The Morehead-Cain Foundation is pleased to announce the members of its class of 2027, who will begin their undergraduate journeys at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) in the fall of 2023.

The sixty scholars come from twenty-four North Carolina counties, seventeen U.S. states and territories (including North Carolina), and eight countries (including the United States). Their academic interests range from environmental sustainability and technology to political science and policy.

Class of 2027

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 | Out-of-State | International

North Carolina

Alamance County

*Daniel Evan Espinosa (Daniel) will graduate this spring from River Mill Academy in Graham, North Carolina, where he serves as president of the National Honor Society, chief operating officer of the STEM Club, captain of the varsity baseball team, vice president of the MESH Tutoring Club, and a member of the varsity basketball team. Additionally, he served as student body president of River Mill Academy for three years and is an Omicron Scholar of Elon Academy, a college-access program. Outside of school, Daniel founded, developed, and expanded a fifty-client landscaping business, Daniel’s Lawn Management. In his community, Daniel volunteers at AuthoraCare Collective, which provides hospice and palliative care to patients in the Hospice Home. He is passionate about finding business initiatives that assist families in need. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business administration or economics. Daniel is the son of Manuela Espinosa of Whitsett, North Carolina.

Buncombe County

*Alyssa Kertesz Schoof (Alyssa) will graduate this spring from Madison Early College High School (MECSH) in Marshall, North Carolina, with an associate’s degree from Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College. At MECSH, Alyssa serves as event planner and coordinator for the school’s project- and community-based learning initiatives, and as a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa at AB–Tech. Alyssa also participated in the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online program. She volunteers with Energy Savers Network, a local program dedicated to reducing energy costs for families throughout Western North Carolina. She also served as a member of Madison’s Envirothon team, placing third in the nation with the Environmental Natural Resources Division in 2021, and as a member of her school’s Theatre and Performing Arts program. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, creative writing, drawing and painting, and going on hiking trips with her family. At Carolina, she is interested in studying environmental sustainability and policy making, and hopes to continue her work in the visual and performing arts. Alyssa is the daughter of Leslie and Stephen Schoof of Weaverville, North Carolina.

*Youyou Zheng (Yoyo) will graduate this spring from Asheville School in Asheville, North Carolina, where he serves as dorm prefect and a Mitchell Cabinet (school service committee) member. He is the founder and leader of Asheville School’s Research Club, in which Yoyo and other club members built an artificial chimney tower for chimney swifts, an endangered avian species. Yoyo is enthralled by scientific research, with his most recent research project examining the effect of biopolymers on plant root growth as a crucial aspect of limiting soil erosion. Outside of school, Yoyo is a tutor at San Antonio Math Include, a nonprofit offering free classes and summer camps for K–12 students. At Carolina, he is interested in studying environmental science and statistics. He also hopes to join organizations that address environmental issues and mitigate climate change. Yoyo is the son of Chaoyu Shi and Xianhong Zheng of Shanghai, China.

Cabarrus County

Josiah Hailey Young (Josiah) will graduate this spring from Hickory Ridge High School’s (HRHS) Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in Harrisburg, North Carolina, with an Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma. Josiah is the former vice president of special events, former vice president of community service, and current co-president of the HRHS DECA chapter. As a four-year DECA member, Josiah has enjoyed competitive-event success, having won first place at the 2022 and 2023 North Carolina DECA state competitions in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing Individual Series Event. Josiah also earned recognition as one of North Carolina’s 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates in the area of Career and Technical Education. Additionally, Josiah is a distance runner on the varsity cross country and track teams and is active in various community organizations. Beyond the classroom, Josiah is a marketing intern at Miles Mediation and Arbitration and is the founder of HeadSet Sports, LLC, an agency designed to help student-athletes cultivate their financial and emotional intelligence and strengthen their personal brands. At Carolina, he will study at the UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School in the Assured-Enrollment Program. Josiah’s ultimate career aspiration is to become a legal representative for collegiate and professional athletes as a sports agent and to show how sports can provide a platform to unite and inspire social justice. Josiah is the son of Tiffany and James Young of Harrisburg, North Carolina.

Chatham County

Brady Foster Andrew (Brady) will graduate this spring from Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City, North Carolina, where he serves as student body president, president of the Jordan-Matthews High School DECA chapter, and a member of the tennis team. He previously served as vice president for his DECA chapter and placed third and first in the state Travel and Tourism competition in his sophomore and junior year, respectively. He participated in the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online and North Carolina Virtual Public School programs. At school, he participates in music and performing, having played the Mysterious Man in Into the Woods and Will Parker in Oklahoma in school musicals, and the trumpet, French horn, and mellophone in the school’s bands. He also plays alto saxophone, violin, and ukulele, all self-taught. Brady enjoys long-distance running throughout the farmland behind his home and weightlifting. He loves to cook and combines his interests in sustainable agriculture and nutrition in the kitchen, where “farm to table” becomes a reality. At Carolina, he is interested in studying history and Spanish. He is the son of Carisa Brady-Andew and Blake Andrew of Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Durham County

*Ja’Khari Tajee Bryant (Ja’Khari) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham, North Carolina, where he serves as a residential life assistant and the director of student affairs. Ja’Khari served as head manager for the NCSSM women’s volleyball team the past two years and currently plays on the men’s volleyball club team, in addition to running spring track. Aside from sports, he participates in fine arts and performing arts in his school and within the community. For the past three years, he has dedicated his summers to volunteering at Temple Church, assisting in their Vacation Bible School productions for elementary school children. At Carolina, he is interested in studying nursing to pursue a career in pediatrics. Ja’Khari is the son of Anyotta Bryant and the late Corey Ward of Trenton, North Carolina.

*Allison Lydia Owens (Lydia) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham, North Carolina, where she serves as president of the Public Health Association; an officer of Girls Who Code; a member of Code4Charity; captain of NCSSM’S KPop Dance Team, KWAVE; co-founder of NCSSM’s Black Student Union; and a teacher assistant for Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics. Lydia conducted computational research with Dr. Zachary Ward from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Health Decision Science, where she built an agent-based model to predict COVID-19 transmission in prisons. She also conducted formal humanities research on Afro-Indigenous culture and communities throughout the United States. Lydia served minorities in STEM as a summer leadership and research program assistant and by leading biomedical and computer science-themed summer camps at the Hilda Pinnix-Ragland Summer STEM Academy. She is interested in computational epidemiology, healthcare tech solutions, and app development. At Carolina, she is an assured enrollment admit to the Gillings School of Public Health BSPH in Biostatistics major and intends to minor in data science. Lydia will also participate in the Accelerated Research and Honors Carolina programs. Lydia is the daughter of Dr. Imani Owens and Stephen Owens of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Prince Corbitt Rivers (Prince) will graduate this spring from the Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill in Durham, North Carolina, where he serves as a member of the Trinity School Honor Council and as a peer mentor. Prince is the president and founder of the Trinity Philosophy Club, the branch leader for the Trinity branch of Crossing the Divide, and the director of outreach and business for FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team 3587 Unparalleled Processing. Prince also volunteers as a youth soccer camp counselor for Triangle United and is the youth representative for the Durham Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee. Outside of the classroom, Prince enjoys playing soccer for Triangle United Soccer Association and for Trinity, where he earned all-state and all-conference honors. At Carolina, he is interested in studying philosophy. Prince is the son of Monica Corbitt Rivers and Prince Raney Rivers of Durham, North Carolina.

