Eliza Abston

Emily Adams

Emily Adams is a current Haslam Leadership Scholar from Knoxville, Tennessee. She is majoring in Public Affairs with a concentration in Environmental Policy and a minor in Hispanic Studies. During her time at the University of Tennessee, Emily has competed on the university’s nationally-ranked mock trial team, served on committees for the Student Government Association, and is a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, the university’s pre-law professional fraternity. She is also a Leadership Knoxville Scholar, a program dedicated to making an impact in the greater Knoxville area through community outreach and service. She aims to apply her experiences at the university to a future career in the legal field that combines her passion for service and advocacy. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and hiking.

Joshua Adedokun

Joshua has always had a deep fascination for the various ways people think & feel and strongly believes in the importance of caring for one’s mental health, leading him to study psychology and neuroscience. He is pursuing a career in emerging fields of alternative therapy to empower his future clients and address their past traumas & mental health struggles. With music being another one of his passions, he is a member of the UT Symphonic Band and Smokey’s Clarinet Choir. During his free time, Joshua enjoys journaling, playing the guitar/ukulele & singing, watching films, meditation, weightlifting, and stretching.

Coleman Bain

Coleman Bain is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an active member of Student Alumni Associates (SAA), where he helps organize events that connect past, present, and future members of the UT community. He is also a Leadership Knoxville Scholar and tutors local students through Emerald Youth, reflecting his commitment to leadership and community engagement. His research experience focuses on advanced materials, including prior work on hypersonic carbon composites and current research using molecular dynamics simulations to study high-entropy alloys, with an emphasis on understanding material behavior at the atomic level. Outside the classroom, Coleman enjoys playing tennis and basketball, playing the violin, and snowboarding. Looking ahead, he aims to apply his engineering background in the aerospace industry, contributing to the development of advanced materials and high-performance systems.

Sam Barbour

Sam is majoring in civil engineering and pursuing a career in transportation research. He discovered his interest in transportation research while researching and writing a manuscript called “Spatial and Demographic Disparities Between Rural and Urban Electric Vehicle Adopters in Tennessee,” soon to be published in Elsevier’s Journal of Transport Geography. He presented on this research in the Southeast as well as at Elsevier’s Transportation Research Symposium in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He is recently the recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious merit-based awards for U.S. college students intending to pursue research careers in STEM fields. Sam conducted summer research at the Institute of Software and Integrated Systems at Vanderbilt University, where he furthered his research experience in traffic-based LiDAR systems.

Scotty Brown

Emma Collard

Emma Collard is a junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Geography with a concentration in Climate and Climate Change and minoring in Meteorology. Passionate about weather from the age of 7, she hopes to pursue a fulfilling career as an operational meteorologist. During her freshman year, Emma started the weather segment for UT’s student-run news station, VolNews, where she currently serves as the Chief Weather Specialist. She is also an active member of the Student Alumni Associates. Off campus, she works as an emergency management meteorology intern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In addition to her academic and professional commitments, she works as a percussion instructor for two high school marching bands. In her free time, you can find her playing piano, attending one of UT’s campus ministries, or taking a trip to Foothills Parkway with her friends.

Kate Faulkner

Ava Foley

Ava Foley, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, is a Junior Haslam Leadership Scholar studying Political Science and Public Affairs. Throughout her time at the University of Tennessee, she has become involved in a variety of campus organizations focused on governance, law, and advocacy. Some of the organizations she has been involved in include Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, Student Government Association, Mock Trial, Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity, and the Baker School Student Association. In addition to her on campus involvement, she has also pursued several government internships. She spent the spring semester of her freshman year interning with the City of Knoxville’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development and spent the following year with the department as a part time employee. Additionally, she spent the summer after her freshman year interning for Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia in Washington, D.C. Most recently, she spent the summer after her sophomore year interning for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging. Inspired by her childhood in New York, she is extremely passionate about social justice and equality, and hopes to use her education to become a compassionate leader who betters the lives of many in her community and across the world. Throughout her time at the University of Tennessee, she hopes to continue to engage in student organizations and professional experiences that expand her understanding of how she can make an impact through the political and legal fields.

