1000 x 90

Watauga High School Student Among Morehead-Cain Foundation’s Class of 2019

Nelsen
Nelsen

The Morehead-Cain Foundation – home of the first merit scholarship program in the United States – is proud to announce its class of 2019. And one of the 59 students to receive a full ride to UNC-Chapel Hill attends Watauga High School.

Catherine Mackenzie Nelsen (Mackenzie) will graduate this spring from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, where she is president of the National Honor Society and captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team.

Mackenzie is also a standout musician; twice she has been selected to the North Carolina All-State Orchestra. Interested in environmental science and biochemistry, Mackenzie is considering careers in academia or environmental engineering. She is the daughter of Patricia and William Nelsen III.

The class of 2019 includes:

  • 34 scholars from North Carolina
  • 25 scholars from outside North Carolina, including:
  • 18 scholars from 10 different states;
  • 4 scholars from the United Kingdom;
  • 1 scholar from Canada;
  • 1 scholar from China; and
  • 1 scholar from South Africa

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, it features a distinctive program of summer enrichment experiences designed to support students as they learn and grow. During the course of four summers, scholars will have opportunities to complete an outdoor leadership course, commit themselves to public service in the U.S. or abroad, conduct research at sites around the world, and gain experience in private enterprise.

The Summer Enrichment Program is complemented by the Morehead-Cain Discovery Fund. With financial support, scholars are encouraged to more deeply explore their interests, whether they involve studying under celebrated artists, attending leadership retreats, or obtaining wilderness first responder certification. From researching renewable energy technologies in Europe to tracing the path of native bumblebees in the Patagonia region of Chile, 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, academic achievement, moral force of character, and physical vigor. Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen solely on the basis of merit and accomplishment.

Currently, more than 200 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 student community. For example, during the past ten years five student body presidents, four student attorneys general, and four honor court chairs have all been Morehead-Cain Scholars.

Within the past 15 years, 14 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 the first Morehead Scholars graduated from Carolina in 1957, 31 of UNC’s 34 Rhodes Scholars have been Morehead-Cain graduates.

Morehead-Cain Scholars have accounted for 24 of the University’s 36 Luce Scholars and 19 of Carolina’s 32 Truman Scholars, among the nation’s most generous and distinguished awards for graduate study. Twenty-seven Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Fulbright Fellowships.

Like the scholars, the 3,000 Morehead-Cain Alumni across the world are a diverse and distinguished group. They include:

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Taylor Branch;

  • U.S. Congressmen Jim Cooper, Mike McIntyre and David Price;
  • Sallie Krawcheck, owner of Ellevate Network and former head of Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney;
  • Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International;
  • Karen Stevenson, a Los Angeles attorney and the first black American woman to win a Rhodes Scholarship;
  • New York Times columnist and author Frank Bruni;
  • Tim Sullivan, chief executive officer of Ancestry.com;
  • Ann Livermore, current board of directors member and former executive vice president at Hewlett-Packard;
  • Adam Falk, president of Williams College;
  • Peter Henry, dean of New York University’s Stern School of Business;
  • 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 awards 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.

For more information, visit http://www.moreheadcain.org or call the foundation at (919) 962-1201. Portraits of scholarship recipients can be downloaded at http://urxserve.ur.unc.edu/res/sites/Luminosity/.

Class of 2019
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

Buncombe

*Yunfei Ma (Conrad) will graduate this spring from Christ School in Arden, where he is founder and president of Love & Elite Education, an organization that has helped more than 7,000 Chinese students develop their social and learning skills. Conrad also founded the Hip-Hop Outreach Club at Christ School and is a world-class beat boxer, winning the 2015 U.S. Beat Box Battle and performing in competitions worldwide. Conrad is interested in computer science, business, and entrepreneurship. He is the son of Hongliang Ma and Junhong Fan of Yantai, Shandong, China.

Isabelle Smith will graduate this spring from the Asheville School in Asheville, where she is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and a leading member of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Isabelle is also passionate about sustainable farming and environmental issues, founding the Asheville School Apiary and working at the Essex Farm Institute. Isabelle is looking forward to studying environmental studies, English, and women’s studies. She is the daughter of Arthur and Anne Smith.

