily Nyamoko and George Tora of Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

Florida
Jasmine El Mrabti will graduate this spring from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Florida International University (FIU) Biscayne Bay in North Miami, Florida, where she presides over multiple science-based student organizations and conducts biochemistry research. Jasmine founded and leads the Student Environmental Advocacy Educational Outreach Program, a group teaching local youth about ecological crises native to South Florida. She is the founder of the Student Equitable Medicine Initiative, a national program educating students about racial inequity in healthcare. Jasmine is also the first and youngest U.S. activist on the core team of the international nonprofit Animal Rebellion, where she secures funds to promote grassroots transitions to sustainable food systems across the United Kingdom. She enjoys painting North African landscapes, peer-tutoring, and long-distance running. At Carolina, Jasmineis interested in exploring biological physics and Middle Eastern studies. Jasmine is the daughter of Anna Mace of Biscayne Park, Florida.

Sebastian Charles Mateu (Sebastian) will graduate this spring from Ransom Everglades School in Miami, Florida. Sebastian is the co-founder and president of A Soccer Life Foundation and has directed the fundraising of more than $35,000 to provide club soccer scholarships, host free clinic programs, and make soccer more accessible in South Florida. At Ransom Everglades, he organized efforts to collect supplies for two local schools, is establishing a tutoring program, and serves on a senior panel to enhance communication between students and administrators, addressing ways to strengthen the community. Outside of the classroom, Sebastian enjoys competing on his top-ranked club soccer team, hanging out with his three siblings, and spending time on Biscayne Bay. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business and environmental sciences. Sebastian is the son of Elizabeth and Raul Mateu of Miami Beach, Florida.

Georgia
I’Mani Kimora Barnes (I’Mani) will graduate this spring from Atlanta Girls’ School in Atlanta, Georgia. I’Mani is co-founder and co-leader of the club Allies of Immigrants and Refugees, where she strives to educate, serve, and inspire empathy concerning immigrant and refugee crises worldwide and within her community. She also co-leads the Community Service Club, Committee for Social Justice and Equity, and Global Immersion Committee, where she helps raise awareness about global issues. I’Mani is also a varsity basketball player and captain of the varsity track and field team. She is passionate about working with children, fighting for equality and equity, and making an impact in her community. At Carolina, she plans to study nursing and expand her interests in global studies. I’Mani is the daughter of Demetria and M’Semaji Barnes of Mableton, Georgia.

Logan Rachelle Jackson (Logan) will graduate this spring from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia. Logan serves as senior class president and as a Round Square International Ambassador for Holy Innocents’. She is also a member of the English, Social Studies (Rho Kappa), and Science and National Honor societies. Outside of the classroom, she is a two-time class 1A private state basketball champion. Logan describes herself as “passionate servant leader” dedicated to internationalism, community service, and children. She performs annual clothing and book-bag donation drives within her community in support of La Voie Chretienne School, a rural day school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At Carolina, Logan plans to continue her community service work, student government activities, and her interests in the medical field with a focus on pediatrics. She is the daughter of Maggie Jodesty-Jackson and Landon Jackson of Woodstock, Georgia.

Maanav Karamchandani (Maanav) will graduate this spring from Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he is an active member of multiple honor societies. Maanav is also an avid soccer player, having been a member of the Southeastern Clubs Champion League, and he was the youngest third-degree black belt in taekwondo in the state. Maanav is the founder and chief volunteer of MyJal, a nonprofit organization providing clean drinking water across schools in India, which he founded when he was six years old. MyJal has provided clean drinking water to more than 3,000 students, teachers, and families in remote villages across India. At Carolina, Maanav is interested in studying biomedical engineering and business. He is the son of Jaya and Manoj Karamchandani of Duluth, Georgia.

Idaho
Jacoby Grayson Smith (Jacoby) will graduate this spring from Riverstone International School in Boise, Idaho. Jacoby is the founder of a local youth organization, 100 Youth For Good, that serves the greater Boise area. Through organizing donation drives and environmental service events, he has contributed hundreds of hours to his community and to 100 YFG. He is a graduate of the Boise Metro Chamber’s Leadership Academy and a former member of the Project Good Foundation. His athletic endeavors include three years of varsity basketball as well as golf, lacrosse, and triathlons. The senior is also a Property Preservation Specialist for Deanco Management Group, assisting in contracting solutions and creating innovative invoice programs. At Carolina, Jacoby is interested in studying business administration, economics, and public policy, while also joining UNC-Chapel Hill’s triathlon team. He is the son of Audrey and Kenneth Smith of Boise, Idaho.