Ellie Housley

Ellie Housley is majoring in Marketing with a minor in Retail and Merchandising Management. A highlight of her time at UT has been helping to reestablish the university’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, where she serves as Director of Academic Enrichment. She also enjoys giving back to the UT community through her leadership in Student Alumni Associates as Co-Events Chair and as a Haslam Ambassador, where she leads tours of the Haslam College of Business for prospective students and families. In addition to her campus leadership, Ellie works part-time at the UT Creamery, where she supports marketing efforts, customer service, and food service operations. She is passionate about global learning and has studied abroad through the First-Year Experience in Costa Rica, the Haslam Leadership Scholars’ program in Rwanda and Kenya, and a full semester in London as part of the Smith Global Leadership Scholars program, the premier honors program of the Haslam College of Business. Outside of academics, Ellie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cats.

Andrew Reynolds-Bailey

Andrew Reynolds-Bailey is working towards a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering with a concentration in aerospace honors in the Tickle College of Engineering. He is currently pursuing minors in mechanical engineering, Heath Integrated Business and Engineering, and the Haslam Leadership Scholars program. Andrew’s technical background spans engineering disciplines and industries, with experience in TV retail, building technology, firearms manufacturing, and steel recycling. He is a member of the Cook Grand Challenge Honors and NAE Grand Challenge Scholars programs within Tickle. He is also participating in the Leadership Knoxville Scholars program through the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, volunteering with the local nonprofit Yes! Knoxville to advocate for more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly Knoxville neighborhoods. He served as an undergraduate research assistant for the University’s Fluids and Structures (FaST) Laboratory, where he assisted in drop levitation experiments. Currently, he is an undergraduate research assistant in the Water Innovations, Sustainable Energy (WISE) Lab on campus. He also serves on the editorial board for UT’s undergraduate research journal, PURSUIT. As a member of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, Andrew has practiced leadership and collaboration in cross-functional environments, making a difference in local businesses through real-world engineering projects while learning career-applicable skills such as entrepreneurship, design thinking, and lean manufacturing. Andrew enjoys volunteering, focusing on sustainability and housing, with over 200 hours of community service recorded, mostly through Habitat for Humanity Knoxville and the UT Office of Sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the area, trekking East Tennessee’s many mountains and natural waterways. After he graduates, Andrew plans to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering to continue his research in building technology.

Samuel Strong

Samuel Strong of Collierville, TN, is a senior pursuing a political science degree with minors in business administration and American Sign Language (ASL). Samuel has served as a senator in the Student Government Association (SGA), an Ambassador for the Undergraduate Admissions office, the Executive Secretary of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), a representative of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board, and an IFC Recruitment Captain. Additionally, Samuel has become immensely involved in the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Beta Upsilon Chi, where he has served as Assistant External Vice President, Social Media Coordinator, Homecoming Chair, and Recruitment Team Member. Outside of his academic and campus involvements, Samuel enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, practicing his photography, playing recreational sports, and serving at Thrive, a local non-profit Christian ministry.

Ariel Thompson

Ariel Thompson is pursuing a degree in Information Science & Data Science. Through a career in machine learning engineering and data science to help diversify the STEM industry for black and brown technology leaders. She serves as Treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers UTK Chapter, is a Management Leadership for Tomorrow Career Prep Fellow, and represents her college as a Land Ambassador for the College of Communication and Information. Professionally, she has worked as a Merchandising Analyst Intern at AutoZone, where she applied forecasting models and built global systems for employee collaboration, and as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UT Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, where she developed AI-driven frameworks to automate scientific research. Across her experiences, she has focused on bridging data science with practical applications to solve problems and optimize processes.