Cabarrus

Sophia McFarlane will graduate this spring from Central Cabarrus High School in Concord, where she is student body president, vice president of the community service club Interact, and captain of the girls’ varsity basketball team. Sophia is also the president of the school math club, vice president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and a mentor of young girls in the group Teaching Responsible Actions in Life (TRAiL). She is interested in studying biochemistry and genetics and may pursue a career in medicine. Sophia is the daughter of Barrington McFarlane and Lorraine Warner.

Catawba

Jacob Schmidt will graduate this spring from Fred T. Foard High School in Newton, where he is captain of the varsity football team and a volunteer, tutoring his peers in math-related courses. Jacob is also a talented vocalist, serving as president of the school choral program, and has led volunteer missions as part of his church youth group. He is interested in learning more about European history, environmental sciences, and business management. Jacob is the son of Darren and Kelli Schmidt.

Chatham

*Elizabeth Essen (Elia) will graduate this spring from Woods Charter School in Chapel Hill, where she is vice president of student council and co-president of the prom committee, and has won awards for her scientific research. Elia is also an accomplished dancer and has played multiple lead roles in Barriskill Dance Theatre School’s production of the Nutcracker. Elia enjoys learning about English and psychology and is considering a career in journalism or design. She is the daughter of Jeff Essen and Elizabeth Foley of Pittsboro.

Cumberland

Jessie Keener will graduate this spring from the Fayetteville Academy in Fayetteville, where she is president of the student government association and captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Jessie has also helped raise thousands of dollars for Maggie Lee for Good, an organization dedicated to random acts of kindness. Jessie loves to perform, singing or playing piano or the guitar. She is interested in learning about business operations and law. Jessie is the daughter of James and Mildred Keener.

Rohun Shah will graduate this spring from Terry Sanford Senior High School in Fayetteville, where he is student body president, president of the Key Club, and a member of the school’s varsity golf team. Rohun is also an Eagle Scout and an active volunteer for Communities in Schools (CIS), collecting school supplies for at-risk students living in Cumberland County. Interested by geography and anatomy, Rohun is considering a career in medicine. He is the son of Sanjay and Liza Shah.

Durham

Darryl Beasley, Jr. (Keith) will graduate this spring from Hillside High School in Durham, where he serves as treasurer of student government and captains the varsity football team. Keith is also a member of the Durham Youth Council, advising city leaders on issues relevant to teens, and a volunteer with Peace Toys for War Toys. Keith, who is interested in studying biomedical engineering and applied mathematics, is the son of Darryl Beasley, Sr. and Tamera Coyne-Beasley.

Jordan Bermudez will graduate this spring from Charles E. Jordan Senior High School in Durham, North Carolina, where she serves on student government as the diversity and recruitment chair. Jordan is also captain of the varsity field hockey team and a volunteer assistant counselor with Camp Kaleidoscope at Duke Children’s Hospital, working closely with children suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses. Jordan is interested in studying biology and may pursue a career as a surgeon or an athletic trainer. She is the daughter of Jacqueline Looney.

Sarah McAdon will graduate this spring from Northern High School in Durham, where she is senior class vice president and a member of Goals for Girls, a charity that helps connect girls around the world to address social and health issues through the game of soccer. Sarah is passionate about the sport; in addition to playing girls’ varsity soccer for her school, she plays club soccer with the Triangle United Soccer Association. Sarah, who wants to learn more about societies around the world and politics, is considering a career as a legislator or diplomat. She is the daughter of Paul and Joann McAdon.

Forsyth

Ryan Armstrong will graduate this spring from Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, where he is a distinguished student-athlete, captaining both the varsity cross country and track teams. Ryan also volunteers at the science museum SciWorks, creating interactive demonstrations for the museum’s curious young visitors. Ryan enjoys learning about physics, mathematics, and chemistry and is considering a career in renewable energy. He is the son of Douglas and Laura Armstrong.

