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Visit StoreGE-Reagan 2018 Scholars
Josh Andersen
Ontario, OR
College of Idaho
Josh is proud of his community. According to his principal, he “freely and willingly gives of his time and energy to see to the needs of others.” An active leader and alumnus within the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership organization, he continues to serve as a leadership seminar volunteer. He was captain of the varsity track and field, cross country, and wrestling teams, and a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Josh was secretary of the Associated Student Body, Future Business Leaders of America, and his award-winning SkillsUSA team. He served as president of the National Honor Society and 4-H club. Through ASB, he planned and led a number of fundraising efforts with a local nonprofit partner. Rooted in both his faith and his family’s background in ranching and farming, Josh has traveled to Mongolia to advise on agricultural practices. From Ontario, Oregon, Josh will attend the College of Idaho in the fall.
Lakelynn Anderson
Ada, OK
East Central University
Lakelynn’s principal describes her as “respectful” and a “complete joy to be around,” citing her phenomenal work ethic as the quality that sets her apart. She has served as president and secretary of her class, secretary of Health Occupations Students of America, and state secretary for Business Professionals of America. Lakelynn splits her time between sports and the arts: She is president of speech and drama, president of One Act, a member of the choir, editor of the yearbook club and chief photographer. She was also an award-winning captain of the varsity basketball and slow- and fast-pitch softball teams and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Following the lead of her faith and her family, with whom she is very close, she has volunteered for numerous local causes and participated in domestic missions experiences. One small but notable effort was a transformation of the girls’ bathroom at school to feature uplifting and positive messages to encourage her peers. In her words, “when girls don’t feel like they are enough, our walls are there to say you are enough.” Lakelynn is from Ada, Oklahoma, and will attend East Central University in the fall.
Taylr Bahr
Burlington, KS
Creighton University
According to Taylr’s principal, “achievements do not matter to [him]; expectations do.” What she meant by that is Taylr sets high goals and expects to reach them, but only through hard work and effort. This tenacious student was president of the Technology Student Association, class treasurer, vice president of 4-H, co-captain of the Scholars’ Bowl/math team, co-founder of the Civil Advocacy Group, a member of the National Honor Society, co-captain of the varsity cross country, and a member of the varsity track team. He is passionate about his faith and volunteers for his church, among other organizations. Most notably, Taylr has fallen in love with parliamentary procedure. As a leader for Future Business Leaders of America, Taylr ran for and was appointed national parliamentarian, defeating nearly 1,000 candidates. From Burlington, Kan., he is eager to lead and serve at Creighton University, where he will be a business research fellow this fall.
Elisabeth (Betty) Barnett
Kalamazoo, MI
Vanderbilt University
Betty has been deeply influenced by her trips to Honduras to teach elementary students math and science over the last four years. Moved to contribute to a Honduran girl she met who had just lost her father, but lacking the resources to do so, Betty started a charitable online vintage clothing store. After years of work, she funded the young girl’s private school tuition. Watching her grandfather struggle with Alzheimer’s, Betty was inspired to study and pursue a career in neuroscience. She has served as a research assistant at Western Michigan University and as an assistant to the chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. A pianist and painter, Betty also has been active in speech and debate, Phi Theta Kappa, and her church. From Kalamazoo, Mich., Betty will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall.
Abel Berhan
Seattle, WA
Harvard College
The son of Ethiopian refugees, Abel’s service and advocacy has been influenced by his own background and circumstances. President of the student government, Abel formed a race and equity committee to tackle issues of inequality and injustice. As a student writer with the Seattle Times Education Lab, he penned an article highlighting the importance of collaborating with nonprofit organizations in education reform. Working with YouthSpeaks Seattle and founding Dauntless Poets, Abel helped create a space for youths to use art and spoken word poetry to fight oppression in the community. He was captain of the cross country and track teams, a student advisory board member for the University of Washington Making Connections organization, student captain of Young Executives of Color, and co-founder of the Black Student Union, and has volunteered for numerous organizations, including his church and the University of Washington Women’s Center summer bridge program. From Seattle, Wash., Abel will attend Harvard College in the fall.