Jack Umsted

Jack Umsted is pursuing a double major in Supply Chain Management and International Business with a minor in Spanish at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has interned with Fortune 500 companies including Procter & Gamble and International Paper, where he identified multimillion-dollar savings. His global perspective has been shaped through study abroad in Rwanda, Kenya, and across 17 European and African countries. On campus, Jack serves on the executive board of the Tennessee Association of Supply Chain—the Haslam College of Business’s second-largest student organization—and on the Business Honors Council, where he helps create programming for honors students across the college.

Ellie Walker

Ellie is a junior majoring in finance. She is actively involved in her community through her work as a youth soccer coach with Emerald Youth, an organization dedicated to empowering young people in Knoxville through faith, education, and sport. On campus, Ellie is a member of Chi Omega and participates in Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), where she continues to grow in her leadership and service. Professionally, Ellie is exploring the wide range of opportunities within finance. While she is still discerning the exact path she wants to pursue, she is particularly interested in a career that integrates her financial skills with her passion for giving back to the community. Outside of academics and professional interests, Ellie loves staying active, whether that’s working out, playing sports, or coaching. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and being with her friends.

Noah Anderson

Noah Anderson is from Memphis, Tennessee. He is studying Food Science with plans to do a Five-Year MS program. His passion for food science comes from his love of cooking and gardening, and he is excited to keep learning how science and innovation can make food systems more sustainable. Noah is involved in undergraduate research through the Chen Food Engineering Lab. He also studied abroad in Cambodia and Vietnam with the Haslam Leadership Scholars, gaining a global perspective on agriculture, food systems, and leadership. Noah volunteers at UT’s Grow Lab to support food security through sustainable agriculture. On campus, he has served as a peer counselor to mentor high school students, and outside of academics he enjoys reading, music, video games, and spending time in nature.

Mallori France

Nicole Gann

Nicole Gann, of Harriman, Tennessee, is pursuing a degree in Public Health with a certificate in Data Science and Medicine. She is currently involved as the Vice President of External Relations and Strategy and a founding member of the University of Tennessee Healthcare Ambassadors, where she leads tour groups for high school and community college students interested in the medical field and participates in health outreach with UT Medical. She is also serving as an Honors Ambassador with the University Honors Program and is involved with the Student Health Advisory Council, the Appalachian Studies Club, the Public Health Student Association, and Volunteers for Christ. Additionally, Nicole is conducting research with UTK’s CIRCLE Lab to survey community health behaviors across eastern Tennessee. She has also continued her previous research on youth retention and community vibrancy in Appalachia with the Appalachian Justice Research Center. Outside of school, Nicole is an avid volunteer, serving at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, aiding in departmental functions, assisting patients, and shadowing medical procedures, as well as continuing her involvement with her local library and food pantry. She interned with ASAP of Anderson, a youth drug and alcohol prevention agency. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the medical field as an epidemiologist advocating for health care and community advancement in rural communities, particularly in the Appalachian region.

Owen Graves

Callie Hudson

Kohen Kilburn

Anna LeMarbre

Gabriella Maitra

Oliver Nimon

Weston Ragan

Weston Ragan, of Franklin, TN, is majoring in Supply Chain Management and Finance, as well as minoring in Spanish, which will enable him to pursue a career in International Business. To support this goal, Weston has recently interned with a startup company in London and Tractor Supply Company in Tennessee. Through these varied experiences, Weston hopes to identify the common factors of success in international business and apply them moving forward in order to combat the inefficiencies that plague international supply chains. Within the Haslam College of Business, Weston is heavily involved as a Smith Global Leadership Scholar, as well as through the SCM Scholars of Distinction program. On campus, Weston serves his community through roles as the Scholarship Chair and Homecoming Chair of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and is a member of the Student Alumni Associates (SAA) organization.