Illinois
Jaison Anthony Williams, Jr. (Jaison), will graduate this spring from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he is a member of the varsity basketball team and the Patriot Pride student-athlete leadership program. As a Patriot Pride member, Jaison serves as a mentor, advocates for healthy habits, and shares strategies to enable student-athletes to perform at their best. For his contributions to his school community, he received a Prominent Patriot Award nomination. Outside of school, Jaison is the Teen President of his local Jack and Jill of America chapter, a youth leadership and service organization. Jaison is also an active member of his local church community, where he is a small-group leader for middle school students. At Carolina, he plans to study business administration on the pre-med track. Jaison is the son of Donna and Jaison Williams, Sr., of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Indiana
Uredoojo Aluana Agada (Uredo) will graduate this spring from Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, where she is the co-founder of Just Write, a club that supports young writers through collaborative workshops and author visits. She is also a student leader of the Social Studies Peer Tutoring Program and a member of the Carmel High School TEDx Club and Mock Trial Team. Outside of school, Uredo is a book officer for the Teen Library Council, works as a student page at the Carmel Clay Public Library, and enjoys journaling and writing poetry. At Carolina, Uredo is interested in continuing her exploration of history, biology, and French. She is the daughter of Diana and Noah Agada of Carmel, Indiana.

Kansas
Sarah Flora Chocron (Sarah) will graduate this spring from Wichita Collegiate School in Wichita, Kansas, where she serves as editor-in-chief of her school’s literary magazine. She is also a 13-year musician, playing piano for school and city-wide ensembles, leading the percussion program as drumline captain, and teaching younger students in her community. Outside of class, Sarah has used her inclination for technology to lead programming and marketing for her robotics team, to create her own artificial intelligence independent study, and to work as a freelance website designer. At Carolina, she is interested in studying computer science and cognitive science. Sarah is the daughter of Melissa Perez and Dan Chocron of Wichita, Kansas.

Maryland
Olu Namdi Kopano (Olu) will graduate this spring from St. Paul’s School in Brooklandville, Maryland. Olu is the co-founder of the Student Leadership Inclusivity Council Club (SLICC), a club aiming to raise racial and social awareness in its school community. He also serves as the president of the Honor Council and is a senior officer of the Black Awareness Club (BAC). Additionally, he participated in a three-month exchange in Tokyo, Japan, where he attended the Gakushuin School. He also volunteered hundreds of hours with Bridges, a youth development program committed to helping children from inner-city Baltimore schools to achieve long-term success. Olu is also a three-year member on the varsity baseball team and is involved in his school’s premier choir. At Carolina, he intends to study business, entrepreneurship, Japanese, and Spanish. Olu is the son of Monifa and Baruti Kopano of Owings Mills, Maryland.

Laurelle Josephine Henriette Maubert (Laurelle) will graduate this spring from Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland. Laurelle serves as the policy coordinator for March For Our Lives Maryland, where she leads the organization in advocating for gun reform and legislation. In 2020, she participated in the Democracy Summer Fellowship for Congressman Jamie Raskin, learning about political organizing and campaigning. Laurelle is active in her school community as the co-lead for the Model United Nations team, the co-captain of the varsity dance team, a member of the varsity cross country team, a writer for the newspaper, and a tour guide. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science and economics. Laurelle is the daughter of Cynthia and Paul Maubert of Frederick, Maryland.

Nigel Bakari Parker (Nigel) will graduate this spring from Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, where he serves as the senior co-chair of the Community, Inclusion, and Equity Student Council. Nigel’s desire to foster understanding has led him to organize and facilitate the Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference, create a summer literature circle curriculum for middle school students to learn about the history of racism, and start his own video series to host conversations about social justice, society, and culture. He is also a member of his school’s mentoring program and is a captain of the varsity track and field team. At Carolina, he is interested in studying sociology and political science. Nigel is the son of Veronica and Calvin Parker of Reisterstown, Maryland.