Forsyth County

Addison McKenna Truzy (Addison) will graduate this spring from R. J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she serves as a student arts ambassador, dance team captain, and co-founder of the My School Votes (MSV) club. She serves as tutor and assistant program director for a nonprofit tutoring organization, Virtual-In-Person (ViP) tutoring. In her community, she serves as chair for the Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council, an advisor for the Forsyth County Superintendent Advisory Council, and part of the executive board for the Wake Forest COLLEGE LAUNCH Program. She has danced competitively through Dancers Edge for over eight years. Addison is passionate about finding equitable solutions for educational disparities and looks forward to positively impacting her campus community. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science with a minor in business. Addison is the daughter of Ebony and Karonnie Truzy of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Granville County

Lillian Savannah Brooks (Lilli) will graduate this spring from Oxford Preparatory High School in Oxford, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president and the student representative on the Board of Directors. Throughout her time at OPS, she founded the Student Government, served as secretary of the Beta Club, and was an active athlete on her school’s volleyball and soccer teams. In addition, she works at her school’s after-school program, Griffins Nest, with kindergarten through second-grade students. At Carolina, she is interested in studying neuroscience. She is the daughter of Angela and Christopher Brooks of Oxford, North Carolina.

Greene County

*Maxwell Brent Andrews (Max) will graduate this spring from Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, North Carolina, where he serves as four-time class president and co-founder of an environmental club. Max is an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, a member of the Cum Laude Society, and a four-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. He regularly volunteers for the Greene County Tennis Association, the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina, and Snow Hill Presbyterian Church. He performed as Mr. Bingley in his school’s production of Pride and Prejudice and has been an employee at Yellowfin Pub in Morehead City, North Carolina, since tenth grade. Max loves basketball, working out, and spending time with friends and family. At Carolina, he is interested in studying computer science, business, and Spanish. Max is the son of Susan and Brent Andrews of Snow Hill, North Carolina.

Guilford County

*Daniel Evan Espinosa (Daniel) will graduate this spring from River Mill Academy in Graham, North Carolina, where he serves as president of the National Honor Society, chief operating officer of the STEM Club, captain of the varsity baseball team, vice president of the MESH Tutoring Club, and a member of the varsity basketball team. Additionally, he served as student body president of River Mill Academy for three years and is an Omicron Scholar of the Elon Academy, a college-access program. Outside of school, Daniel founded, developed, and expanded a fifty-client landscaping business, Daniel’s Lawn Management. In his community, Daniel volunteers at AuthoraCare Collective, which provides hospice and palliative care to patients in the Hospice Home. He is passionate about finding business initiatives that assist families in need. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business administration or economics. Daniel is the son of Manuela Espinosa of Whitsett, North Carolina.

Johnston County

Samantha Brooke Chavis (Samantha) will graduate this spring from Corinth Holders High School in Clayton, North Carolina, where she serves as vice president of service for the National Honor Society, secretary of Key Club, and equity officer. She is a recipient of the Leaving a Legacy award, voted on by the teaching staff at Corinth. Samantha was a member of the 2021 and 2022 conference champions varsity tennis team. She volunteered at Clayton Area Ministry and led youth worship at The Church at Clayton Crossings over the past five years. Samantha was a Governor’s Page and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, during the summer of her junior year. Samantha created the Our Heritage project and spoke to the Board of Education, advocating for Native American student programs in Johnston County to allow for a greater community connection. Samantha has been employed as a Youth Tobacco Cessation Advocate with the state of North Carolina and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the past two years. In her spare time, she enjoys weightlifting, singing, and trying new things. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science as well as global studies. Samantha is the daughter of Stephanie and Scottie Chavis of Clayton, North Carolina.

*Laci Brook Mitchiner (Laci) will graduate this spring from Clayton High School in Clayton, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president, yearbook editor, and president of the Book Club. She also runs on the cross country, winter and distance track, and spring mid-distance track teams. At Clayton High School, she led a team of peer volunteers and organized a book drive that donated nearly 200 books to local charities. She attended the North Carolina Governor’s School—a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students—where she became fascinated with the study of epidemiology. Laci is a competitive elite dancer and attends dance classes three to five days per week at Prestige Dance Institute. She also volunteers at her dance studio as a teacher assistant. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking along the local trails with her father. At Carolina, she is interested in studying physics and biomedical and health science engineering. She is the daughter of Crystal and Christopher Mitchiner of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jones County

*Ja’Khari Tajee Bryant (Ja’Khari) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham, North Carolina, where he serves as a residential life assistant and the director of student affairs. Ja’Khari served as head manager for the NCSSM women’s volleyball team the past two years and currently plays on the men’s volleyball club team, in addition to running spring track. Aside from sports, he participates in fine arts and performing arts in his school and within the community. For the past three years, he has dedicated his summers to volunteering at Temple Church, assisting in their Vacation Bible School productions for elementary school children. At Carolina, he is interested in studying nursing to pursue a career in pediatrics. Ja’Khari is the son of Anyotta Bryant and the late Corey Ward of Trenton, North Carolina.

Diamond Te’aunah Moore (Diamond) will graduate this spring from Jones Senior High School in Trenton, North Carolina, where she serves as a Student Government Association member. At Jones Senior High School, she also served as president and leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a cadet in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer and Training Corps (AFJROTC), and president of the Technology Student Association. She also initiated the creation of the first DECA chapter at her school and won regional awards for entrepreneurship. She attended the North Carolina Governor’s School and participated in the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online program. Outside of school, she works part-time and Wal-Mart and supports local businesses, including her local grocery story Trenton One Stop, where she created an affordable green company initiative. The initiative covered topics on poor access and paper alternatives, the wasteful use of various products, the demand for better employee training, and more. Diamond loves to play basketball and has previously played for her school’s basketball team. At Carolina, she is interested in studying business and finance. Diamond is the daughter of Sherryl Kinsey of Trenton, North Carolina.

Lenoir County

*Maxwell Brent Andrews (Max) will graduate this spring from Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, North Carolina, where he serves as four-time class president and co-founder of an environmental club. Max is an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, a member of the Cum Laude Society, and a four-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. He regularly volunteers for the Greene County Tennis Association, the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina, and Snow Hill Presbyterian Church. He performed as Mr. Bingley in his school’s production of Pride and Prejudice and has been an employee at Yellowfin Pub in Morehead City, North Carolina, since tenth grade. Max loves basketball, working out, and spending time with friends and family. At Carolina, he is interested in studying computer science, business, and Spanish. Max is the son of Susan and Brent Andrews of Snow Hill, North Carolina.

Derrian Ahmir Wilson (Derrian) will graduate this spring from Kinston High School in Kinston, North Carolina, where he serves as an AmeriCorps math tutor. Derrian is also involved in the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and the School Improvement Team, and he is the captain of his school’s baseball team. Outside of school, Derrian has worked at Bojangles’/Tands Inc. since his sophomore year and as a lifeguard at a local water park in the summer of 2022. At Carolina, he is interested in studying political science, business, and psychology. Derrian is the son of Shamekia Wilson of Kinston, North Carolina.