Micheal Brown
Houston, TX
Stanford University
Inspired by his mother’s sacrifice and work ethic, Micheal vows to “take advantage of all of the opportunities presented to [him].” As he observed the challenges facing his community and school, he turned his frustrations into action. He founded his school’s first diversity club and put on a Culture Fair that earned him the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. Micheal was awarded the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award, serving organizations such as the Key Club, the World Youth Foundation, and the Mayor’s Youth Council. Micheal held leadership positions for his school’s mock trial, Model United Nations, Young Dems, World Scholars Club, Black Student Union, and French club. He was an officer with Junior Statesmen of America, a national qualifier for speech and debate, and captain of the varsity tennis team. As his counselor observes, Micheal has “a strong voice that he is not afraid to use.” We are glad for that. Micheal is from Houston, Texas and plans to attend Stanford University this fall.
Kylee Campbell
Jet, OK
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Kylee has blossomed in leadership opportunities in her small community of Jet, Oklahoma. She has served as an award-winning club president for 4-H, team captain for livestock judging, an award-winning speaker for Oklahoma Soil Convention, team captain for the Alfalfa Co. Speech and Show teams, show leader for the American Shorthorn Association, and advocate and speaker for Shawnee Milling Company. She has served these interests further in the areas of art, drama, and social media. Among her many volunteer endeavors, Kylee founded Hats of Happiness, which makes crochet and knit hats and donates them to hospitals for new babies and cancer patients. Under her leadership, the organization has donated nearly 600 hats and has expanded to a retail sales model where hats are sold and proceeds fund the nonprofit. Her advisor notes that a mark of a good leader is being able to handle challenges, which Kylee has tackled facing health catastrophes in her family. These experiences prompted her to pursue a career in health care following college at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Chioma Chidume
Round Rock, TX
Johns Hopkins University
In a word, Chioma’s principal describes her as “unstoppable.” A first-generation American with a global mindset, she aspires to address health and societal ills in her native Nigeria and beyond, ultimately through Doctors Without Borders. Last summer, she was a cancer research intern and has earned certifications for clinical medical assistant and FEMA disaster response. Active in track and field and National Spanish Honor Society, has consistently had part-time jobs while managing to be ranked seventh in a class of 643. She is most proud of her role co-founding Resilient Advancement in Diversity, or RAID, which she says has allowed her to “pave a path for societal evolution in [her] community.” In addition, she was active with Meals on Wheels, which has allowed her to serve through meaningful connections and love. Chioma is from Nigeria via Round Rock, Texas, and will head to Johns Hopkins University in the fall.
Andrew Dimmer
Clarkston, MI
Oakland University
Service is at the core of Andrew’s leadership sphere. As an officer with the Optimist Club, Andrew started a soldier care package program at his school, which involved soliciting volunteers and donations that yielded 200 care packages assembled at a large event. Andrew’s desire to teach started as early as middle school, when he created a website to teach Lego-building skills to kids. Later, he served as president of three Career Technical Education clubs – Business Professionals of America, DECA, and National Technical Honor Society – and was a student advisor on the Career Technical Education Advisory Board who has trained more than 100 students on various job skills. He has served as student liaison for the Parent Teacher Student Association, a member of the Class of 2018 Executive Board, and a lead volunteer for the local library. Andrew is from Clarkston, Mich., and will attend Oakland University in the fall.
Taylor Noelle Fields
Aberdeen, MS
University of Mississippi
Taylor has blossomed as a leader and an individual through 4-H. During her time with the organization, Taylor has assumed numerous leadership positions: vice president, president, chair of the planning committee, member of the membership and education committee, team recruitment leader for many projects, as well as roles at the county and state level. Among her most significant experiences with 4-H, Taylor established “Someone Can See Through Your Eyes,” a 4-H service project that educates the community about eye care and health. She is an advocate and speaker for numerous 4-H events and programs, including leading anti-bullying plays in New York City and Washington, D.C. – a cause that is very personal to her. This honor roll student is also a member of the Spanish club and varsity cheerleading squad. From Aberdeen, Miss., Taylor will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall.