Ainsley Russell

Cade Simmons

Emi Taylor

Davis Baxter

Davis Baxter of Knoxville, Tennessee, is pursuing a degree in accounting from the Haslam College of Business. He hopes to have a career in the financial industry. His roles at UT include membership in the Student Alumni Associates, First Year Council, and Tennessee Capitol Markets Society. He served two terms as an appointed member of the Town of Farragut Education Relations Committee, and he graduated with the 2024 cohort of Youth Leadership Knoxville. His work as a fifth-generation farmer on his family farm has enhanced his appreciation for agriculture and conservation of the outdoors. As an Eagle Scout, he led a project benefiting St. Mark United Methodist Church, where he is an active volunteer and member in the youth group. Davis aims to develop new skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and make a lasting impact of service on both the University of Tennessee and beyond.

Keaton Cook

Caroline Garrell

Caroline Garrell of Petersburg, TN, is studying natural resources and environmental economics. She was named an AP Scholar with Distinction by the College Board and graduated with honors from her high school — also receiving its Citizenship Award. Garrell was the state’s 4-H leadership project winner, having coordinated a weeklong event for three years with UT’s Panhellenic Council and Knoxville Habitat for Humanity to raise $37,000 for their Women Build program. She has conducted a ceremony honoring service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action, helped an elementary school send 600 Christmas cards to troops serving overseas, and led other service projects as president of the 4-H Honor Club and a member of the 4-H All Star Regional Council. Garrell represents the sixth generation to live on her family’s farm and was a state 4-H winner in veterinary science, beef, citizenship and public speaking. She serves on the board of the American Black Hereford Junior Association and owns and exhibits Hereford, Simmental and Black Hereford cattle on the state and national levels.

Ava Heuston

Ava Heuston of Clarksville, Tennessee, is a public affairs student who plans to pursue law school following graduation. A dedicated Girl Scout for 13 years, she earned the Bronze and Silver Awards before achieving her Gold Award, for which she developed an educational website promoting Korean culture. She attended the Korean School of Nashville and has since served as a volunteer assistant teacher for the past three years. In addition to her commitment to cultural education, Ava is an active member of her campus Tennessee Mock Trial team, where she has developed strong public speaking, legal advocacy, and critical thinking skills. She also gives back at the high school level by mentoring her alma mater’s mock trial competitors, helping them build confidence and refine their courtroom abilities. In her free time, Ava enjoys reading and is a member of the UT club tennis team.

Izzy Hollman

zzy Hollman of Gallatin, TN, majors in public affairs and Economics with a minor in applied artificial intelligence and aspires to become a United States senator. She serves as Policy Chair of the Student Government Association and as a senator in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. At the Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering, she discovered her passion for STEM advocacy, inspiring her to found a Women in STEM club and an online research journal to support and elevate young girls in the field. As leader of her school’s Relay for Life team, she raised awareness and funds for cancer research. Hollman also serves as Leadership Engagement Specialist for Alpha Delta Pi, creating opportunities for new members to engage with student organizations across campus, and is an active member of the pre-law and government fraternity Kappa Alpha Pi. In her free time, she practices jiu-jitsu and volunteers at a senior living facility.

Caleb Hopper

Chrishton King

Chrishton King of Memphis, TN, is studying public affairs in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs with a concentration in economic & community development along with economics in the Haslam College of Business (HCB). He is a dedicated member of the University’s competitive mock trial team as well as a member of the Tennessee Undergraduate Law Review. King works as a Student Assistant at the Institute of American Civics in the Baker School and is also a member of the HCB Business Fellows honors program. He was previously awarded the University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony award for students who show a dedication to academics and solving social issues. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with his friends.

Anushka Mathew

Anushka Mathew of Collierville, TN, is majoring in finance. Her interest in business started at a young age and continued to grow through hands-on experiences in clubs like DECA and the Technology Student Association. Anushka served as the state treasurer of Tennessee TSA and was a district representative on the Shelby County Youth Council. She previously served as vice president of her school’s TSA chapter and was selected for the state membership committee. On campus, Anushka is a member of the Tennessee Capital Markets Society, Student Alumni Associates, Women of Haslam, and the University of Tennessee Investors Group (UTIG). Anushka also serves as a Bloomberg Intern in the Masters Investment Learning Center at the Haslam College of Business. In her free time she enjoys playing pickleball and card games.