Madison County

*Alyssa Kertesz Schoof (Alyssa) will graduate this spring from Madison Early College High School (MECHS) in Marshall, North Carolina, with an associate’s degree from Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College. At MECHS, Alyssa serves as event planner and coordinator for the school’s project- and community-based learning initiatives, and as a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa at AB–Tech. Alyssa also participated in the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online program. She volunteers with Energy Savers Network, a local program dedicated to reducing energy costs for families throughout Western North Carolina. She also served as a member of Madison’s Envirothon team, placing third in the nation with the Environmental Natural Resources Division in 2021, and as a member of her school’s Theatre and Performing Arts program. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, creative writing, drawing and painting, and going on hiking trips with her family. At Carolina, she is interested in studying environmental sustainability and policy making, and hopes to continue her work in the visual and performing arts. Alyssa is the daughter of Leslie and Stephen Schoof of Weaverville, North Carolina.

Martin County

*Madeline Carrie Chandler (Madeline) will graduate this spring from Bear Grass Charter School in Bear Grass, North Carolina, where she serves as flute section leader in the marching and concert bands, varsity cheerleading co-captain, and president of her Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and region. Within FFA, Madeline has served as a national delegate, representing the North Carolina FFA at the 2022 National FFA Convention and Expo, and she competed in multiple leadership and career development events, including extemporaneous public speaking, where she cultivated her love of personal challenge. She also serves as president of her school’s Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is a member of the First Baptist Church of Plymouth, North Carolina, and enjoys sharing her musical talent during worship services. Last fall, Madeline conducted historical research and created a public database of local oral history. At Carolina, Madeline expects to major in history with a minor in communications, and she plans to extend her research and continue investigating the rural communities that have shaped her life and those of countless others. To aid in this goal, she plans to run for NC FFA State Office this summer. Madeline is the daughter of Scott and Caroline Chandler of Roper, North Carolina.

Mecklenburg County

Kamryn Marie Burton (Kamryn) will graduate this spring from Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she serves as senior class president and president of the Spanish Honor Society. Kamryn serves as founder and executive director of Girls Lead 2, Inc., a nonprofit focused on leadership equity and women’s empowerment. She is also the teen president of the Queen City chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a Gold Award Girl Scout (Troop 851, Hornets Nest Council), a writer for Wisteria Magazine, and a company dancer in Danse Élan’s Contemporary Youth Company. A lover of the arts, Kamryn enjoys teaching dance to preschool and elementary students, choreographing musical numbers for community theatres, and volunteering as an intern at an arts summer camp. Kamryn is passionate about reducing the effects of healthcare disparities and medical mistrust in marginalized communities. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biology on the pre-med track. Kamryn is the daughter of Aneta and Ken Burton of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Anais Isabela Delgado (Anais) will graduate this spring from Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she serves as president of the National English Honor Society and treasurer of the National Honor Society. Anais will graduate with an Academy of Engineering diploma and will receive a white coat for her completion of the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences pathway. Anais is an active member of her school’s Science National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, Multicultural Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club, and Drama Club. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biomedical engineering with a minor in Spanish and a pre-medicine concentration. At UNC, she is also a Chancellor’s Science Scholar and a Global Gap Year Fellow. Anais is the daughter of Millie Chevere and Peter Delgado of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Letrell Quentin Grady (Trell) will graduate this spring from Cato Middle College High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as Student Government Association (SGA) president and the founder/president of Motivated Men’s Movement. Letrell serves at his local church, Friendship Baptist, by facilitating youth services and community outreach projects. As an Eagle Scout, Letrell enjoys camping, survival training, and servant leadership. Letrell created partnerships with local schools that have mentored over 100 children as the founder of Motivated Men’s Movement. Letrell loves public speaking and even had the opportunity to introduce Carmelo Anthony at the JumpMan Invitational Kickoff. At Carolina, Letrell is interested in studying computer science. Letrell is the grandson of Selena Grady, son of Angela Grady, and brother of Alexis Grady, all of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Virginia Decker Ogburn (Virginia) will graduate this spring from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she is a member of the varsity cross country and track teams. She was previously co-president of her school’s Odyssey of the Mind club, advancing with her team to the World Finals over multiple years. During the summer of 2021, she interned with the NASA Stem Enhancement in Earth Sciences program, where she was part of a team that conducted research and published a paper on the impact of various environmental aspects on mosquito breeding. Virginia is finishing her term as president of the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte’s Teen Volunteer Board and is a member of her church’s youth group. On weekends, she enjoys refereeing recreational soccer games and competing in triathlons with her dad. At Carolina, she is interested in pursuing a double major in Spanish and chemistry and plans to attend medical school. Virginia is the daughter of Kristin and Tate Ogburn of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Glenn Jay Sedam (Jay) will graduate this spring from Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as yearbook editor, student ambassador, and a National Honor Society member. Additionally, he is captain of the varsity cross country team and a member of the varsity track team, where he has earned conference, regional, and state-level honors. Outside of school, Jay is a swim instructor at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, providing swim lessons to underserved communities and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also works as a camp counselor during the summer. Jay is a three-time recipient of the Gold Presidential Service Award, volunteering at various organizations, such as the YMCA, Let Me Run, and Classroom Central. At Carolina, he is interested in studying biochemistry and Spanish on the pre-med track. Jay is the son of Elizabeth and Glenn Sedam of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Catherine Isabelle Tiddy (Catherine) will graduate this spring from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she is a co-captain of the varsity women’s volleyball team and serves as an officer for the school’s chapter of the Social Studies Honor Society. She serves as the co-coordinator of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools chapter of Diversify Our Narrative, an initiative advocating for the inclusion of diverse materials within the public school curriculum. She serves the same organization as the policy committee lead on the national level. Through the education reform organization, Our Turn, she wrote and published both an opinion piece on the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the organization’s rapid response to the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in 2022. Catherine presently serves as a councilwoman for the Team Enough Executive Council, a group advocating for action toward gun violence prevention. On weekends, she enjoys concerts with friends and spending time with family. At Carolina, she is interested in pursuing political science with a minor in social and economic justice and Spanish for the professions. Catherine is the daughter of Julie Ruziska Tiddy and Brian Tiddy of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Robeson County

Cayden Michael Hammonds (Cayden) will graduate this spring from Lumberton Senior High School, in Lumberton, North Carolina, where he serves as president of the Kiwanis Key Club. The club helps to build character through service and leadership in youth. He is also a junior marshal, a member of the American Indian Student Association (AISA), a youth leader at Bethel Hill Baptist Church, and a junior volunteer firefighter for Saddletree Volunteer Fire Department. Cayden runs varsity track, plays varsity soccer, and is a captain for his club soccer team. He also works as a youth soccer coach and referee for children in his community. In his spare time, Cayden enjoys camping, playing piano and guitar, reading, building computers, and hanging out with friends and family. At Carolina, he is interested in double majoring in neuroscience and philosophy. Cayden is the son of Maranda Locklear and grandson of Debra and Bobby Blake Hammonds of Lumberton, North Carolina.