Eve Glenn
Tampa, FL
Brown University
Despite attending more than ten schools over the course of eight international moves for her military family, Eve turned to volunteerism to improve each of the communities in which she lived. Her service efforts ranged from tutoring and a STEM recycling project she created to sponsoring supply numerous drives and serving as president of a BoxTops collection program. A competitive cheerleader and Irish dancer, Eve’s passion is research. She has participated in programs through the University of South Florida and Florida State University, and has led many research efforts. She was selected to present her findings at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Germany. She has a global mindset and was lauded for her ability to bring out the best in people with whom she works. Eve is from Tampa, Fla., and will attend Brown University in the fall.
Hannah Heit
New Hampton, IA
Iowa State University
In addition to maintaining exceptional grades, Hannah has served as varsity captain for cross country and track, vice president of 4-H, and a leader in the Girl Scouts. Through her deep involvement in Future Farmers of America, Hannah discovered the intersection of her agricultural roots and her passion for combating hunger. After writing a research paper that she presented at the Iowa Youth Institute and later the Global Youth Institute, she received an internship opportunity with the International Livestock Research Institute in Ethiopia. This experience shaped her future career goals and the way Hannah leads and serves in her own community. She has extended her desire to address food insecurity at home by starting a backpack meals program. From New Hampton, Iowa, Hannah will attend Iowa State University and hopes to continue to explore sustainable agriculture.
Brandon Lai
Plymouth, MN
Vanderbilt University
Brandon thrives in the areas of math and science. Group leader for the award-winning math team and team captain for Future Problem Solvers, Brandon’s chief passion was the Science Olympiad. Competing at the varsity level since freshman year and later team captain, Brandon led his team, organized a tournament for middle school students, and earned first place in state and tri-state competitions. Beyond science, Brandon has competed through Business Professionals of America, was captain of the state champion table tennis team, was a varsity member of the tennis team, and was concertmaster for the chamber orchestra. Brandon also has been a dedicated volunteer at a local hospital and has supported his extended family by working and helping relatives emigrate to and assimilate in the United States. From Plymouth, Minn., Brandon will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall.
Julie Truc Nguyen
Louisville, KY
University of Louisville
Julie has dabbled in a number of activities, including National Art Honor Society, Environmental Club, and journalism. She was a class officer and an award-winning science fair competitor. But Julie feels best when she is helping others, and she is aware of the impact she is capable of right in her own community. At age 14, she began volunteering for the Louisville Zoo as a summer camp counselor, and has since added roles at a healthcare organization, a nursing home, a food drive program, and more. Most notably, Julie was selected to intern at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center and dove into researching cervical cancer. Her exposure to the devastation of cancer resulted in her joining the Children’s Hospital Teen Board, where she led a team and fundraised for important hospital programs. Julie’s volunteer and internship experiences helped direct her career aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. Valedictorian of her class, Julie is from Louisville, Ky., and will attend the University of Louisville in the fall.
Joseph Tyler Overberger
Roy, NM
New Mexico State University
Tyler’s leadership from a young age earned him nicknames such as “The Ambassador” and “Mr. Governor.” He has proudly represented his state in leadership events in Chicago and Washington, D.C., and was president of the student council, president of National Honor Society, school representative for Boys State, and president of Future Farmers of America. He was captain of the football and basketball teams, and has served numerous hours in volunteer roles, including as a caretaker for his grandmother. An entrepreneur, Tyler turned a lawn mowing business into a landscaping enterprise, with more equipment and five part-time employees. After attending college at New Mexico State University, Tyler, who is from Roy, N.M., hopes to practice law and run for elected office.
