Brown, who intends to major in sustainable development with a concentration in agroecology and sustainable agriculture, was involved in her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and the varsity swimming team. She enjoys playing the ukulele, being active outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

At Appalachian, Brown said she is “looking forward to creating long-lasting relationships between my professors and future colleagues.” Following her studies at Appalachian, Brown said she hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career involving sustainable farming and agriculture. She is the daughter of Kathryn and Randall Brown.

Espitia-Lara, who intends to major in political science, served as the vice president of her school’s chapter of the National Art Honors Society and was involved in the Beta Club, National Honors Society and the AP Capstone Academy. She has conducted her own research on the prevalence of prescription drugs in popular music and its implications and is an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Espitia-Lara is a music and visual arts enthusiast and hopes to learn the guitar while at Appalachian. After graduation, she said she looks forward to “interacting with international policy on a level that positively impacts disenfranchised and displaced people.” Espitia-Lara is the daughter of Martin and Rosa Garcia.

Hill, who intends to major in biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology, was a lauded AP student involved with band, theatre and her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, writing, painting and playing bassoon.

Hill said she is looking forward to attending Appalachian because “the different options I have to explore make me feel like I have ample room to grow as a person and in my intellect.” After graduation from Appalachian, Hill hopes to attend medical school and eventually become a pediatric neurologist. She is the daughter of Andrea Lance.

Ivey, who intends to major in biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology, enjoys being involved with scientific research and loves learning about biology. She is passionate about music and has been studying the violin and the piano for many years. She frequently shares her musical skills with her church and with residents of local senior centers. As an active 4-H member, Ivey has held leadership positions in several 4-H clubs and activities.

After graduation, Ivey said she plans to enroll in medical school or another graduate program and hopes to “use my medical knowledge to provide medical care to underserved communities.” She is the daughter of James and Shereen Ivey.

Keane, who intends to double major in English with a concentration in literary studies and political science, was a co-vice president of the Stoneman Douglas Speech and Debate team and was involved in her school’s Politics Club. She also held the position of recording secretary for her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and was an avid member of both its English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta chapters.

Keane was a dedicated volunteer with the Silver Surfers Intergenerational Program and serves her community by leading service projects such as Relay for Life and Reading Buddies.

Keane hopes to become a public defense attorney as well as “a force of justice for those who have experienced the worst of humanity and an honest voice for those whose stories have yet to be told.” She is the daughter of Marie and Padraig Keane.

Krell, who intends to major in geography with a concentration in geographic information systems, was an Eagle Scout and served as the president of the West Forsyth High School chapter of the North Carolina Technology Student Association. A North Carolina Governor’s School East attendee, he is passionate about the natural sciences and enjoys competing on various teams with the Academic Competition for Excellence.

Regarding his goals after attending Appalachian, Krell said, “I hope to find a career that involves helping others through strengthening our environment. I have always been interested in geography and studying how people interact with others in their communities.” He is the son of Linda-Sue and Roy Krell.

Lowery, who intends to major in biology, was heavily involved with her school’s drama and speech program. She served as secretary for the group and was both thespian officer and poetry captain. Lowery was also a Girl Scout and is passionate about ceramics.

She said she looks forward to studying abroad while at Appalachian and getting involved with community service opportunities and student-led activities. “As I’ve grown older,” she said, “being aware of my surroundings, be that the environment or politics, has become important to me.” Lowery is the daughter of Laura and Steve Lowery.

Murillo-Gomez, who intends to double major in psychology and commercial photography, served as president of her school’s Student Government Association and secretary of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, in addition to being an active member of several other clubs and organizations. She is also a frequent volunteer at her local community college’s radio station and library.

Being passionate about the arts, Murillo-Gomez also plans to minor in theatre at Appalachian. She hopes to become a clinical psychologist and start a photography business.

Clavel, who intends to double major in biology and psychology, was the director of design for her school’s yearbook, a member of the National Honor Society and an intern at Discovery Place Science. Outside of school, she enjoys painting, running, photography and watching documentaries.

Clavel is looking forward to “the Honors College seminars and trips, the beautiful mountains, the classes at Appalachian (especially the biology and psychology ones) and meeting new people like me and ones different from me,” she said. She is the daughter of Zulema Clavel Palma.

Sanchez, who intends to major in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education, is the president of her church’s youth council and spends much of her time organizing and leading youth retreats. She said she enjoys aerial dancing and has a special talent for the trapeze.

After graduation from Appalachian, Sanchez said she plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and begin her career as an educator. “Most of all,” she said, “I want to teach in a way to truly help support my students.” Sanchez is the daughter of Maria A. Rodriguez Galindo.