Rockingham County

Anna McKenzie Casto (Anna) will graduate this spring from Dalton L. McMichael High School in Mayodan, North Carolina, where she serves as senior class president and a staff cadet in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer and Training Corps (AFJROTC). During high school, Anna received her Nurse Aide I certification and is currently employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She also attended North Carolina Governor’s School, where she learned mathematical concepts and presented a group cornerstone project on Non-Euclidean Geometry. Anna played six different varsity sports in high school, including volleyball, basketball, and softball, and has been a three-year varsity softball starter, a two-year volleyball starter, and a starter for the varsity basketball team her senior season. She was a member of the 2022 NC 2A State Championship Volleyball team at McMichael High and received the state sportsmanship award at the championship game. Anna was also voted Winter Queen during her senior year at McMichael High. She plays on the Champion National Club Volleyball team, traveling to tournaments across the east coast and competing at the highest club levels. She has also played club softball since she was eight years old. Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna began volunteering for Lot 2540, a local feeding ministry, and organized a Beta Club event for the organization. She is also involved in her local church and is a member of the Western Rockingham Youth Ministry. Anna has been a dancer since age two and has been dancing competitively since the fourth grade for DeHart Dance Theatre. At Carolina, she is interested in studying nursing with hopes of eventually becoming a nurse anesthetist. Anna is the daughter of Michelle and Bob Casto of Mayodan, North Carolina.

Sampson County

Josephine Helen Blackman (Josie) will graduate this spring from Hobbton High School in Clinton, North Carolina, where she serves as president of the Beta Club, vice president of the senior class, and a section leader of the marching band. At Hobbton, she is also a member of the varsity soccer, cross country, and track teams. Additionally, she is a vocal and piano student who occasionally performs at her church, Keener Methodist. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science and public policy. Josie is the daughter of Tonya and Lynn Blackman of Clinton, North Carolina.

Stokes County

Raygan Lee Hawkins (Raygan) will graduate this spring from North Stokes High School in Danbury, North Carolina, where she serves as president of the Beta Club, president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, vice president of Student Government, and a member of the National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America (FFA). In the summer of 2022, she attended the North Carolina Governor’s School, a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students. She is a dancer for the Elite Dance Competition Team at Dance Unveiled. As a member of the dance team, she competes in elite dance competitions, leads and supports dancers of all levels, and teaches dance classes. In her junior year, Raygan created Be Kind 2 Your Mind (BK2YM), a program that educates school-aged girls on the importance of discovering their self-worth and identity. Through BK2YM, Raygan created “Girl’s Night,” an after-school event where girls participated in various activities to improve their confidence, and “My Friend’s Closet,” an initiative to supply classrooms with clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products that were free for students to take home. She is also a Sunday School leader at her local church. At Carolina, Raygan is interested in majoring in public health with a focus in nutrition, and hopes to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She is the daughter of Gwendolyn and Douglas Hawkins of Sandy Ridge, North Carolina.

Union County

Sachi Akmal (Sachi) will graduate this spring from Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where she serves as president of both Model United Nations and French Honor Society, DECA vice president of competition, senior advisor on the school’s first-ever Student Leadership Committee on School Climate, and an anchor for the Mavs Broadcast Team. Due to Sachi’s passion and aptitude for diplomacy, she has won an award at every conference she has attended since eighth grade, and she tutors refugee students in Model UN and debate skills through the organization Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America. Exploring her interest in business through DECA, she placed third in Retail Merchandising at the 2022 International Career Development Conference. As a member of the Committee on School Climate, Sachi led several initiatives, including reforming her school’s dress code and issuing an Indigenous land acknowledgment. Outside of school, she is an executive for Wisteria Magazine, a youth-founded nonprofit print and online publication that aims to uplift marginalized voices. She is also a scholar of the Chuck Stone Program at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Sachi has been a Bharatanatyam dancer since she was eight years old and played for her school’s lacrosse team throughout high school. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public policy and business with a focus on media. Sachi is the daughter of Rani and Nakheeb Akmal of Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Wake County

Nandini Kanthi (Nandini) will graduate this spring from William G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she serves as founder and director of the Student Leadership Association for Change (a nonprofit that works to amplify direct discourse between teens and policymakers), president of the Speech and Debate club, student body secretary, and a HOSA International Top 3 winner. She was recognized as the 12th best Congressional Debater in the country, a first-place winner at Princeton Nationals, and a three-time qualifier to the Tournament of Champions. Passionate about fighting period stigma, Nandini co-invented a low-cost diagnostic menstrual pad that aims to make healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. She currently holds a provisional patent and was awarded a grant from the Lemelson-MIT Foundation for her work. She also wrote a research paper on Using Decarboxylative Alkylation for Quaternary sp3-Carbon Formation under the mentorship of 2021 Chemistry Nobel Prize winner Dr. David Macmillan at Princeton University. In her free time, Nandini loves to dance, sing Carnatic music, read sci-fi novels, play badminton, and coach debate at local middle schools. At Carolina, she is interested in studying neuroscience and public policy. Nandini is the daughter of Hanumanth and Sirisha Kanthi of Cary, North Carolina.

Laura Hope Martin (Laura) will graduate this spring from St. David’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she serves as service prefect, captain of the varsity cross country and track and field teams, a member of the Honor Council, and trumpet section in the Wind Ensemble. Her heart for service and her time working with refugees in her local community have inspired her to find creative ways to bring people together regardless of different backgrounds. She founded Elle Society, a women’s leadership cohort for girls in her school, which has hosted talks and social events for girls to discuss relevant issues. In her senior year of high school, she competed as the only girl on the cross country team, setting a school record in the 300-meter hurdles and helping build the track and field team into the highest participation sport at the school. In her free time, Laura does calligraphy, eats chicken, and judges her sisters’ guacamole making contests. At Carolina, she is interested in studying Spanish and continuing to expand relational service in her community. Laura is the daughter of Jamie Gilbert Martin and Matthew G. T. Martin of Raleigh, North Carolina.

*Laci Brook Mitchiner (Laci) will graduate this spring from Clayton High School in Clayton, North Carolina, where she serves as student body president, yearbook editor, and president of the Book Club. She also runs on the cross country, winter and distance track, and spring mid-distance track teams. At Clayton High School, she led a team of peer volunteers and organized a book drive that donated nearly 200 books to local charities. She attended the North Carolina Governor’s School—a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students—where she became fascinated with the study of epidemiology. Laci is a competitive elite dancer and attends dance classes three to five days per week at Prestige Dance Institute. She also volunteers at her dance studio as a teacher assistant. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking along the local trails with her father. At Carolina, she is interested in studying physics and biomedical and health science engineering. She is the daughter of Crystal and Christopher Mitchiner of Raleigh, North Carolina.