Luke Payne

Luke Payne of Atlanta, GA, is double majoring in business management and finance with a minor in interdisciplinary entrepreneurship. On campus, he is heavily involved, serving as the Out-of-State rush captain of the Kappa chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He also plans to serve as the chapter’s house manager in Fall 2026. In high school, Payne served as president of his class for three years and gave back to the greater Atlanta community as co-leader of his school’s Habitat for Humanity Club, helping his peers raise $120,000 to fund and build a home for a family in need. He is the recipient of his high school’s Headmaster’s Award for his graduating class. Luke is involved in the music scene in both Knoxville and Atlanta, playing gigs with friends in the two cities. In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball with his peers.

Tiago Phielipp

Tiago Phielipp, of Knoxville, Tennessee, is pursuing a double major in Public Affairs and Biology with a minor in Economics. He is interested in international diplomacy and the role science and energy policy play in global cooperation. Tiago serves as a Topic Policy Advisor for ALTMUN, where he mentors conference staff and helps develop committee topics for the organization’s annual conference. He also participates in the Student Government Association First Year Council and the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, where he engages in policy discussion and debate. He is a member of the UT Gardening Club. An earlier internship with GE Vernova in Washington, D.C., introduced him to energy policy and the importance of international cooperation, reinforcing his interest in international affairs. As a bilingual Spanish speaker he hopes to learn Portuguese in the future. He enjoys reading a good book and playing pickleball.

Ritisha Pradeep

Ritisha Pradeep, of Brentwood, TN, is studying finance and accounting in the Haslam College of Business. She plans to pursue a career in investment banking and is deeply involved in the university’s finance community. Ritisha is a member of the Tennessee Capital Markets Society, the university’s most selective finance organization and premier investment banking club. She works in the Masters Investment Learning Center as a
Bloomberg Intern, where she assists with Bloomberg Terminal training to more than 200 students each semester. She is also actively involved in the University of Tennessee Investment Group, Women in Finance, and the Financial Management Association. Ritisha has been selected as a Girls Who Invest Scholar, further strengthening her technical foundation and commitment to advancing women in finance. Beyond her professional involvement, she is a member of All Campus Events (ACE), contributing to initiatives that strengthen community engagement and enhance the student experience.

Lexi Roth

Lexi Roth of Knoxville, TN, is majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary concentration and minoring in business administration. She is an active member of the Pre-Veterinary Association, on the Foal Watch Team, and is beginning undergraduate equine research. She was recently hired as one of 20 new Herbert School of Agriculture Ambassadors. She consistently volunteers at local food banks and animal shelters, completing over 300 hours of community service throughout high school. Roth joined Alpha Omicron Pi and is an active member, participating in philanthropy events and supporting other girls. Roth is on the Dean’s List (Summa Cum Laude). In her free time, she enjoys photography and has earned multiple awards for her work.

Walker Smith

Walker Smith of Hendersonville, TN, is studying kinesiology on the pre-medicine track with a minor in business. He is passionate about the intersection of exercise science, health care, and entrepreneurship, and plans to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of one day establishing his own practice. On campus, Walker is an active member of the Alpha Zeta chapter of Beta Upsilon Chi, where he serves on the recruitment and merchandise teams and plays guitar in the fraternity’s brother band. In addition, Walker serves as an intern with the Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Department, where he supports programs that promote accessible physical activity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. His work reflects a commitment to improving community health and expanding opportunities for active lifestyles. A lifelong athlete and certified United States Soccer Federation referee, Walker continues to use sport as a way to engage and mentor others. He also holds national biliteracy certification in Spanish, which he hopes to use to better serve diverse patient populations in his future medical career.

