Busse is a graduate of South Iredell High School, where she was part of the International Baccalaureate program. She plans to major in industrial design with a concentration in product design.

“I decided to attend Appalachian State University because I fell in love with campus as soon as I stepped foot on it,” Busse said. “I am most excited about getting involved in different clubs around campus.”

Graham is a graduate of Mountain Island Charter School and plans to major in psychology.

“I look forward to networking with others, making new friends and gaining new experiences that will help further me as a productive member of society,” he said. “As a Diversity Scholar, I plan on bringing ideas, cultures and encounters from all around to help gain insight on just what the future has to offer.”

Guerra is a graduate of Parkland High School, where she was part of the International Baccalaureate program. She plans to major in international and comparative politics.

“What I hope to gain by being part of the Diversity Scholars program is a better understanding of the world,” Guerra said. “This includes learning about other countries, as well as the people who come from them.”

Hooks is a graduate of Sanderson High School who plans to major in music therapy.

“I chose Appalachian because I feel that the school supports what I love most,” she said. “I am looking forward to learning and making music with people who love music as I do, while diving into a field where music and human connections meet to help others.”

Hurwitz is a graduate of Carrboro High School who plans to major in elementary education.

“Along with being a Diversity Scholar, I will also be part of the ACES (Appalachian Community of Education Scholars) residential learning community [for future teachers,]” she said. “I hope to join the club volleyball team, join a sorority and partake in all of the outdoor activities that Boone has to offer.”

Mesquiti is a graduate of Reynolds High School and plans to major in psychology.

“As soon as I toured the campus, I instantly knew that I wanted to be part of the Appalachian Community,” she said. “I am thrilled that I will have the opportunity to meet others who are different from myself and to participate in their interests, because if there was no diversity and inclusion, the world would lose its cultural beauty.”

Meyer is a graduate of Concord High School who is undecided about her major.

“I am most looking forward to bringing my academic life and social life together,” she said, “by experiencing what Appalachian and Boone have to offer.”

Perry is a graduate of South Iredell High School, where she was part of the International Baccalaureate program. She plans to major in cell and molecular biology with a chemistry minor.

“I fell in love with Appalachian very quickly,” Perry said. “I hope by being a Diversity Scholar, I will learn new ways to spread diversity in the Appalachian Community.”

Romero is a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School and plans to major in political science.

“One of my passions is social justice, not only in fighting for the rights of all, but also spreading knowledge about different forms of inequality,” she said. “I look most forward to the opportunities at App – not only academic opportunities, but also the chance to connect with the community.”

Gracyn Travitz is a graduate of Panther Creek High School and is undecided about her major.

“I chose Appalachian because of its commitment to academic excellence, building a diverse student population, personalized teaching and mentoring and incredible research opportunities for undergraduate students,” she said.