*Allison Lydia Owens (Lydia) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham, North Carolina, where she serves as president of the Public Health Association; an officer of Girls Who Code; a member of Code4Charity; captain of NCSSM’S KPop Dance Team, KWAVE; co-founder of NCSSM’s Black Student Union; and a teacher assistant for Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics. Lydia conducted computational research with Dr. Zachary Ward from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Health Decision Science, where she built an agent-based model to predict COVID-19 transmission in prisons. She also conducted formal humanities research on Afro-Indigenous culture and communities throughout the United States. Lydia served minorities in STEM as a summer leadership and research program assistant and by leading biomedical and computer science-themed summer camps at the Hilda Pinnix-Ragland Summer STEM Academy. She is interested in computational epidemiology, healthcare tech solutions, and app development. At Carolina, she is an assured enrollment admit to the Gillings School of Public Health BSPH in Biostatistics major and intends to minor in data science. Lydia will also participate in the Accelerated Research and Honors Carolina programs. Lydia is the daughter of Dr. Imani Owens and Stephen Owens of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Washington County

*Madeline Carrie Chandler (Madeline) will graduate this spring from Bear Grass Charter School in Bear Grass, North Carolina, where she serves as flute section leader in the marching and concert bands, varsity cheerleading co-captain, and president of her Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and region. Within FFA, Madeline has served as a national delegate, representing the North Carolina FFA at the 2022 National FFA Convention and Expo, and she competed in multiple leadership and career development events, including extemporaneous public speaking, where she cultivated her love of personal challenge. She also serves as president of her school’s Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is a member of the First Baptist Church of Plymouth, North Carolina, and enjoys sharing her musical talent during worship services. Last fall, Madeline conducted historical research and created a public database of local oral history. At Carolina, Madeline expects to major in history with a minor in communications, and she plans to extend her research and continue investigating the rural communities that have shaped her life and those of countless others. To aid in this goal, she plans to run for NC FFA State Office this summer. Madeline is the daughter of Scott and Caroline Chandler of Roper, North Carolina.

Watauga County

Alexandra Elizabeth Newmark (Alexandra) will graduate this spring from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, where she serves as the president and founder of the American Sign Language Club, the treasurer for her school’s chapter of Best Buddies, and the secretary for the Interact Club. She also serves as the stage manager for the Pioneer Playmakers and is a member of the cross country team. Outside of school, she is a Girl Scout ambassador, and she’s working to achieve the Gold Award. Additionally, Alexandra is an assistant instructor in American Freestyle Karate. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, spending time outdoors, and playing with her dog. At Carolina, she is interested in studying physics and astronomy. Alexandra is the daughter of Dr. Adam and Laura Newmark of Boone, North Carolina.

Wayne County

Guillermo Estrada (Guillermo) will graduate this spring from Wayne School of Engineering and Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as an honors student and member of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Guillermo served as the first Latino president of the North Carolina 4-H State Council, leading several state events, workshops, and marketing campaigns, as well as serving as part of the 2022 National 4-H Congress Design team. He also served as founding chair of the Wayne Fair Junior Board, working on new marketing and educational experiences to promote the agricultural industry for youth. He works in the office of House Majority Leader John Bell as an intern, focusing on caucus communications and marketing. At Carolina, he is interested in studying public relations and public policy to work in political communications. Guillermo is the son of Michelle and Davy Estrada of Pikeville, North Carolina.

Anand Veeresh Medlery (Anand) will graduate this spring from Wayne Country Day School in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he serves as student body president and vice president of Key Club, a community-service-centered organization. Anand served as his class’s president all of high school prior to becoming student government president. He is also an Eagle Scout after directing a project to build a Story-Board Walk for his local library. Anand is a varsity student-athlete with interests in basketball, soccer, and tennis. He worked as a physician and pharmacist assistant in Peru at a mobile clinic, traveling to various rural Andean areas lacking easy access to healthcare. At Carolina, he is interested in studying public health. Anand is the son of Veeresh Medlery and Geetha Chandrasekaran of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Out of State

Arizona

Caroline Ju-Sun Hoyt (Caroline) will graduate this spring from Blue Ridge High School in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, where she serves as student body president. Caroline has spent the past four years in student government, cross country, choir, and community service through Blue Ridge clubs and classes. She also loves serving her home church, the White Mountain Apache Baptist Church. Some of her passions include reading, playing piano, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science with an emphasis on global studies after taking a gap year. Caroline is the daughter of Paula and Jonathan Hoyt of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona.

Florida

Allyson Jane Horst (Allyson) will graduate this spring from Barron Collier High School in Naples, Florida, where she serves as student body president, president and founder of both the Health and Humanity Club and the Gender Equality Club, president of KidsCAN, vice president of Junior States of America, 2022 Bank of America student leader, and director of papers for the Model UN team. As a sophomore, she formed the first Health and Humanity Club to promote volunteerism and advocacy to address poverty within her community. Through partnerships with four local nonprofits, Allyson spearheaded the collection of more than 1,000 goods, ranging from canned goods to homemade blankets for the local homeless shelter. Health and Humanity Club has collectively served over 900 volunteer hours within the community and grown to over seventy members. Allyson has also served Grace Place for Families and Children as an elementary school tutor and a marketing intern. As an intern, Allyson supports the Read-A-Gazillion campaign, a community initiative to promote literacy among citizens of all ages. During her tenure as KidsCAN president, a junior chapter of the Cancer Alliance of Naples, she initiated the first school-wide Gold Out and fundraising event to raise awareness regarding Childhood Cancer. At Carolina, she is interested in studying education and public policy. Allyson is the daughter of Stephanie Mackley of Naples, Florida.

Kendall James Ford (Kendall) will graduate this spring from Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he serves as the senior class president. He also serves as president of the American Sign Language Club and is a member of the Jacksonville Association of Governing Students, where he advocates for improved Title IX education in the district. Kendall sings tenor in his scholastic advanced chorale and is a staff writer for the Devil’s Advocate—the school’s student-run newspaper. In addition, he is a member of the Black Student Union, Multicultural Club, and several honor societies. Outside of school, Kendall participates in crew at First Coast Rowing Club, is an Eagle Scout, and serves as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Fellow with the Center for Children’s Rights, where he advocates for the fair treatment of students in Jacksonville’s youth care system. He also teaches STEM concepts as a youth robotics coach and plays the piano. With a passion for the environment, Kendall volunteered hundreds of hours with Groundwork Jacksonville—a city nonprofit tasked with stewarding community greenspaces, spent a month working for the Youth Conservation Corps in Yellowstone National Park, and did novel research on environmental disparities in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals in North Florida as a member of the Jacksonville Youth Environmental Council. At UNC-Chapel Hill, he is interested in studying environmental science. Kendall is the son of Benita Cullins Ford and Eddie James Ford of Jacksonville, Florida.

Alyssa Jewel Williams (Alyssa) will graduate this spring from Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, where she serves as an elected student council representative, cum laude member, and varsity basketball player. Alyssa is also the founder and president of Rock the Vote, a youth voter registration promotion club, and president of the Science Olympiad Team. Alyssa is an avid community volunteer dedicating more than 600 hours to Tampa Bay nonprofits, including volunteering through the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, Tampa’s Teen Connect Youth Advisory Board, the Tampa Bay Humane Society, and the Boys and Girls Club through the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public health to further pursue her passion for addressing health disparities among minority women regarding sexual health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She is the daughter of Jeannine and Alfred Williams of Riverview, Florida.

Georgia

Marli Simone English (Marli) will graduate this spring from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia, where she is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. At school, she serves as co-president of the Black Student Association, president of the Feminist Club, and captain of the fencing team. She is also a member of Campbell Ethics Bowl, which won both state and regional competitions and competed in the National Championships. Outside of school, Marli is a student political organizer and works with her peers and community to enhance racial, educational, and social justice in Georgia. She also serves as 2022 ALA Girls Nation president. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public policy, philosophy, and history, and she hopes to continue her work in social justice. Marli is the daughter of Monica and Tyrone English of Powder Springs, Georgia.