Aubrey Spencer

Aubrey Spencer, of Brentwood, Tennessee, is a kinesiology major with a strong interest in exercise science. She is passionate about movement, healthcare, and community, and aspires to integrate these interests into her future career. Currently training to earn a certification in Lagree education, Aubrey balances her time between the classroom, where she studies foundational principles, and the studio, where she practices Pilates. Beyond the Haslam Scholars Program, Aubrey is an active member of Alpha Delta Pi, where she serves as a New Member Experience Specialist, fostering an inclusive environment and helping new members find their place within the sorority. In high school, she was selected as a Turner Fellow, dedicating over 240 hours to a nonprofit organization where she led a summer camp in a low-income area of Nashville. She also served as a mentor in her school’s Heart 2 Heart program, supporting students in need of special education services. Aubrey continues her commitment to this service as a Greek Life Delegate for Knoxville’s Best Buddies program. In her free time, Aubrey enjoys attending church, baking, and wake surfing at the lake.

Amelia Ainsworth

Amelia Ainsworth of Knoxville, TN, is currently majoring in business management. A dancer since age three, she spent six years with Knoxville-based nonprofit Go Contemporary Dance Works, performing in schools and collaborating with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra to expand the arts throughout Tennessee, and she is also a member of the National Dance Honor Society. Amelia was selected for the All-East Tennessee Choir in 2023 and 2024, All-State Choir in 2024, and the Belmont Summer Vocal Intensive. At school, she formed a student-led worship band where she sings and plays guitar. Serving as spirit co-leader, she strengthened the school community through creative leadership and social media engagement. While serving as a CIT at Camp Marymount, Amelia discovered her love for mentoring young girls, building confidence and responsibility, a passion she hopes to continue in her career. In her free time, she enjoys pilates and playing country music on her guitar.

Sofia Bailey

Aubrynne Bean

Aubrynne Bean of Gallatin, TN, plans to major in public affairs and economics. In high school, Aubrynne earned her associate’s degree in political science, served as president of National Honor Society, and played four years on her school’s soccer team, winning the state championship twice. She also attended the American Legion Auxiliary’s Volunteer Girls State, where she was elected as her party’s gubernatorial candidate. Aubrynne founded a club to promote civic engagement in politics, registering over 100 students to vote in state and national elections. She also worked at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development as a policy research intern focused on attracting and relocating companies to Tennessee, as well as at Launch Tennessee as a capital investment intern managing due diligence processes for prospective and portfolio companies. Passionate about music, Aubrynne has served as a worship leader in five ministries over seven years at her church. After graduating, she aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.

Henry Casey

Henry Casey of Knoxville, Tennessee, plans to major in public affairs and economics with a minor in American civics. He aspires to pursue a JD and work at the intersection of law and policy. This passion stems from his education in the IB Diploma Program and its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Henry served as a junior commissioner for Knox County, a state officer at Model UN and Youth in Government, and a member of the VolunTeen Leadership Council at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. In high school, Henry held leadership roles in the Student Council, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and varsity swim team. Having played piano for 11 years, he recently earned membership into the National Fraternity of Student Musicians. Henry helped found an organization for IB students to extend their experience beyond the classroom, reducing academic burnout and fostering a unique community. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, skiing, playing the piano, and spending time with friends.

Hector Centeno

Hector Centeno of Memphis, TN, is a bilingual native of Venezuela. He plans to major in electrical engineering and start his own business. His passion began early as he worked during a summer to build his first PC, sparking a lasting interest in electrical engineering. He continues that interest today through his research into small-scale windmills and their subsequent power production. In high school, Hector blended engineering with community engagement through leadership and service. He served as the Student Activities Coordinator and Committee Head for Student Council, and Treasurer of Crafts-for-a-Cause and French Club. He also plays on the football team, participates in the Technology Student Association and National Honor Society, and volunteers with his local fire department. Hector has earned AP Scholar with Distinction honors, engineering awards, a Fire Department Challenge Coin, All-Region recognition, and his team’s all-time power clean record. In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with friends.

