Initiative Brings Exceptional Mid-Entry Students into Program for
Second Year
Building on the success of our inaugural Sophomore Selection process launched in 2023, we welcomed more outstanding students from UNC–Chapel Hill into the Morehead-Cain community this year.
In November 2024, we welcomed fifteen students into the Morehead-Cain Class of 2027. The selection process featured a rigorous application review and Final Selection Experience, which took place on October 20, 2024, at the Carolina Inn. A heartfelt thank you to Danielle Allen ’09 for delivering an inspiring keynote speech to finalists, to the eighteen alumni who served on the selection committee, and to the Carolina faculty and staff who nominated the finalists. We also appreciate the scholars who shared their experiences with the finalists.
One standout among our new sophomore scholars is Ella Smith ’27 of Charlotte. A member of the UNC Women’s Soccer team, Ella helped secure a historic 1–0 victory over Wake Forest on December 9, 2024, bringing home the team’s 22nd NCAA title and ending a 12-year national championship drought. As a business, marketing, and management major at Kenan-Flagler, Ella continues to show her leadership both on and off the field.
By integrating gifted sophomores, we continue to provide transformative development opportunities that empower scholars to grow as the leaders of tomorrow.
Celebrating ‘Impact Educators’
In January 2025, we honored 457 K–12 educators through our Impact Educator initiative. These exceptional teachers, nominated by our semifinalists for the class of 2029, represent forty states and twenty-two countries. Their dedication to fostering student learning and leadership aligns with our mission to cultivate future leaders.
Launched in 2023, the Impact Educator initiative celebrates the educators worldwide who are shaping tomorrow’s changemakers, recognized for their profound influence on students’ lives and leadership development. Morehead-Cain has now recognized more than 1,200 educators to date.
A Return to In-Person Final Selection Experience
After years of virtual and hybrid programming, Morehead-Cain welcomed 176 finalists to campus from February 27 to March 4, 2025, for our largest-ever in-person Final Selection Experience, marking the return of the tradition to campus.
The weekend featured a keynote address by Thompson Paine ’05, head of product and business operations at Anthropic, who spoke at the 73rd Annual Finalist Banquet at Wilson Library. Thompson shared valuable insights on the evolving impact of AI, challenging students to become responsible leaders in embracing technological advancements. Finalists also had the chance to hear from Josh Lee ’04 about his film Lucha, featuring an all-girls wrestling team, participate in Catalyzing Connections panels with alumni from diverse industries, and learn about Well, an alumni-founded health technology and services company in Chapel Hill.
Leveraging the Morehead-Cain Alumni Network
This year, our recruitment efforts were supported by more than 400 alumni and friends. We are deeply grateful to those who played a pivotal role, from reviewing applications to serving on selection committees. Your contributions have had a positive impact on the recruitment process and, ultimately, on the future of our scholars.
Introducing the Morehead-Cain Class of 2029
In April 2025, we announced the Morehead-Cain Class of 2029, who began their undergraduate journeys at UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall of 2025. This class of seventy-five scholars hails from twenty-two North Carolina counties, nineteen U.S. states and territories, and six countries, attending schools across eight countries. Their academic interests range from biology and political science to literature, languages, and the arts.
Responding to Community Needs
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across the Southeast, Morehead-Cain sought to support school communities in crisis. With many schools closed due to power and water outages, we extended our application deadline to ensure that all candidates had the opportunity to participate in the selection process. Current scholars, led by Julia Bassett ’25, quickly mobilized to support peers, alumni, and loved ones affected by the storm. The Foundation also provided grant support to Impact Educators in the impacted areas, recognizing their crucial role as anchors of community resilience and leaders in student learning.
Facts and Stats
Scholar Journeys
The journey to becoming a Morehead-Cain Scholar is as unique as each individual. Once scholars join our community, they begin charting their own path, pursuing transformative experiences, and making an impact in ways only they can. Learn more about the class of 2025 scholars and their exciting plans for the future.
Maggie Kern
Asheboro, North Carolina
Uwharrie Charter Academy
Maggie earned a BA with highest distinction in public policy and a BA with distinction in history with a concentration in law, politics, and economics. At Carolina, she was the president and service educator of the Alpha Phi Omega public service organization, coordinating thousands of community service hours within the local community. Additionally, she was an undergraduate editor of the UNC Journal of History, an Ignite Fellow with Teach for America, and a Buckley Public Service Scholar. Academically, she pursued interests in North Carolina history and public policy, with an emphasis on public education and environmental policy. During her time at Carolina, she spent a semester at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, studying the origins of Scots-Irish settlement in the Carolinas. Maggie is currently serving as a Lead for North Carolina Fellow with the UNC School of Government at Topsail Beach.
Kene Ochuba
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Upper Canada College
Kene earned a BS with highest distinction in computer science, with a minor in business administration. At Carolina, he served as a teaching assistant for the introductory computer science class for six semesters. In his time with the Computer Science + Social Good Club, he developed an application for the Carolina Adaptable Toys for Children initiative. He was the governor of Ehringhaus Residence Hall and a member of the Black in Technology Club and the Christian ministry Summit College. Kene worked on special events with the computer science department and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. At Carolina, he captained numerous intramural sports teams and won four intramural championships. Kene is currently working as a software engineer for Microsoft in Seattle, Washington.
Neha Saggi
Nashville, Tennessee
University School of Nashville
Neha earned a BSPH in health policy and management and a BS in biology, both with highest distinction, and a minor in chemistry. At Carolina, she conducted research on global health policy and maternal health outcomes, culminating in her senior honors thesis that assessed disparities in postpartum pain assessment and management. Outside of the classroom, she served in the cabinet of the Student Government Executive Branch, on the Campus Health Advisory Board, and as a birth doula at NC Women’s Hospital. She also worked as an organic chemistry learning assistant, served as an officer for the Marathon Team, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. During her time at Carolina, she produced multiple seasons of her podcast exploring health and policy-related topics, from the application of anthropological methods in health research to the use of artificial intelligence in cervical cancer screening. Neha is currently attending the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.
Looking Ahead
The success of our recruitment and selection efforts depends on the active participation of our alumni and friends. Your commitment, from reviewing applications to mentoring scholars, plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Morehead-Cain leaders. We are deeply grateful for your continued support in creating transformative experiences for our scholars and empowering them to lead with purpose.