Anjali Marie Sankalé (Anjali) will graduate this spring from Atlanta International School (AIS) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she serves as student body president and student ambassador. She is the founder and co-leader of the Alliance for Racial Equity in Atlanta (AREA) and volunteers with the Dignity Pack Project, which provides people experiencing homelessness with basic hygiene supplies. She has been a member of her school’s varsity basketball, track and field, and cross country teams, and has been part of the FIRST Robotics team and the AIS Against Human Trafficking group. Anjali was selected to participate in the Model Atlanta Regional Commission, a youth leadership program where she worked with city leaders and experts in transportation, urban planning, and natural resource sustainability. The final team project was on engaging the community of Sandy Springs on flood resiliency issues and implementing solutions to flooding. Outside of school, Anjali worked at Science Gallery Atlanta as a mediator and has been playing and performing piano since fourth grade. At Carolina, Anjali is interested in studying quantitative environmental science with a minor in French. Anjali is the daughter of Jyothi Rengarajan and Jean-Louis Sankalé of Decatur, Georgia.

Idaho

Shiva Aaron Rajbhandari (Shiva) will graduate this spring from Boise Senior High School in Boise, Idaho. Shiva is a member of the Idaho Climate Literacy Education Engagement and Research executive committee at Boise State University. He volunteers for BABE VOTE, Youth Salmon Protectors, Reclaim Idaho, and the Idaho Climate Justice League, and he serves on the Boise School Board. He also runs varsity cross country and track and field for his school. In his spare time, Shiva loves to run, ski, and fish in wild Idaho. At Carolina, he is interested in studying public policy and environmental justice. Shiva is the son of Rachel Parke from Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ajit Rajbhandari from Kathmandu, Nepal, who reside in Boise, Idaho.

Kentucky

Silas David Durham (Silas) will graduate this spring from Rockcastle County High School in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, where he serves as National Honor Society chapter president, student council treasurer, and member of the varsity swim team. Silas spent his senior year working in the rural health clinic at Rockcastle Regional Hospital and hopes to continue to serve the Carolina community in similar capacities. He helped organize food drives and initiated a farm-to-school lunch program in his town. He attends Redeemer Lutheran Church. Silas is passionate about his faith and his family and cares deeply about the people of his community. At Carolina, he is interested in studying biology and public health on the pre-med track. Silas is the son of Jennifer and Conley Durham of Mount Vernon, Kentucky.

Maryland

Gabriella Nicole del Rio (Gabriella) will graduate this spring from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, where she is an active member of her school’s community and the Leadership and Social Justice (LASJ) Program. She serves as the co-president of the Black Student Union, where she has organized school-wide fundraisers and presented anti-bias lessons to her school community. She also served as the Cluster Liaison for West Montgomery County, Maryland, where she worked with the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) to implement more accessible mental health resources in Montgomery County public schools, improve lunch options, and eradicate resource disparities across the Montgomery County public school system. She seeks to deconstruct unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media and promotes the importance of self-confidence through her work as director of advocacy at the Body Positive Alliance, a nonprofit organization. She planned and executed two fundraising events which raised over $3,200 for two body liberation organizations, and has worked with body positive community members, musicians, authors, and advocates to continue to spread body liberation ideals. She is also a member of her school’s a cappella and chorus groups, and runs cross country and track for her high school’s varsity team. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public policy, with a minor in Spanish and environmental justice. Gabriella is the daughter of Denise Hansberry of Potomac, Maryland, and Robespierre del Rio of Bethesda, Maryland.

Massachusetts

Raina Shivani Sohur (Raina) will graduate this spring from The Winsor School in Boston, Massachusetts, where she serves on the Honor Review Board and as a head ambassador for the Admissions Office. She was president of the debate club and a two-time captain of the cross country team, which captured league titles both years. Raina volunteered at the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at UMass-Boston and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She is a research student at the Center for Life Sciences, working in a lab that investigates hypothalamic circuitry in the brain. She enjoys reading and trail running, and a few items on her bucket list include running a marathon, rushing Franklin Street, and making an omelette without breaking any eggs. At Carolina, she is interested in studying the intersection of economics, science, and healthcare. She is the daughter of Drs. Suzanne Tamara Szak and Usharbudh Shivraj Sohur of Milton, Massachusetts.

Minnesota

William Lloyd Walker III (Will) will graduate this spring from Breck School in Golden Valley, Minnesota, where he serves as the student body president, co-chair of the Student Diversity and Inclusion Council, and captain of the football and basketball teams. In addition, Will is the founder of the Lighthouse mentorship program for black middle school boys at Breck, a group that he holds to be his most meaningful contribution to his community. Will demonstrated continued leadership as the leader of Breck’s Black affinity group (Oasis) for two years and founding Breck’s multi-racial affinity group (Shades). He spends his summers volunteering with the Perspectives organization, bridging the St. Louis Park Police Department with children of color in the local community to heal damaged bonds between the two groups. He was also a National Scholastic Award winner for his works in ceramics using clay and glaze. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business administration and a pre-law emphasis. He is the son of Kimberly Tourdot Walker and William Walker Jr. of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

New Hampshire

*Matthew John Grady (Matthew) will graduate this spring from St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, where he serves as captain of the boys’ varsity hockey team, head of the Chinese Society, and student admissions officer. At St. Paul’s, he promotes bipartisan discussion and debate as head of the John Winant Society and mentors local elementary students through the Friends Youth Mentoring Program. He is also a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Outside of school, he spends time fishing and exploring the wild rivers of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and he enjoys playing guitar and mandolin with his friends and family. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business, public policy, and Chinese. Matthew is the son of Colleen and Bob Grady of Jackson, Wyoming.

New York

*Gala Inés Hermer (Gala) will graduate this spring from Sevenoaks School in Kent, England, where she serves as the captain of both the boys’ squash team and the girls’ squash team and also plays on the county team. When not playing squash, she tutors Ukrainian refugees English with her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, treks through Snowdonia, Wales, with her five best friends on her Duke of Edinburgh Expedition, and organizes house events for her boarding house. She is also a member of many clubs, including Current Affairs, Economics Club, and the International Club, and she is the creator of various start-ups, such as an empanada food delivery service and a sports and arts summer camp for kids. At Carolina, she is interested in studying economics and international relations. Gala is the daughter of Silvia Campo from Spain and David Hermer from Wales, who reside in Brooklyn, New York.

Anisha Musti (Anisha) will graduate this spring from Edgemont Junior-Senior High School in Scarsdale, New York. As captain of her school’s Public Forum Debate team, Anisha was ranked first in the United States for the 2021–2022 season. She is also a researcher in quantum computing, co-authoring the first student-focused quantum textbook and publishing papers with New York University and Brookhaven National Lab. After recognizing the quantum workforce shortage, she founded Q-munity, a startup that provides “no-prerequisites” quantum education. Her work led to her speaking at over sixty conferences, including The Economist and Evoke. Additionally, Anisha built Mwana, an app that helps mothers breastfeed in Nigeria and Kenya, tackling under-five mortality. In her free time, she loves to scuba dive and play field hockey as part of her school’s varsity team. At Carolina, she is interested in studying physics, business, and applied sciences. Anisha is the daughter of Subu and Valli Musti of Scarsdale, New York.