Shamyu Dintakurthy

Gautham Giri

Gautham Giri of Franklin, Tennessee, plans to major in Supply Chain Management. A Boy Scout for over a decade, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served his troop as Senior Patrol Leader while holding numerous other leadership roles. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and traveled to Belize on an international service trip with his Venture Scout troop, donating books and toys to underprivileged schools. Gautham’s passion for business grew at the Governor’s School for Technological Innovation and Business Leadership, where he helped lead his team to place in the final startup business pitch competition. A three-time Mid-State bassoonist, Gautham played first chair in a top-ten nationally ranked high school band at the Music for All National Festival and has worked with United Sound to help students with disabilities learn to play instruments. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and playing volleyball and pickleball with friends.

Breanna Gonzalez

Breanna Gonzalez, of Smyrna, TN, plans to major in marketing with a focus on international business. She has served as senior class secretary on Student Council, a Senior mentor, and an officer of her school’s DECA chapter and Psi Alpha Psychology Honors Society. Breanna has made a meaningful impact on her school’s DECA chapter by encouraging younger members, helping them prepare for competition, and sharing insights from her own experience competing at both the state and international levels. She was awarded the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by the College Board and will graduate from her high school with Honors and Distinction. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Breanna is passionate about global connection and cultural understanding. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing soccer, and exploring creative outlets, such as scrapbooking, painting, and digital art.

Matthew Greenwood

Matthew Greenwood of Knoxville, TN, plans to major in mechanical engineering. His interest in engineering came from his time as a member of the Tennessee Technology Student Association (TNTSA). As a seven-year member of TNTSA, Matthew acted as his chapter’s president and sat on the membership committee. Later, he was elected as TNTSA’s state vice president and membership committee chair. Positions like this not only enhanced his interest in engineering, but also sparked a passion for leadership and advocacy. This led him to serve as Knox County’s At-Large Seat 11 Junior Commissioner and provide insight on his school board’s Youth Strategy Council. Matthew is dedicated to serving his community by balancing technical leadership and skill. In high school, he was a school ambassador and a member of Mu Alpha Theta. Outside of academics, he fosters civic engagement through his involvment with local government and spends time with his friends and family.

John Hancock

John Hancock of Lebanon, TN, plans to pursue a degree in natural resources and environmental economics. He is a member of 4-H, FFA, Youth in Government, and Maple Hill Church. He has held various leadership positions in these organizations, including TN 4-H State Council Secretary, Middle TN FFA President, and TN YIG Senate Floor Leader. John is the state 4-H Poultry Level I & II Project winner and has owned and operated his agribusiness, Fresh Eats and Treats, donating over 500 dozen eggs to local ministries and food pantries. He also works with various church ministries and the FIRST LEGO League, assisting with the packaging of over 1,500 Thanksgiving meals yearly, the packing of Christmas gifts for children in Honduras, and three construction projects in Sneedville, Tennessee. John enjoys playing the tuba and was selected as Middle Tennessee Honor Band Fourth Chair Gold Tuba. He regularly plays in the Lebanon High School Wind Ensemble and the Wilson County Honor Band. Holding a deep passion for agriculture after working on his family’s fifth-generation farm, Hancock hopes to promote beneficial policies with agriculturalists across the state and the U.S.

Peyton Hicks

Peyton Hicks of Clayton, GA, plans to major in animal science while following a pre-veterinary track. He plans return to rural communities to serve as a large animal veterinarian. Peyton was named an AP Scholar and was recognized as a first-generation college student. Hicks was a state 4-H winner in Veterinary Science and has worked on a cattle operation while also exhibiting both cattle and hogs, gaining hands-on experience in animal health and production. He attended state leadership events, such as the Youth LEAD Summit, and he served as president of his local 4-H and FFA. Peyton serves agriculture as a District 2 Farm Bureau AGvocate, working to educate others about the importance of agriculture. Peyton hopes to utilize his education, leadership experiences, and hands-on experiences to serve the rural communities that shaped him.