Minnesota
Stephanie Nyanchama Momanyi (Steph) will graduate this spring from Providence Academy in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she is involved in theater and serves as president of Letters of Love, a service-oriented club, and the Symposium club. Steph is passionate about international service projects, having helped build schools for children in Kenya and Peru. She has interned with African Career, Education & Resource (ACER), a nonprofit that serves African immigrants living in the north and northwest suburbs of Minneapolis. In collaboration with other ACER interns, Steph co-founded an environmental justice organization focusing on single mothers in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park. She plans to study biology, psychology, and Spanish at Carolina. Steph is the daughter of Margaret and Jared Momanyi of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

New Jersey
Isabel Victoria Melendez Lucas (Isa) will graduate this spring from Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, New Jersey, where she serves as student body president. Isa is a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education as a member of her school’s Student Diversity Leadership Committee. Isa also serves as assistant director for MKA’s full theater season and is a passionate promoter of the arts as president of the Student Council for the Arts. She is a member of the soccer and basketball teams, and teaches sailing and windsurfing during the summer. In addition to studying at MKA, Isa is a graduate of the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington, D.C. At Carolina, she plans to study global studies and art history. Isa is the daughter of Vanessa and John Lucas of Montclair, New Jersey.

New York
Tobias Bauman Posel (Toby) will graduate this spring from Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, New York. As an active participant in the school debate group, Toby has attended several Model Congress conferences throughout the country. He twice received the “Best Delegate” award from Princeton Model Congress as well as “Best Delegate” and “Outstanding Delegate in Full Session” from Penn Model Congress. As a core facilitator for Get Uncomfortable Start Talking (GUST), Toby helps facilitate a series of student-led workshops on diversity and equity. Outside of school, Toby has worked on a number of political campaigns, including as an organizer for both of former U.S. Representative Max Rose’s election campaigns and as a summer intern in Rose’s office on Capitol Hill. In addition, he has been co-captain of his Little League baseball team for 13 years. At Carolina, he plans to study political science and history. Toby is the son of Jessica Bauman and Ben Posel of Brooklyn, New York.

*Michael Lu Zhang (Michael) will graduate this spring from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, where he engages in social justice activism, politics, and music. Michael has worked to diversify his school’s humanities curriculum and has collaborated with ERASE Racism, an equity advocacy group that promotes racial cognizance in housing and public schools throughout Long Island, New York. He also serves as co-editor-in-chief for his school’s political magazine and helps facilitate civic engagement among his peers. In his free time, Michael plays soccer and ultimate frisbee, and teaches students the piano. At Carolina, Michael is interested in studying sociology, education, and public policy. Michael is the son of May Wang and Lushan Lu of Great Neck, New York.

Ohio
Alexandra Born (Lexi) will graduate this spring from Madeira High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she co-founded the Model UN club and served as co-secretary general for the past four years. Lexi is the historian of the International Thespian Society Troupe #535, co-captain of the varsity tennis team, a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar, and a member of both the American Mensa Honor Society and the National Honor Society. She is a lifelong American Heritage Girl, earning her Stars and Stripes award amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lexi enjoys volunteering at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and has been recognized for her service with five Presidential Service Awards. She is a contributing author for the Mencinnatian, and serves on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Teen Advisory Council. At Carolina, Lexi plans to study economics, environmental sciences, and Spanish. She is the daughter of Catherine and Kenneth Born of Madeira, Ohio.

Pranav Krishnan (Pranav) will graduate this spring from Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. Pranav interns as a bioinformatics assistant at Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, conducting oncological research. He is also the founder of Sandwiching the Wealth Gap, an initiative that organizes food collection drives for homeless shelters. Pranav recently received the U.S. Congressional Silver Medal in Youth Leadership for his efforts. He is a principal violinist in his local philharmonic orchestra, a varsity tennis player and coach, and a lead volunteer at the Center of Science and Industry. At Carolina, Pranav aims to pursue studies in biostatistics and healthcare policy. He is the son of Srividhya Krishnan and Krishnan Lakshminarayanana of Lewis Center, Ohio.