Pennsylvania

Mae Ross Brockman (Mae) will graduate this spring from Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she serves as president of both choir and orchestra, co-leader of Breakthrough Community Connections, admissions Shadow Visits coordinator, and a captain of the lacrosse team. Mae is also a diversity ambassador and peer writing advisor. Mae has a strong interest in medicine, having interned in neuropathology and anatomic pathology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Emergency Room at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Mae also worked at Penn Injury Science Center for three years, summarizing hundreds of technical scientific articles and selections and writing lead stories for the website and newsletter. Inspired by systems-based medical research, Mae started The Equity Project at her school to develop equitable and inclusive systems of student leadership. Mae also loves to read and write fiction. At Carolina, she is interested in studying neuroscience and sociology. She is the daughter of Anne Ross and Nathan Brockman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tennessee

Ashlyn Jamir Patton (Ashlyn) will graduate this spring from Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where she serves as student council vice president and a member and co-creator of the Student Diversity Leadership Committee. Ashlyn is a Cum Laude recipient and a part of the Entrepreneurial Capstone program at her school. She is a varsity track and field sprinter and captain, basketball player, and volunteer. Outside of school, she has a passion for fashion and enjoys helping animals and working in her free time. At Carolina, she is interested in studying public relations and advertising. Ashlyn is the daughter of Ashley Patton McFall and the sister of Ashton Patton of Columbia, Tennessee.

Virginia

*David Benjamin Garland (Benji) will graduate this spring from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Benji is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive community in all arenas, but especially as student body president, captain of the varsity rugby team, and as a leader of Gonzaga’s esteemed retreat program. In conjunction with Gonzaga’s Campus Ministry office, Benji has been committed to service work initiatives in D.C. and beyond throughout his high school years. Outside of school, Benji is an experienced recording artist recognized by his appearances on Spotify’s editorial playlists. At Carolina, he intends to continue his independent music career and is interested in the philosophy major and entrepreneurship minor. Benji is the son of Carrie and Jim Garland of Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandra Grace O’Brien (Ali) will graduate this spring from The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia where she serves as the student chair of the Honor Council, co-editor-in-chief of the Potomac Current, and member of the Global Perspectives and Citizenship concentration program. Ali is the co-founder of Mission Red, an organization working to end period poverty in D.C. and Virginia. In her capacity at Mission Red, Ali testified in support of legislation to provide free period products in all publicly-owned buildings in D.C., collected over 25,000 period products through statewide product drives, and organized an annual awareness-building campaign called Menstrual Health March. Ali is passionate about creating social change through political advocacy and has pursued this commitment through her work on local and congressional campaigns in Virginia. She also conducted international relations research, recently publishing her work, “The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: The West’s Response to China in the Indo-Pacific.” At Carolina, Ali is interested in studying Peace, War, and Defense, political science, and Arabic. Ali is the daughter of Jill DeTemple and Gordon O’Brien of McLean, Virginia.

Washington

Jamison Kenan Drayton (Jamison) will graduate this spring from Mercer Island High School in Mercer Island, Washington, where she serves as president of PETRI (a club that raises money to fund secondary education in Kenya), a senior officer of the Black Student Union, head of the social justice committee for her high school’s athletic leadership team, and founder of the Black Student Union Elementary School Mentoring Program. She also served as captain for her state championship lacrosse team during her junior and senior years. Outside of school, Jamison volunteered at Swedish Hospital, working alongside doctors and nurses. Additionally, she has worked as a youth lacrosse coach since her freshman year, hoping to inspire others to play the game. Jamison enjoys running, scuba diving, and watching and playing sports with her family and friends. At Carolina, she is interested in studying biology with a plan to go on the pre-med track. Jamison is the daughter of Meeka and Maurice Drayton of Mercer Island, Washington.

Washington, D.C.

*David Benjamin Garland (Benji) will graduate this spring from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Benji is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive community in all arenas, but especially as student body president, captain of the varsity rugby team, and as a leader of Gonzaga’s esteemed retreat program. In conjunction with Gonzaga’s Campus Ministry office, Benji has been committed to service work initiatives in D.C. and beyond throughout his high school years. Outside of school, Benji is an experienced recording artist recognized by his appearances on Spotify’s editorial playlists. At Carolina, he intends to continue his independent music career and is interested in the philosophy major and entrepreneurship minor. Benji is the son of Carrie and Jim Garland of Alexandria, Virginia.

Wyoming

*Matthew John Grady (Matthew) will graduate this spring from St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, where he serves as captain of the boys’ varsity hockey team, head of the Chinese Society, and student admissions officer. At St. Paul’s, he promotes bipartisan discussion and debate as head of the John Winant Society and mentors local elementary students through the Friends Youth Mentoring Program. He is also a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Outside of school, he spends time fishing and exploring the wild rivers of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and he enjoys playing guitar and mandolin with his friends and family. At Carolina, he is interested in studying business, public policy, and Chinese. Matthew is the son of Colleen and Bob Grady of Jackson, Wyoming.

International

Canada

Randy Chang (Randy) will graduate this spring from Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario, where he serves as student body president, Model UN executive, and co-captain of the debate team. During the pandemic, Randy co-founded a nonprofit offering accessible debate lessons for immigrant communities, raising over $5,000 for local hospitals. He assisted in published research into African American history, investigating the development of graveyards in Colonial Ghana. He is also a member of his school’s varsity basketball and volleyball teams. In his free time, Randy enjoys writing a semi-regular blog, reading about the world, and exploring ramen places. At Carolina, he is interested in studying politics, history, social entrepreneurship, and above all, Franklin Street’s ramen scene. Randy is the son of Ying Shi and Simon Chang of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Harsehaj Kaur Dhami (Harsehaj) will graduate this spring from Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario, where she serves as the president of the HOSA and science club and leader of her school board’s first STEAM conference. As the founder of Codespire, a nonprofit delivering tech education to 15,000+ underprivileged youth, and builder of many projects in depression diagnostics and health accessibility, Harsehaj is actively working toward disrupting technology for social good. To equip other students in her province with the digital education they need, Harsehaj consults the Ontario Ministry of Education on the development of the tech curriculum for over 650,000 students. Being named one of Canada’s “Top Tech Influencers of 2022” by IT World Canada for her speaking engagements with Apple, the Aging Research & Drug Discovery Conference, and QueerTech Conference, Harsehaj is excited to take her lessons from the International Baccalaureate and Shad Canada program forward to turn the needle in health and education accessibility globally. When she isn’t tinkering away at a new project, you can find Harsehaj rollerblading, reading manga, or perfecting her guacamole recipe. At Carolina, she is interested in studying computer science and business, with a minor in neuroscience. Harsehaj is the daughter of Prabhjot Kaur and Prabhjot Singh Dhami of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

China

*Youyou Zheng (Yoyo) will graduate this spring from Asheville School in Asheville, North Carolina, where he serves as dorm prefect and a Mitchell Cabinet (school service committee) member. He is the founder and leader of Asheville School’s Research Club, in which Yoyo and other club members built an artificial chimney tower for chimney swifts, an endangered avian species. Yoyo is enthralled by scientific research, with his most recent research project examining the effect of biopolymers on plant root growth as a crucial aspect of limiting soil erosion. Outside of school, Yoyo is a tutor at San Antonio Math Include, a nonprofit offering free classes and summer camps for K–12 students. At Carolina, he is interested in studying environmental science and statistics. He also hopes to join organizations that address environmental issues and mitigate climate change. Yoyo is the son of Chaoyu Shi and Xianhong Zheng of Shanghai, China.

