Davion Thomas | Spring, TX

Davion Thomas has never let personal challenges hinderchange him. Always dedicated to academic pursuits, he is proud of giving back to the community and setting an  greater example for others to follow.  

He is the business and finance manager for his school’s yearbook, managing the organization’s day-to-day financial operations. He is also treasurer of his class, planning fundraisers to help raise money for both his class and the entire school.  

Accomplished as a creative writer, he earned silver recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for his poetry submission and was awarded as a Spring Independent School District Rising Writer.  He is a member of his school’s Academic Competition team, earning first place in the district University Interscholastic League (UIL) Social Studies competition, while earning other championships on his debate team. Outside of school, he volunteers at local food banks and leads study conferences with his classmates.

Planning to become a professional financial advisor, he seeks to use his knowledge and leadership skills to help others with their financial goals. He is motivated to make the world a better place for everyone.

Daniella Rothberg | Aventura, FL

Daniella Rothberg is a senior from Miami, Florida, whose passion for STEM and service has pushed her to explore the connections between various disciplines. Growing up with Hispanic and Jewish backgrounds, she developed an appreciation for the different perspectives and experiences that interact to shape the process of discovery. 

Daniella is most proud of her work in increasing access to academic opportunities. As a freshman, Daniella began teaching Hebrew and Torah at her local Sunday school. Now, she leads a tutoring program at a Title I elementary school, managing a curriculum that combines creative problem solving and coursework. Beyond elementary education, Daniella is passionate about creating opportunities for students at both the high school and college levels. She began babysitting in the evenings to fund and establish her community’s first Estimation Challenge, bringing together students to develop critical thinking and mathematical reasoning in a competition all about polar minds working together to problem solve.

Daniella can often be found exploring new ideas in an undergraduate lab, finding new subjects of interest through art, or engaging in thoughtful discussion through science fairs and competitions like Model UN, Mock Trail, and of course Monopoly.

Daniella’s aspirations are carved out by the resilience and support of her family. Throughout the challenges her family has faced, she learned the importance of adaptability and creating opportunities for oneself — even in uncertain circumstances. Her mother and sisters encouragement allowed her to pursue her curiosity in cellular biology and neuroscience, centering education in her daily life. 

Constance Zheng | Flushing, NY

Constance is a highly motivated and compassionate senior at the Bronx High School of Science with a strong passion for medicine, healthcare, and advocacy. 

Constance is most proud of her efforts in research. She serves as a volunteer in the cardiology unit at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she explores the permeability of endothelial cells, cells that line the blood vessels. She has also worked at the Stanley Manne Research Institute, where she independently researched the metabolic cardiac-like function in Caenorhabditis elegans. Constance also co-founded the blog InOurRoots, where she researches and writes to spread awareness on an important part of her heritage: traditional Chinese medicine. 

Constance is also proud of her involvement in school. She serves as the vice president of the Red Cross Club, where she works to bring life-saving first aid skills to students in the community. Constance also serves as a member of the digital and writing team in her school’s Journal of Biology, where she has published multiple articles and works to ensure future members have the resources to do the same. 

Constance is inspired by her upbringing, growing up with a great-grandfather and grandfather who were both traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Upon graduation, Constance hopes to pursue a degree in public health. She aims to continue radiating positivity as she raises awareness on health disparities and advocates for change.

Angel Galarza | Dallas, TX

Angel is an outgoing, resilient, and community-driven student from Dallas. Angel learned the importance of perseverance at a young age and has learned that circumstances do not necessarily dictate outcomes. Whether it is in the classroom, in a debate round, or on a theatre stage, Angel’s focus has been, and continues to be, community and education.

Angel’s proudest achievement is his work with the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA). Angel believes that equitable access to debate is imperative as it builds skills needed for an educated society. For the past 3 years, he has volunteered with DUDA as a middle school Judge where He ensures an equitable and fair debate space. In addition, he  teaches at DUDA’s bi-yearly middle school workshops. Last year, Angel became one of DUDA’s first Interns where he boosted the organisation's social media presence and coached an underserved debate team.

Angel is equally as proud of his work with his school’s middle school theatre program. For the past 2 years, he has been recruiting incoming 6th graders to the program by teaching a summer theatre class. He also  directs the middle school competition piece, where they received top division ratings.

Angel aspires to continue giving back to the communities that raised him. He aspires to be a high school theatre teacher and debate coach. These goals are based on the belief that these activities allow students to gain skills like empathy, critical thinking, and public speaking, skills he believes are necessary for citizenship in a complex and ever-changing world.

Angel Chavez | El Paso, TX

Angel is a first-generation Hispanic student who firmly believes that life is to be explored to the fullest, and he does so with perseverance, curiosity, dedication to service and great pride in his family, Hispanic culture and community. Angel lives his life through his favorite quote, "Sic Parvis Magnum", meaning "Greatness from Small Beginnings".  

Hailing from a border town, Angel is most proud of co-founding an activist organization named "For a Purpose" to amplify voices and highlight community issues. For a Purpose successfully hosted an ICE walkout during school to protest the building of an Ice Facility in Angel's hometown, and was part of a greater high school movement which successfully protested for city council to halt construction. Additionally, they frequently canvas and phonebank for Texas Senate candidate Talarico, and plan to host a voter registration drive at school.

Additionally, Angel is the President of his school's Student Council and Vice President of his Class Office. He is  a two-time regional qualifier in cross country and a member of the track and debate teams. He also volunteers at the food bank.

Angel is committed to building community, and he aspires to make a long-lasting impact by creating educational and STEM opportunities for children. When asked about his motivation and aspirations, he loves to refer back to Tony Costello's quote from The Departed: "I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.”