Pennsylvania
*Jill Tora (Jill) will graduate this spring from St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where she serves as student body co-president and as a member of the Form Council. As co-leader of the Medical Society Club, she organizes events and helps fundraising efforts to benefit the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. Jill is also co-leader of the Essence Affinity Group, where she seeks to facilitate a safe space for Black girls in the school community, and she runs the St. Andrew’s coffee shop. For three years, she’s competed on the varsity basketball team. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biology and neuroscience, with plans to pursue a career in medicine. Jill is the daughter of Emily Nyamoko and George Tora of Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

Tennessee
Neha Simran Saggi (Neha) will graduate this spring from the University School of Nashville (USN) in Nashville, Tennessee, where she serves as student body secretary and has twice served as class president. Neha leads USN’s Latin Club, AAPI Affinity Group, and Coalition for Acceptance, Respect, and Equality and has competed in the varsity tennis and basketball teams for four years. Outside of USN, Neha interns at a biological research lab at Vanderbilt University. She is also the fundraising director for the international youth chapter of the Her Future Coalition, and she is the founder of LeadHERship, an organization that seeks to empower women and prevent gender-based violence. Through LeadHERship, she hosts workshops about gender bias as well as a podcast that features inspiring young women from around the world. Neha is a lifelong Girl Scout and recipient of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. At Carolina, she plans to study biology and health policy and management. Neha is the daughter of Rupinder and Kamal Saggi of Nashville, Tennessee.

Ria Vikram Patel (Ria) will graduate this spring from St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she has served as New Girl chairperson of the student council. Throughout Ria’s high school career, she has participated as a member of the mock trial and tennis teams and served on the leadership councils of the Facing History Organization and government club. In her sophomore year, Ria founded INSPIre, an organization focused on adolescent mental health and well-being (and one that she hopes to bring to Chapel Hill as an undergraduate student). During the summers of 2019 and 2020, Ria pursued two independent research projects at the University of Memphis, studying working memory and learning conditions. At Carolina, Ria plans to double major in psychology and healthcare management and policy, and continue her interest in mental health and wellness. Ria is the daughter of Sucheta and Vikram Patel of Collierville, Tennessee.

Siena Marie Rodrigues (Siena) will graduate this spring from Signal Mountain High School in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, where she serves as student body president. Siena is the youngest head drum major to be appointed to the Signal Corps Marching Band, where she’s served for three years, and she was the first student concert conductor. Siena is an International Baccalaureate student, where she takes her academic pursuits a step further with research and practical application. Her passion for social justice and learning about human behavior will intersect through her plans to study psychology at Carolina. Outside of academics, she enjoys writing letters and perfecting her chai tea recipe, and her favorite role is that of auntie to Ezekiel and Evelise Aponte. Siena is the daughter of Lisa and Klin Rodrigues of Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

Texas
Sarah Katherine Crow (Sarah) will graduate this spring from the Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas, where she serves as assistant chair of the Student Diversity Board, president of Habitat for Humanity, and president of the Investment Club. Sarah enjoys playing lacrosse and piano, as well as debating. Her passion for politics and policy led her to Washington, D.C., during the past two summers as an intern at the American Enterprise Institute and the Office of Budget and Management in the Executive Office of the President. Sarah has also worked as an apartment leasing agent in Dallas. At Carolina, she will study business at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and is also interested in political philosophy. Sarah is the daughter of Katherine Raymond Crow and Harlan Rogers Crow of Dallas, Texas.

Virginia
Justin Francis Goldman (Justin) will graduate this spring from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, Virginia, where he is the senior class co-president, co-president of the spirit club, coordinator of the Student Ambassador program, and a member of the We the People academic team. He also plays varsity soccer and runs cross country and track. Justin is the co-founder of Project Engage, an educational nonprofit that strives to help elementary school students across the country stay connected and active through a variety of online classes in academics and the arts. The organization also raises funds for COVID-19 relief. Additionally, he partnered with the United Way of Richmond to collect books and school supplies for local kindergartners in need. Justin loves being civically engaged and has volunteered for numerous state and national political campaigns. At Carolina, he is interested in studying political science and Italian. Justin is the son of Marietta and Ira Goldman of Midlothian, Virginia.

