Arruza, a graduate of Grace Christian School, said she is passionate about art and science.

“I have found that Appalachian's program would allow me to pursue them both. Whether I double major in studio art and biology or major and minor in these two subjects, I don’t want to give either of them up. Appalachian provides the opportunity for me to continue to develop my creative and curious personality,” she said.

Her scholastic involvement includes attending the North Carolina Governor’s School for Art, serving as president of her school’s art club and membership in the National Honor Society. She volunteers as a crew leader with the Awana program at her local church and plays piano and flute/piccolo.

Columbia graduated from Riverside High School and plans to major in biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology.

“I chose to attend Appalachian State University for its incredibly welcoming environment, the many opportunities available there and the knowledge that I’ll be challenged to discover more about myself,” she said.

A violinist in high school, she was a recipient of the National School Orchestra Award and president of Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also was a member of the Riverside Newcomer Mentoring Program, which supports refugee students.

Dickerson plans to major in geology and said he chose Appalachian because of the degree program’s curriculum. “I felt like I could be treated as a graduate student as an undergraduate, with opportunities for research and ready access to technology, such as the amazing new scanning electron microscope,” he said.

He said he’s been impressed by the friendliness and professionalism at Appalachian. “I immediately felt that I would be at home (at Appalachian),” he said.

A graduate of Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School, Dickerson completed an exchange year in Germany and enjoys woodturning, metalworking and flintknapping, which is the making of chipped stone tools.

Dunkin graduated from Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, where he was varsity soccer team captain, Student Government senior representative and member of five honors societies: Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and French National Honor Society.

About Appalachian, he said, “The environment is beautiful and the teachers and students create a family-like feel.”

He is exploring options for his academic major.

A graduate of Myers Park High School, Duong said she chose Appalachian because of its inclusive and welcoming community. “Appalachian will not only expand my knowledge, but also help me grow as a person,” she said.

She was treasurer of her school’s National Honor Society chapter, served on Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Youth Council and was a leader within her church’s chapter of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement.

She plans to major in biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology.

A graduate of Green Hope High School, Froese chose Appalachian because of its focus on sustainability and community.

“The Women’s and LGBT centers at Appalachian, as well as App State’s initiative to use locally sourced food in the cafeteria and the close relationships I witnessed between students and teachers when visiting the campus, showed me that App State was a place where I would belong,” Froese said.

Froese volunteers regularly at Brookdale MacArthur Park, a local residential living facility. At Green Hope, she worked in the school library and was president of the Spanish Honor Society. She plans to major in English with a concentration in creative writing.

A graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Keaveney plans to major in physics with a concentration in applied physics.

He said he chose Appalachian for its welcoming, collaborative and engaged intellectual community. “I’m thrilled to become a part of such a flourishing environment,” he said.

During his senior year, he conducted experimental nuclear and particle astrophysics research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, served as a Residential Life Assistant and published research on inequality in gifted education in the humanities journal The Fifth World. He is also an active member of the North Carolina model rocketry community.

Rhodes plans to major in management and said she chose Appalachian because of its welcoming environment of engaged faculty, staff and students.

“There are countless opportunities available at Appalachian, and the university promises that you will never be alone on the path you choose to take. Many schools say this, but Appalachian means this, as seen in its friendly students, enthusiastic professors and encouraging and determined staff,” she said.

At R.J. Reynolds High School, she was captain of the varsity cross-country team, sang in the a capella group, participated in Girls Council service club and was published in the school’s literary magazine.

Upchurch was attracted to Appalachian’s location in North Carolina and plans to major in elementary education.

“Appalachian's beautiful location was its first appeal. Then, as I learned more about the students and professors, I fell in love with the campus environment. The Chancellor’s Scholarship made it possible for me to come and was the ultimate reason why I chose Appalachian,” she said.

At Denton High School, she was a four-year varsity soccer player and was captain her junior and senior years. She was also president of the Spanish Honor Society and currently works with second and eighth graders at her church.

Vowels graduated from the Gatton Academy of Math and Science in Kentucky and conducted research with Western Kentucky University’s biology department. She served as captain of her school’s Envirothon team and service chair of the school’s Student Y chapter. She enjoys rock climbing, reading and learning about nature.

“I chose Appalachian because I really admired their commitment to sustainability — something I am really passionate about,” Vowels said. “Meeting the faculty in the geology department and the Honors College demonstrated Appalachian’s dedication to my success as a student.”