Gayathri Nair

Gayathri Nair of Chattanooga, TN, plans to pursue a degree in neuroscience on the pre-medicine track. At her high school, she served as the founding president of her school’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, leading the organization during its inaugural year. She was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Alongside her rigorous coursework, she is also an accomplished violinist of 13 years. Gayathri has performed as a chamber violinist with the Chattanooga Youth Symphony for three years, qualified for All-State, received the Virginia Swick Music Camp Scholarship, and earned superior ratings for three consecutive years from the National Federation of Music Clubs. Beyond academics and the arts, she is deeply committed to service, volunteering as a tutor for students in Ukraine through the ENGin program and founding her own tutoring initiative to support students in her hometown in India.

Olamide Olakunie

Olamide Olakunle of Nashville, TN, plans to major in finance and later pursue a law degree. He has been a Boy Scout for nine years and demonstrated leadership across his school, community, and extracurriculars. Olamide earned the rank of Eagle Scout after leading a large-scale mural project for Stanford Elementary School and served as Senior Patrol Leader for two consecutive years, mentoring younger scouts. Beyond scouting, Olamide received the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, an honor given to one student in each state who best exemplifies leadership and service. At school, he serves as vice president of membership for his DECA chapter and has led his team to multiple top ten finishes at the DECA state conference. He also helped lead his track team to All-State recognition. Olamide continues to gain real-world experience through a paid internship with Cloudera and by organizing the annual youth conference for his church.

Soham Punjani

Soham Punjani, of Chattanooga, TN, intends to pursue the exploratory track in business. Growing up in a family immersed in entrepreneurship, he built his own photography and videography company, Punjani Photos, where he has created award-winning films and media for nonprofits, schools, and local organizations. Beyond business, Soham’s engineering side has been just as central to his life. His passion for robotics led him to compete at the international level, where he ranked sixth at the 2021 VEX IQ World Championship. Outside robotics and business, he serves in leadership roles across his school and community, including the Mayor’s Youth Council, Chattanooga Youth Sustainability Board, Model UN, Science Olympiad, and his Ismaili religious center. In every leadership role he undertakes, Soham makes it his mission to cultivate talent in his community, whether by coaching robotics teams or teaching students at his religious center.

Mikayla Shumpert

Mikayla Shumpert, of Knoxville, TN plans to major in civil engineering. Throughout high school, she has been involved in track and field, student council, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and AeroHawks, her school’s rocketry club. Most of her time is dedicated to AeroHawks, where she leads her NASA Student Launch team in a nine-month high-power rocketry competition. She has also captained teams for the American Rocketry Challenge and the UAS4STEM drone competition, earning a third-place finish. Mikayla believes STEM should be accessible to everyone and volunteers at a local elementary school’s STEM nights, teaching rocketry and reaching over 1,000 students. She also volunteers as a math tutor and serves at a diaper bank through her church, which helps 12,000 people annually. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sisters and crocheting.

Janvi Vashishtha

Janvi Vashishtha of Franklin, TN, plans to major in supply chain management. Her interest in business and healthcare operations has grown through her leadership and academic involvement. Janvi serves as the state treasurer of the Technology Student Association of Tennessee, where she helps lead statewide initiatives promoting STEM education and career readiness. She is the founder of the first national high school chapter of the American Brain Tumor Association, raising awareness and support for brain tumor research while mentoring students across the country. At her high school, she participates in DECA, HOSA, TSA, and is a member of the National Honors Society. Janvi has attended Tennessee’s Governor’s School for Biological and Statistical Sciences. In her free time, Janvi enjoys hiking, thrifting, and spending time with family and friends.