*John Spencer Whitman (Spence) will graduate this spring from Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia, where he serves as a prefect in a sophomore dormitory and as the senior scribe of the Executive Prefect Committee. Spence is passionate about visual arts, working as the co-editor-in-chief and head of art and design for Woodberry’s literary arts magazine, The Talon. He also loves to support his school through community service, serving as the president of the Community Service Committee to help organize fundraising and service projects for students. Spence is the son of Leslie and John Whitman of Charlotte, North Carolina.

International

Canada
Isabella Grandic (Isabella) will graduate this spring from Etobicoke Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Isabella is the co-founder and executive director of EMM.health, a project that distributes medication to women after childbirth to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging, which is a leading cause of maternal death globally. EMM has raised $20,000 and is partnering with the nonprofit FAYOHI and the State Ministry of Health in Jigawa, Nigeria, to launch a pilot program. Isabella was also student at The Knowledge Society (TKS) for two years. She has researched cellular agriculture and biotechnology, writing dozens of technical review papers and presenting her work globally to more than 50,000 people, including at Web Summit in Lisbon. Since 2019, she has been the program success manager at TKS, overseeing program outcomes for more than 800 students across eight programs. And, fun fact: Isabella is watching the sunrise every day of 2021. At Carolina, she plans to study biomedical engineering to gain skills to continue impacting healthcare infrastructure. Isabella is the daughter of Dragan and Natasa Grandic of Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.

Kenechukwu Ochuba (Kene) will graduate this spring from Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he serves as community service steward in school government. Kene is an executive in his school’s Model United Nations club, and has served as president of his DECA chapter and as co-president of the peer tutoring club. During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020–2021, he served as president of the school’s community service council, where he helped mobilize $8,000 from a fundraiser for personal protective equipment (PPE). Kene also competes on the varsity volleyball and rugby teams. Outside of Upper Canada, he worked as team lead of the admissions department at Wet’n’Wild Toronto water park. At Carolina, he is interested in studying computer science and business while furthering his passion for entrepreneurship. Kene is the son of Nneka and Obum Ochuba of Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

Rotem Olsha (Rotem) will graduate this spring from William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where she serves as student body co-president. Passionate about the sciences, sports, and advocacy, Rotem is a math and biology tutor, a peer mentor on the radio team, and a varsity volleyball player. She spends her Saturday mornings volunteering with her twin sister alongside occupational therapists at Autism In Mind, and she enjoys video editing during her free time. She has trekked the Inca Trail in Peru, backpacked through Europe, road-tripped across Morocco, and continues to seek new adventures around the world and within her community. As an alumna of Shad Canada, a STEAM and entrepreneurship program, Rotem collaborated on a research proposal that harnessed the use of microgravity to improve the drug manufacturing process. She plans to study neuroscience and journalism at Carolina. Rotem is the daughter of Moran and Yeruham Olsha of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Virginie Ruest will graduate this spring from Cégep Champlain St. Lawrence in Québec City, Québec, Canada. Driven by her hunger for new challenges, Virginie has demonstrated leadership throughout her cross country career. She was named “Rookie of the Year” after participating in the Provincial Collegiate Cross-Country Championships in 2019. By getting involved in her school’s fashion show and in a humanitarian trip, she succeeded in giving back to Make-A-Wish, the Moroccan Berber community, and three other Canadian organizations. Virginie was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal of Canada for graduating with the highest average from her high school. At Carolina, she wishes to expand her horizons by pushing her boundaries, and by pursuing her interests in medicine and pharmaceutical studies. Virginie is the daughter of Nancy Bélanger and Danny Ruest of Québec City, Québec, Canada.