*Mary Beth Browne will graduate this spring from Salem Academy in Winston-Salem, where she founded the school’s Model U.N. Club and is a member of the school’s honor cabinet. Mary Beth also loves to perform and has served as an officer of the Drama Club, earned roles in several stage productions, and is a member of the Drama Llamas—a group that performs for kids. Mary Beth, who is interested in chemistry and mathematics, is the daughter of Charles and LuAnn Browne of Mt. Airy.

Carly Cannoy will graduate this spring from North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, where she is president of the Crosby Scholars, president of the Science Club, and co-captain of the girls’ varsity swim team. She is also a section leader in the school orchestra and a member of the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. Carly enjoys learning about history and religion and may pursue a career in government or higher education. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Lori Cannoy.

Corrine Spencer (Cory) will graduate this spring from R. J. Reynolds Senior High School in Winston-Salem, where is the president of Youth United. The organization is part of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County and raises $65,000 a year to help fund a Habitat home for a local family in need. Cory is also a talented athlete—she captained the girls’ varsity swim and tennis teams during her junior and senior years. In the classroom, Cory enjoys learning about science and mathematics. She is the daughter of Patricia and John Spencer III.

Guilford

Robert Jarrell (Rob) will graduate this spring from High Point Central High School in High Point, where he served as freshman, sophomore, and junior class president before being elected student body president for his senior year. He also tutors students, volunteers with area nonprofits, and runs his own chauffeur business with an old limousine he bought himself. Rob is interested in history, economics, business administration, and law. He is the son of Cynthia and Thomas Jarrell, Jr.

Harnett

Elizabeth Reaves Houston (Reaves) will graduate this spring from Triton High School in Erwin, where she is an award-winning peer tutor, president of the Interact Club, and executive treasurer in the Student Government Association. She also volunteers with SAFE of Harnett County, helping raise money for survivors of domestic violence. Reaves enjoys learning about biology, political science, and law. She is the daughter of Keith and Paige Houston of Dunn.

Johnston

Melanie Langness will graduate this spring from West Johnston High School in Benson, where she is editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Scratchpost, serves in student government, and is a member of the Science Olympiad. Melanie also loves to dance and is a member of the national dance honor society Nu Delta Alpha. Melanie is interested in journalism and global studies. She is the daughter of Joshua and Brandie Langness.

Lincoln

Danielle Fowler (Dani) will graduate this spring from Lincoln Charter School in Denver, where she is a member of the Lincoln Student Advisory Council and Project Unify, a club serving disabled children. Dani is also a member of HEROES, an organization for students interested in health careers. Dani wants to learn more about medicine and criminology and may pursue a career as a doctor or forensic criminologist. She is the daughter of Mark and Dana Fowler of Vale.

Mecklenburg

John Amoroso (Jack) will graduate this spring from Cannon School in Concord, where he is president of Model U.N. and captain of the varsity baseball team. Jack also leads Cannon School’s House Animus, organizing and leading service, academic, and social events for his fellow students. Jack enjoys learning about accounting, business management, and international relations. He is the son of Gregory and Michele Amoroso of Charlotte.

Ana Guerrero will graduate this spring from Harding University High School in Charlotte, where she is a member of the Hispanic Organization of Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) and a volunteer at Carolinas Medical Center. Ana is also captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team and plays girls’ varsity soccer. Ana, who is interested in studying Latino studies and public health, is the daughter of Gaston Guerrero and Santa De Lerma.

Clare MacDonald will graduate this spring from Woodlawn School in Mooresville, where she helps plan and lead events as a member of the Chartered Committee for Youth and captains the three-time conference champion girls’ varsity volleyball team. Clare also loves shooting water rockets; she and her grandfather have won three first-place titles from the National Physics Laboratory competition in England. Clare is the daughter of David and Janet MacDonald of Huntersville.

Sebastian Nabatoff will graduate this spring from Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, where he is student body president and co-founder of the Current Events Club, leading weekly discussion groups among its more than thirty members. Sebastian also plays boys’ varsity basketball and golf. Sebastian wants to learn more about international relations and business and may pursue a career in business or the Foreign Service. Sebastian is the son of Larry Nabatoff and Kelly Katterhagen.

