Buck is a graduate of Lawton Chiles High School, where she spent her free time teaching English to a family of Congolese refugees. She plans to major in sustainable development.

“I always knew I didn’t want to go to a university just to receive a degree. I wanted to go to a university where I would be stretched,” Buck said. “The more I learn about Appalachian, the more I learn I have found the perfect place to receive that kind of education.”

Griffin is a graduate of Leesville Road High School, where she was involved in marching and symphonic band. She plans to major in psychology.

“This scholarship, along with the caring community of people and beautiful mountains, helped me decide to choose Appalachian,” Griffin said.

Hughes is a graduate of Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy, where he was valedictorian of his class and president of the student government association. He plans to major in political science.

“The opportunities offered at Appalachian are unparalleled,” Hughes said. “The combination of scenery, scholarship and community are unmatched throughout higher education.”

Martineau is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and also organized food deliveries to the homeless in her community. She plans to major in psychology.

“I am most excited to meet like-minded students and work with the phenomenal faculty,” Martineau said. “This will lead to a greater, more valuable perspective.”

McLaughlin is a graduate of Lake Norman Charter School, where she founded a women’s self-defense program and was president of the Outdoors Club. She plans to major in environmental science.

“Appalachian has a vibrant and lively environment as well as a friendly atmosphere that I was immediately drawn to – compounded with an amazing environmental science program,” McLaughlin said.

Miller is a graduate of Mt. Tabor High School, where she was a student-athlete and the head of an a capella group. She plans to major in psychology.

“I felt at home when I came for my tour,” Miller said, “and they have an amazing staff and student body.”

Nacca is a graduate of Wayne School of Engineering where she enjoyed playing soccer. She plans to major in psychology.

“When I first toured App State, the atmosphere of the campus just made me feel at home,” Nacca said. “It is this feeling of belonging in an unfamiliar place that I most look forward to.”

Pope is a graduate of Pine Forest High School, where she was senior class president and captain of her volleyball team. She plans to major in biology or nursing.

“I’ve been visiting Boone since the age of 3 and have never met an unkind soul,” Pope said. “I absolutely love the town of Boone and can’t wait to make it my home for the next four years.”

Ramirez is a graduate of Weddington High School where she was involved in theatre. She plans to major in biology.

“On my first visit to App State, I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere of the place,” Ramirez said. “I realized then that not only did App State focus on academics but also focused on being a close-knit family/community. I chose to come to Appalachian because I wanted to find a place where everyone would support each other and encourage others.”

Sullivan is a graduate of Forestview High School, where she was a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She plans to major in global studies or political science.

“My dream is to become a foreign policy advisor, or even work in the Senate one day,” she said. “I want to change laws that will aid Third World countries.”

Ward is a graduate of Metrolina Christian Academy, where she found her passion for finding sustainable solutions to global poverty. She plans to major in communication or journalism.

“I chose to attend Appalachian because it shares the passions and values that I have, and a dedication to global awareness and service,” Ward said. “When I came to visit, I fell completely in love with the people, community, location, and I knew it was my home.”