Costa Rica

Geyra Sarai Moya López (Geyra) will graduate this spring from La Paz Community School in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste. She will graduate with a bilingual International Baccalaureate diploma as well as a Costa Rican Bachillerato diploma. She was part of her school’s soccer and swimming teams and currently plays tennis. Her empathy and passion for helping others led her to volunteer as a Spanish tutor at her school and to volunteer in the local church kitchen. Geyra is also co-founder of A Gift of Hope, where she provides a support system and raises funds to help a refugee family achieve self-sufficiency by contributing to their immediate needs and working to meet their long-term needs. At Carolina, she is interested in studying business administration with a minor in real estate. Geyra is the daughter of Aracelys López and Byron Moya of Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Egypt

*Mohamed Atef Ali Mohamed (Atef) will graduate this June from African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa. At ALA, he serves as co-founder and design director at Hashtag, marketing director at ARACHNO, and the sports representative of his residential hall, Titans. Atef is deeply interested in technology, design, and product management. He has worked on several projects that aimed to positively impact his continent, such as FYNNBLOCK, a software that works to end corruption and white-collar crimes. He also earned a full scholarship at the Samsung Innovation Campus program, where he honed his coding and programming skills and used them for good. Moreover, he is a basketball player who played competitively in his country, Egypt, and for the ALA basketball team. At Carolina, he is interested in studying computer science, information science, and business. Atef is the son of Atef Ali and Ola Abdelfattah of Alawamrah Abu Kabir, Egypt.

South Africa

*Mohamed Atef Ali Mohamed (Atef) will graduate this June from African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa. At ALA, he serves as co-founder and design director at Hashtag, marketing director at ARACHNO, and the sports representative of his residential hall, Titans. Atef is deeply interested in technology, design, and product management. He has worked on several projects that aimed to positively impact his continent, such as FYNNBLOCK, a software that works to end corruption and white-collar crimes. He also earned a full scholarship at the Samsung Innovation Campus program, where he honed his coding and programming skills and used them for good. Moreover, he is a basketball player who played competitively in his country, Egypt, and for the ALA basketball team. At Carolina, he is interested in studying computer science, information science, and business. Atef is the son of Atef Ali and Ola Abdelfattah of Alawamrah Abu Kabir, Egypt.

United Kingdom

Michael Carl Chimaobim Agu (Michael) will graduate this spring from Brampton Manor Academy in London, England, where he serves as a prominent member of the French debate club and the school’s basketball team. Outside of school, he is team captain at his local basketball club and is a coach for an Under-12 basketball team. In his community, he also aims to increase educational opportunities for young students, offering tutoring services in math and English. In his free time, he enjoys challenging himself physically through competitive sports and intense weight training, reading, and volunteering at his church. At Carolina, he is interested in studying economics and potentially minoring in philosophy, politics, and economics, or French. Michael is the son of Uchechukwu and Michael Agu, Sr. of Essex, England.

Scarlett Gabriella Chanti Jane Aiuto (Macca) will graduate this spring from Stroud High School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where she serves as head of house, a peer mentor, and an active participant in the debate team, choir, a cappella, and various local politics activities. Outside of school, Macca spends her time playing sports, the most notable being Irish dancing, rugby, and horse riding, as well as advocating for women’s rights and gaining political experience with the Youth Parliament. At Carolina, she is interested in studying global studies with minors in Italian and women’s and gender studies. Macca is the daughter of Tony Aiuto and the late Lia Aiuto of Fairford, Gloucestershire, England.

Saudah Nu’aymah Jannat (Saudah) will graduate this summer from Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, where she served as a house official, Shaping Futures mentor, and film society leader. Having served as a delegate in European Youth Parliament UK forums, she continues her passion for diplomacy as Model United Nations (MUN) chair in her school and youth ambassador for I Have A Voice CIC’s PoliticsForAll campaign. Saudah is co-founder and vice president of her not-for-profit organization, Scholars For Society UK, where she works to increase accessibility for working-class youth in politics, economics, and STEM, having organized and hosted a national conference with prominent politicians and experts. She proved her dedication to her community over four years as a non-commissioned officer for RAF Air Cadets (785 Tewkesbury SQN), in which she is a first aid instructor, standards bearer, and violinist in the National Strings Ensemble. Saudah’s love for music culminated in the highlight of her high school career, where she conducted and composed for her orchestra in theatrical competitions. At Carolina, she is interested in studying political science and global studies while pursuing her interests in film and music. Saudah is the daughter of Shahinoor Alom and Monuhor Miah from Sylhet, Bangladesh, who reside in Gloucestershire, England.

*Gala Inés Hermer (Gala) will graduate this spring from Sevenoaks School in Kent, England, where she serves as the captain of both the boys’ squash team and the girls’ squash team and also plays on the county team. When not playing squash, she tutors Ukrainian refugees English with her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, treks through Snowdonia, Wales, with her five best friends on her Duke of Edinburgh Expedition, and organizes house events for her boarding house. She is also a member of many clubs, including Current Affairs, Economics Club, and the International Club, and she is the creator of various start-ups, such as an empanada food delivery service and a sports and arts summer camp for kids. At Carolina, she is interested in studying economics and international relations. Gala is the daughter of Silvia Campo from Spain and David Hermer from Wales, who reside in Brooklyn, New York.

Nana Kofi Oduro-Nyaning (Nana) will graduate this spring from Lancing College in West Sussex, England, where he serves as head boy and is also a Sports Scholar. At Lancing, Nana also serves as a diversity and inclusion champion and a peer supporter, a mental health initiative designed to enable senior pupils to function as another avenue of support and guidance for the Lancing student body. He is also vice captain of the First XI (also known as the First 11) soccer team, a member of the First XI field hockey team, and a member of the track and field team. A political enthusiast, he is fascinated by international and current affairs and has been a regular member of his school’s politics society. Nana represented Lancing at both the county and national levels in the sporting arena, and he is interested in playing soccer at UNC. At Carolina, he is also interested in studying political science and global studies with hopes of pursuing a career in the legal or political sectors. Nana is the son of Adwoa Larbi-Siaw of Islington, London, England, and the nephew of Kwabena Larbi-Siaw of Chicago, Illinois.

Vietnam

Giang Viet Pham (Giang) will graduate this spring from Hanoi–Amsterdam High School for the Gifted in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he served as a vice head organizer of Ams’ Got Talent. Outside of school, Giang co-founded The Incredibles Project to teach basic English to over 500 primary students throughout Vietnam. The previous summer, he participated in the Global Citizens Initiative’s Summit in St. Andrews, Scotland, and since then has been working with a mentor on an educational project that targets the lack of English materials in Vietnam. During this time, Giang also co-authored a book on digital finance crime with his brother. A black-belt Karate-do practitioner, Giang is an ardent fan of sports, especially martial arts, basketball, and soccer. At Carolina, Giang is interested in studying business with a concentration in finance. Giang is the son of Ha Nguyen and Hanh Pham of Hanoi, Vietnam.