Mary Selzer will graduate this spring from Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, where she is the chair of the Honor Council, president of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board. Mary has also served as captain of the girls’ volleyball team and co-captain of the girls’ basketball team. Mary, who is interested in a career as a sports nutritionist or exercise physiologist, is the daughter of Stuart and Jenifer Selzer.

Nash

Colby Kirkpatrick will graduate this spring from Rocky Mount Academy in Rocky Mount, where he is student body president and chair of the STARS Tutoring Program. Colby’s interest in journalism inspired him to create the Media Office, designing a curriculum and launching Rocky Mount Academy’s weekly newspaper and website. Colby is interested in learning about English, history, journalism, and international relations. He is the son of James Kirkpatrick and April Livermon.

New Hanover

Aisling Henihan will graduate this spring from John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, where she is a member of student council and Beta Club, organizing service events and tracking volunteers’ hours. Aisling is also a talented dancer—she has performed in several productions and attended summer programs with the Carolina Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Aisling enjoys learning about English and social sciences and may pursue a career in public policy or law. She is the daughter of Robert and Alison Henihan.

Orange

*Elizabeth Essen (Elia) will graduate this spring from Woods Charter School in Chapel Hill, where she is vice president of student council and co-president of the prom committee, and has won awards for her scientific research. Elia is also an accomplished dancer and has played multiple lead roles in Barriskill Dance Theatre School’s production of the Nutcracker. Elia enjoys learning about English and psychology and is considering a career in journalism or design. She is the daughter of Jeff Essen and Elizabeth Foley of Pittsboro.

Margaret Hassel will graduate this spring from East Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, where she is the co-president of Students for Academic Integrity and Leadership and co-captain of the Ethics Bowl. Margaret also serves as co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and founded a program that donates books to elementary school students. Margaret is interested in political science and economics and may pursue a career in politics or public policy. She is the daughter of Bryan and Emily Hassel.

Pitt

Olivia Dunn will graduate this spring from D. H. Conley High School in Greenville, where she is president of the National Spanish Honor Society and serves as news editor, sports editor, and photographer for her school newspaper. Olivia is also a Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina and started the nonprofit organization “Kidney for Coach” to help her basketball coach find a transplant match. Olivia, who enjoys learning about biology and political science, is the daughter of Vernon and Carolyn Dunn.

Randolph

Matthew Queen will graduate this spring from Asheboro High School in Asheboro, where he is student body president, co-founder and captain of the Mock Trial team, and a member of the cross country and club soccer teams. Matthew is also devoted to music; he can play five different instruments and serves in leadership positions with Asheboro High School’s jazz and concert bands. Matthew is thinking about a career in law or politics. He is the son of Scott and Louann Queen.

Stanly

Regan Johnson will graduate this spring from West Stanly High School in Oakboro, where she is co-president of Future Business Leaders of America, president of student council, and president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. In her multiple leadership roles, Regan has helped raise more than $16,000 for West Stanly High School athletics; organized prom, homecoming, and spirit week; and organized a 5K for the Pregnancy Resource Center. Regan is the daughter of Charles and Carolyn Johnson of Stanfield.

Surry

*Mary Beth Browne will graduate this spring from Salem Academy in Winston-Salem, where she founded the school’s Model U.N. Club and is a member of the school’s honor cabinet. Mary Beth also loves to perform and has served as an officer of the Drama Club, earned roles in several stage productions, and is a member of the Drama Llamas—a group that performs for kids. Mary Beth, who is interested in chemistry and mathematics, is the daughter of Charles and LuAnn Browne of Mt. Airy.

Tyrrell

John Stanton will graduate this spring from Columbia High School in Columbia, where he has served as president of the National Beta Club and of Future Farmers of America. John is also lead trumpet in the Wildcat Marching Band, a member of the cross country team, and has earned open water and advanced SCUBA certification. John enjoys learning about biology and chemistry and may pursue a career as a marine research biologist or chemist. John is the son of Wendy and John Stanton III.