Christopher Quiroz
Roanoke, VA
Wake Forest University
“Just let me know if there is anything else I can do to help,” became the mantra by which Chris was known at his school and in his community. Significant health issues within his family demanded Chris’ time and effort, but shaped the way he approaches challenges: with perseverance and resilience. Active in the theater and his faith, Chris was a senior member of his school’s performing arts program, a competitor and coach for the National Shakespeare Monologue Competition, a mentor for Theology for Teens, and a youth leader for his church. As Youth Lt. Governor for Model General Assembly, he worked with state officials to encourage young people to become more involved in legislative efforts. Chris was also the student chairman for Project Faith, the largest community service effort in his area, which brings together hundreds of volunteers to contribute extensive repairs throughout the community. From Roanoke, Va., Chris will attend Wake Forest University in the fall.
Brandon Staple
Longmont, CO
University of Colorado, Denver
Discouraged by escalating local problems, Brandon took action. He had two clear objectives: 1) restore his school and community’s sports and academic heritage by positively impacting others on the field and in the classroom, and 2) use technology to improve his area. From this, Brandon founded Community Excellence Through Sports to use athletics as a platform for local unity and pride. As captain of the varsity soccer team himself, he led the team to three consecutive state playoffs, a school record. On the technology side, he founded his second nonprofit, Community Advancement Technology Initiative, which developed an app to use cell phones as weather sensors to improve weather prediction accuracy for the farm economy. In addition, the organization developed a reward-based app that incentivized positive youth-police engagements. Rounding out these efforts, Brandon was president of the First Robotic Club, chapter president for the Society of Black Engineers Junior, president of the Patent and Innovation Club, a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and an Oncology Cancer Research award recipient. From Longmont, Colo., Brandon will attend the University of Colorado, Denver in the fall.
Hamp Thomas
Summerville, GA
University of Georgia
Active in 4-H for many years, Hamp has served as a district officer, represented Georgia 4-H in Washington, D.C., was a state winner in the dog care and training project, was certified as a Georgia 4-H STEM ambassador and instructor, and is now a camp counselor. In addition to numerous service activities, Hamp was employed as lead science instructor for the Boys and Girls Club. In this role, he planned and executed experiments and hands-on activities for his students. He has also worked for a radio station and a local farm. Hamp was Beta club president, SkillsUSA club president, and head anchor and lead journalist for his school’s news team. From Summerville, Ga., Hamp will attend the University of Georgia to study biotechnology and biochemistry, and hopes to one day impact agricultural policy.
Valerie Tse
Bellevue, WA
University of Washington
Valerie is guided by her beliefs, which she turned into action and impact. As a result of her belief in increasing accessibility to music education, she founded Public Schools Music Initiative, which runs a weekly music tutoring program. Passionate about empowering victims of sexual assault, Valerie co-developed an app that equips users with security tools and advocates for improvements in the legal justice system. She founded Game for Your Future, an organization that focuses on accessibility to STEM education through gaming. Through this work, she was selected for a Stanford University initiative that diversifies the computer science community, and has been a nationally recognized speaker. She was a leader for The First Tee, representative for Girls Who Code, treasurer of the Key Club, secretary of speech and debate, and mentor for DECA. Valerie is from Bellevue, Wash., and will attend the University of Washington in the fall.
Elizabeth Zietz
Irvine, CA
Yale University
An award-winning international concert pianist, Elizabeth uses her amazing gift talent to give back. Realizing that musicians, unlike athletes, did not have communities in which they could support one another, she created a statewide network called California Young Musicians. This organization connects award-winning musicians across the state, advocates for music and music education in local communities, runs a monthly program at a children’s museum, and organizes concerts and masterclasses. Beyond music, Elizabeth was vice president of the math Olympiad club and founder of the American Chemical Society club. From Irvine, Calif., Elizabeth will attend Yale University and hopes to spread the universal languages of music and technology in college and beyond.