China
*Aayas Dhoj Joshi (Aayas) will graduate this spring from United World College Changshu China in Changshu, Jiangsu, China. In school, he serves on the College Council as a student liaison to the principal, as a peer mentor, as the leader of the cycling team, and as the founder and leader of the PhotoWalking club. Outside of school, Aayas is involved in Model United Nations and co-founded Pacem, Nepal’s largest independently student-run conference. He also takes interest in competitive speedcubing and was appointed as the world’s youngest representative to the World Cube Association. With a passion for representing global issues through media arts, Aayas founded KathaManch, a Nepali documentary series, and launched the SayTheirNames international anti-racism fundraising exhibition. In his free time, he enjoys hiking—whether it be in the hills of Kathmandu valley or Himalayan peaks. Aayas is the son of Sanam and Anuj Joshi of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepal
*Aayas Dhoj Joshi (Aayas) will graduate this spring from United World College Changshu China in Changshu, Jiangsu, China. In school, he serves on the College Council as a student liaison to the principal, as a peer mentor, as the leader of the cycling team, and as the founder and leader of the PhotoWalking club. Outside of school, Aayas is involved in Model United Nations and co-founded Pacem, Nepal’s largest independently student-run conference. He also takes interest in competitive speedcubing and was appointed as the world’s youngest representative to the World Cube Association. With a passion for representing global issues through media arts, Aayas founded KathaManch, a Nepali documentary series, and launched the SayTheirNames international anti-racism fundraising exhibition. In his free time, he enjoys hiking—whether it be in the hills of Kathmandu valley or Himalayan peaks. Aayas is the son of Sanam and Anuj Joshi of Kathmandu, Nepal.

United Kingdom
Zuha Areebah Animashaun (Zuha) will graduate this spring from Uppingham School in Rutland, England, where she serves as head girl. Zuha has participated in the Combined Cadet Force for four years and rose to the position of non-commissioned officer last year. She is involved with academic societies such as the history society and politics symposium, in which she serves as chair. Zuha loves playing field hockey at school, where she captains the varsity teams and enjoys coaching younger students in her free time. She also throws for the varsity track and field team. At Carolina, Zuha is interested in studying political science and international relations. She is the daughter of Jelilat Oyetunji and Najim Animashaun of London, England.

Guy Edward Butler-Felton (Guy) graduated last spring from Eton College in Berkshire, England, where he was a senior prefect and helped represent the student body. At Eton, Guy co-founded the PHAB Club alongside Father Bond, a charitable organization which enables disabled and non-disabled young people to come together for activities and social events. Guy also volunteered with REACH Rwanda, a nonprofit focused on healing and reconciliation in genocide-torn Rwanda. Guy captained the England U16 National Field Hockey Team, as well as the Eton varsity field hockey team. Guy also participated in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and reached the rank of Lance Corporal. At Carolina, he is interested in studying English, History and Art History. Guy is the son of Judith Butler and Clive Felton of Flimwell, East Sussex, England.

Katherine Rose Fear (Katie) will graduate this spring from Llandovery College in Llandovery, Wales, where she is head girl. Katie spends most of her time either climbing, playing sports such as hockey and rugby, or taking part in cadet competitions or courses. She is passionate about the climate and is looking to study physics at Carolina with the aim of launching a career in renewable energy technologies. Katie intends to delay her enrollment to take advantage of the Morehead-Cain International Gap Year program to travel, learn about different cultures, and improve her language skills. Katie is the daughter of Hazel and Paul Fear of Llandovery, Wales, United Kingdom.

Joseph Daniel Hinchcliffe (Joe) graduated last spring from Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, Wales, where he increased accessibility to sports in his county as a Gold Sports Ambassador. Joe also pioneered the yearbook committee, captained the soccer team, and worked part-time as a lifeguard. He was a member of the Seren Network, which recognizes the highest academically achieving state school students in Wales, and attained a full scholarship to study criminal law at Harvard Summer School. The experience fueled his passion to study in the United States. Outside of school, Joe campaigns for road safety legislation reform in the United Kingdom. He has been the spokesperson for several nationwide road safety campaigns in conjunction with the U.K. government, leading charities, and North Wales Police. At Carolina, Joe is interested in studying environmental science and biology. He is the son of Sharon and Philip Hinchcliffe of Denbighshire, Wales, United Kingdom.

Godspower Mercy Lawal (Mercy) will graduate this spring from Harris Westminster Sixth Form in London, England, where she is president of the BAME multicultural society and vice-captain of her house group. At her previous school, she was head of the debate team and also received training to be a mediator in order to encourage forgiveness and conflict resolution within her community. To reduce loneliness amongst patients, Mercy volunteers at her local hospital. She also volunteers at a homeless shelter, where she teaches new skills with the aim of helping get people off of the streets. Mercy tutors children in her community as well as peers at school, and she is a youth leader at her church. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public health management and biology. Mercy is the daughter of Susan Abdulai of London, England, and the late Moses Lawal of Nigeria.