Wake

Meghana Ganapathiraju will graduate this spring from Green Hope High School in Cary, where she started and coaches a Math Olympiad team, volunteers with several clubs and organizations, and has helped raise money for several social causes. Meghana also loves the fine arts and performs Indian classical dance. She hopes to study the biological and computational sciences and is considering a career in medicine. Meghana is the daughter of Saraswati Kumar and Kowsayla Devi Ganapathiraju.

Pooja Joshi will graduate this spring from Raleigh Charter School in Raleigh, where she is captain of the Science Olympiad team, serves on the Honor Council, and is working on research projects at both Duke University and East Carolina University. Pooja also enjoys dance and performs regionally with a traveling Indian dance team. She enjoys studying biology, political science, and government. Pooja is the daughter of Dhanesh and Shivangi Joshi of Cary.

Watauga

Catherine Mackenzie Nelsen (Mackenzie) will graduate this spring from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, where she is president of the National Honor Society and captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Mackenzie is also a standout musician; twice she has been selected to the North Carolina All-State Orchestra. Interested in environmental science and biochemistry, Mackenzie is considering careers in academia or environmental engineering. She is the daughter of Patricia and William Nelsen III.

Wilson

James Willis Benson (Will) will graduate this spring from Ralph L. Fike High School in Wilson, where he is vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and a senior leader of the YMCA Young Leaders Program. Will is also captain of the boys’ varsity soccer, tennis, and swimming teams and helped organize a 5K to benefit the deaf community. Will is the son of Scott and Paula Benson.

Yancey

Lauren Zitney will graduate this spring from Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, where she is a dancer and singer, and works in all facets of theater production, including acting, costume design, and choreography. Lauren is also deeply involved with student government and has served as student body president during her senior year. Lauren enjoys learning about biology, history, and philosophy and is considering careers in medicine or academia. She is the daughter of James and Victoria Zitney.

OUT-OF-STATE

California

Ezra Rawitsch will graduate this spring from Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California, where he is the founding editor-in-chief of the school’s magazine for the arts, Volume Magazine. Ezra is also the director of technology for the school newspaper and has helped develop a youth-oriented TEDx conference at Caltech. In the classroom, Ezra likes learning about physics and astronomy and is considering a career as an entrepreneur or researcher. Ezra is the son of James Rawitsch and Corey Madden.

Florida

Jakob Hamilton will graduate this spring from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton, Florida, where he is the school’s student organist and music director, and a member of the boys’ varsity cross country and track teams. A talented pianist, Jakob has competed in the Anna Maria Concert Choir and Orchestra Young Artists Concerto Competition. He also teaches students at the Florida Enrichment Academy. Jakob, who is considering a career in music or medicine, is the son of Stephen Hamilton and Nicole Scholer.

Nicholas McKenzie (Nick) will graduate this spring from Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Florida, where he is student body president, leading weekly assemblies for more than 5,000 students. In addition to being co-captain of the Spanish Competition Team, Nick is the captain of the varsity swim team and Trinity Aquatics. Nick enjoys studying chemistry and Spanish and may pursue a career in medicine. He is the son of Lance and Sandra McKenzie of Orlando, Florida.

Rachel Joyner will graduate this spring from Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida, where she is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and captain of the girls’ cross country team. Rachel also loves science, and for the past two years has helped conduct research at the world-renowned National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Rachel enjoys learning about biology, chemistry, math, literature, and writing. She is the daughter of Daryll and Elizabeth Joyner.

Georgia

Nicholas Byrne will graduate this spring from Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, where he is captain of the Mock Trial team, the broadcast managing editor for the student news outlet ODYSSEY, and president of the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Nicholas is also president of the school’s yoga club and plays varsity tennis. Nicholas is interested in studying journalism and macroeconomics and is considering a career in business management. He is the son of Robert and Katherine Byrne.

*Rachel Gideon will graduate this spring from the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where she serves on the Honor Council and is president of the Spanish Club. Rachel also founded a business called Band Together, selling hair ties and headbands and sending profits to the refugee resettlement organization NICE. Interested in economics and finance, Rachel is considering a career in investment banking or law. She is the daughter of Cecile and Clarence Gideon III of Nashville, Tennessee.

Carter Guensler will graduate this spring from Henry W. Grady High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is assistant managing editor of the school newspaper and captain of the cross country team. Carter also loves theatre; he is a 20-star International Honor Thespian, the highest achievement in high school theatre arts. Carter is interested in the sciences, communication, and the fine arts, and is thinking about a career in journalism, communications, or theatre and film. He is the son of Randall Guensler and Kelly Fortin.

Kansas

Kent McDonald will graduate this spring from Blue Valley West High School in Stilwell, Kansas, where he is president of the National Honor Society and an executive advisory mentor, developing a curriculum to help freshmen transition to high school. Kent is also a team leader with Relay for Life, planning and executing events, and is considering careers in business or politics. He is the son of Mark and Judy McDonald in Overland Park, Kansas.

Louisiana

John Drouilhet IV (Drew) will graduate this spring from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he is an officer for the concert band, co-leader of the SADD Club, and captain of the varsity football team. Drew is also an active volunteer, helping third graders with their homework and packaging food at an area food bank. Interested in biology and genetics, Drew may pursue a career as a surgeon or researcher. Drew is the son of Liana and the late John Drouilhet III.

Maryland

Erik Johnson will graduate this spring from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland, where he co-founded ThinkBig—an organization that introduces classmates to new technologies, potential career paths, and aspects of life that aren’t covered in the classroom. Erik is also the captain of his Mock Trial team and has interned at the Naval Research Lab. Erik enjoys studying physics, engineering, and economics. He is the son of Mark Johnson and Donna Tasso-Johnson.

Anna Kiyonaga (Annie) will graduate this spring from Stone Ridge School in Bethesda, Maryland, where she is a United Nations Girl Up teen advisor, raising money and awareness for girls in developing countries, and a group leader with Amnesty International. Annie is also a member of the varsity swim and track teams. Interested in English literature and political science, Annie is considering a career in journalism or law. She is the daughter of Paul Kiyonaga and Debra Soltis of Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Massachusetts

*Malik Jabati will graduate this spring from Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts, where he co-founded and leads the Groton Mentorship Program and serves as a student leader on the Groton School Faculty and Student Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Malik is also a jazz musician and has recorded several CDs, plays in a classical saxophone quartet, and has toured Cuba with his band. Malik, who is interested in biomedical engineering and political science, is the son Keith Jabati and Myra Compton-Jabati of Alexandria, Virginia.

Ohio

Allison Carter will graduate this spring from Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she serves as student council vice president, runs cross country, and coaches a team for Girls on the Run—an after-school program for young girls designed to teach them life skills and build their confidence. Allison is also a member of TAP MD, a program that allows select high school students to shadow doctors at hospitals, clinics, and research centers. Allison is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Carter of Loveland, Ohio.

Megan Rogge will graduate this spring from Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is president of the Biology Club and an award-winning member of Model U.N. Megan is captain of the cross country team, runs winter and spring track, and is an avid rock climber. Megan is interested in engineering, biology, and chemistry and is considering a career in engineering or law. Megan is the daughter of Michael and Beth Rogge of Loveland, Ohio.

Pennsylvania

Oliver Mitchell-Boyask will graduate this spring from Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he serves on the Judiciary Review Board, is captain of the varsity baseball team, and is co-leader of the Sexuality and Gender Association. Oliver also writes regular columns for the school’s literary magazine and student newspaper, and enjoys studying economics and public policy. He is the son of Robin and Amanda Mitchell-Boyask.

Tennessee

*Rachel Gideon will graduate this spring from the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where she serves on the Honor Council and is president of the Spanish Club. Rachel also founded a business called Band Together, selling hair ties and headbands and sending profits to the refugee resettlement organization NICE. Interested in economics and finance, Rachel is considering a career in investment banking or law. She is the daughter of Cecile and Clarence Gideon III of Nashville, Tennessee.

Kate Goldenring will graduate this spring from Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, Tennessee, where she serves on student council and is a member of the honor council. She also leads the Sierra Club Nashville Toxins Project, researching toxins emitted in Nashville, compiling the symptoms they cause, and presenting the findings. Kate, who enjoys learning about environmental sciences and biomedical engineering, is the daughter of James Goldenring and Colleen Brophy.

Adam Hasan will graduate this spring from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is class president, the student representative on the Knox County School Board, and the founder of his school’s chapter of Model U.N. Adam is also a competitive rock climber and founded the first high school curling team in the southeast. He is interested in studying public policy and economics and is considering a future in law or business. Adam is the son of Husein and Sherri Hasan.

Gabriella Stein (Gabi) will graduate this spring from Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she is class treasurer, a member of the Wilson Society (a community service organization), and co-editor-in-chief of the upper school newspaper. Gabi also helped develop the lower school newspaper, working closely with and teaching younger students. Interested in studying bioinformatics and scientific journalism, Gabi is considering careers in medical research or education reform. She is the daughter of Sidney and Kim Stein of Cordova, Tennessee.

Virginia

*Malik Jabati will graduate this spring from Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts, where he co-founded and leads the Groton Mentorship Program and serves as a student leader on the Groton School Faculty and Student Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Malik is also a jazz musician and has recorded several CDs, plays in a classical saxophone quartet, and has toured Cuba with his band. Malik, who is interested in biomedical engineering and political science, is the son Keith Jabati and Myra Compton-Jabati of Alexandria, Virginia.

INTERNATIONAL

Canada

Carolyne Barker will graduate this spring from Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, Ontario, where she is student council vice president and president of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Club, organizing meetings and helping provide volunteer opportunities. She is also captain of the varsity field hockey team, captain of the varsity ski team, and manager of the varsity track team. Carolyne is interested in studying political science and global development. She is the daughter of Paul Barker and Breda Clifford-Barker.

China

*Yunfei Ma (Conrad) will graduate this spring from Christ School in Arden, North Carolina, where he is founder and president of Love & Elite Education, an organization that has helped more than 7,000 Chinese students develop their social and learning skills. Conrad also founded the Hip-Hop Outreach Club at Christ School and is a world-class beat boxer, winning the 2015 U.S. Beat Box Battle and performing in competitions worldwide. Conrad is interested in computer science, business, and entrepreneurship. He is the son of Hongliang Ma and Junhong Fan of Yantai, Shandong, China.

South Africa

Thokozile Zimba (Thoko) will graduate this spring from the African Leadership Academy in Northcliff, South Africa, where she is a peer counselor, represents the school during events and tours as a student ambassador, and manages the student-run radio station Radio Skika. Thoko is also the captain of the volleyball squad. Interested in writing, speech, and the visual and performing arts, Thoko is considering careers in entrepreneurship and human rights law. She is the daughter of Shadreck and Miriam Zimba of Honeydew, Guateng, South Africa.

United Kingdom

Chris Combemale will graduate this spring from the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School in Elstree, Hertfordshire, England, where he founded and runs a public speaking club, serves as a house captain, and is one of six school council directors. Chris is also a passionate performer and musician who has won awards for his acting. He enjoys learning about English literature and theatre studies. Chris is the son of Christopher and Magdalene Combemale of St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

Constance Longmate (Connie) will graduate this spring from the Mary Erskine School in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she is Head Girl and captain of both the field hockey and indoor hockey teams. Connie is also a member of the Combined Cadet Force and has earned the rank of Senior Royal Air Force Cadet. She is interested in studying public health and medicine. Connie is the daughter of Andrew Longmate and Catherine Labinjoh.

Phillippa Owens will graduate this spring from Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire, England, where she leads a Catholic youth group and has achieved the nationally recognized bronze and gold Youth Achievement Awards. She also serves as captain of Runshaw College’s netball team and founded a running club. Interested in the biological sciences and business management, Phillippa is considering a career in entrepreneurship or scientific research. She is the daughter of Adrian and Jocelyn Owens of Wigan, England

Anamay Viswanathan will graduate this spring from Dulwich College in London, where he is a mentor; a member of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Society; and the founder of the Cooking Society at Dulwich College. He also served as managing director of the school’s Young Enterprise team that won awards for its development of eco-friendly products. Anamay is interested in studying political philosophy and economics and may pursue a career in journalism or in non-governmental organizations. Anamay is the son of Sanjay and Anamika Viswanathan.