Class of 2015

2015 Traditional Terry Scholars

Ifra Ali, North Garland High School, Garland
AP Scholar Ifra Ali was vice-president for Spanish Honor Society and secretary for National Honor Society. Ali tutored more than 70 hours with Spanish Honor Society, which offers adult ESL classes to members of the community. She volunteered an additional 150 hours at a hospital in Pakistan and at the Watagua library. Ali is a 21^st Century Scholar and a recipient of the Joule award for Spanish. She plans to major in biology.

Chase Bosley, Cypress Falls High School, Houston
Chase Bosley will major in healthcare studies. Bosley was the president of Senior Men and Women and varsity swim team captain. He holds his high school’s 200 medley relay record and was a four-year regional qualifier. He was a member of National Honor Society and varsity choir, receiving a superior rating three consecutive years. Bosley was a summer intern at Memorial Hermann Cardiology at UT Health Science Center, and an emergency room assistant at Texas Children’s Hospital. He has built homes for low-income residents in New Mexico and Belize, and recently returned from a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Bosley was named Outstanding Senior Golden Eagle and prom king.

Natalia Camacho, Justin Wakeland High School, Frisco
Natalia Camacho is an AP Scholar and honor graduate. She was a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She regularly tutored for her high school’s math department and with Frisco Family. Camacho performs as part of Danza Guadalupana of St. Francis. She received the HOBY Certificate of Honor for completing the HOBY Texas Youth Leadership Seminar at UT Arlington, and the Southwest Youth Leadership Recognition Award for her excellence in leadership at their annual conference held at St. Mary’s University. Camacho will major in biomedical engineering.

Kang Choi, Richardson High School, Richardson
Kang Choi will major in biomedical engineering. Choi held multiple leadership positions in Student Council, including historian and president. He was a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Choi also was president of the Asian Student Union and vice president of Skills USA Robotics. He earned a silver medal at the district-wide Skills USA Urban Search and Rescue competition. As a volunteer for World Changers, Choi helped repair homes for disadvantaged residents. He regularly tutors youth through his church.

Benjamin Ditlevson, John L. Chapin High School, El Paso
Benjamin Ditlevson played on his high school’s tennis team and was captain his senior year. He plans to play tennis at UT Dallas. Ditlevson was 1^st team All-District, Academic All-District and most valuable player. He was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Math Club and the English Literary Analysis UIL Team, participating in several literary analysis competitions. He volunteered around 1,000 hours at the local Humane Society, the public library, several El Paso Community College campuses and homeless shelters. He also taught tennis lessons to children and participated in the Audubon Society’s Bird-A-Thons. Ditlevson plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Salaman Gilani, Hebron High School, Carrollton
Salaman Gilani plans to major in biology. His interest in recycling/conservation projects, fundraising and organizing large events led him to join Student Council, and he was a member of DECA, in which he was a state finalist his junior year. He also tutors children through his church and volunteers for SHARE, a non-profit organization that serves homeless individuals. Through this organization, Gilani collected shoes and raised money for children in South America.

Nicholas Glover, Coram Deo Academy, Flower Mound
Nicholas Glover graduated summa cum laude and plans to major in emerging media and communications. An artist and photographer, Glover has owned a studio since 2011 called Nick Glover Photography, where he specializes in senior and family portraits, headshots and weddings. Glover has taught an introductory photography class to middle school students, and photographed historical autographs for a museum fundraising event, “Miracles and Massacres.” He earned first place for photography in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Art Contest and the Congressional Art Award in 2014. Glover has been a volunteer photographer for Vacation Bible School programs at Crossroads Bible Church and Denton Bible Church, and also has volunteered at the Dallas Food Bank and Crosstimbers Nursing Home.

Jayce Graham, Archer City High School, Archer City
Jayce Graham was very active in her high school’s One Act Play. As the stage manager, she taught junior high school students the responsibilities of her position and received the “Best Crew” Award three consecutive years in district contests. As her band’s squad and section leader, Graham went to state with a clarinet ensemble her junior year and received her high school’s Magnificent Musician Award. She was selected to take part in the State UIL in computer science. Graham was in charge of projects and achievements for Family and Community Career Leaders of America, and also volunteered with Teens Make a Difference and Relay for Life. She was a member of Student Council and National Honor Society. Graham will major in biology.

David Gutierrez, Magnolia High School, Magnolia
David Gutierrez will major in accounting. He was senior class president, homecoming king and varsity football captain his senior year, earning All-State Academics. He participated in UIL competitions in accounting and won the Presidential Achievement Award. He is an Eagle Scout and troop volunteer. Gutierrez has accumulated more than 150 hours volunteering with the United Methodist Army summer camps, and was scorekeeper for the Magnolia Youth Football and Baseball Associations. He has participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and performed yard work with Society of Samaritans. To help raise money for college, Gutierrez started “Bailey’s Tacos” in 2013, making tacos every Sunday and selling them to students and staff on Monday mornings.

Ariana Hadden, North Garland High School, Garland
Ariana Hadden was a three-year member of her high school’s yearbook staff, serving as editor-in-chief her junior and senior year. She was a member of the magnet program for math, science and technology. She played viola in the orchestra, and as historian, she photographed key orchestral moments. She was a member of National Honor Society and vice president of Euro Klub, an organization focused on the German culture. She will major in political science.

Talia Henry, Richardson High School, Richardson
Talia Henry will major in art and technology. She graduated from the Richardson ISD Theatre Magnet program and earned accolades as Best Freshman Actress and Outstanding Junior, and received the International Thespian National Honor Society award for devoting more than 1,000 hours to the theater. She also earned third place in state costume design at the Texas Thespian Convention in 2014. She was a member of the National Technical Honor Society and was the media manager for the Richardson High School Gay Straight Alliance. Henry volunteered as a light technician for Amber Does Dallas and constructed sets for A-Kon. She practices and teaches Taekwondo, and has earned her first degree black belt.

Robert Johnson, Del Valle High School, Del Valle
AP Scholar Robert Johnson will major in art and technology. Johnson started a formal tutoring center at his high school and spent about 100 hours tutoring his fellow students. He also volunteered for his high school’s debate team and track club, and he assisted incoming freshmen with their transition to high school. In addition to working 30 hours per week, Johnson built a computer so he could practice animation and 3D modeling. He is teaching himself Japanese in hopes of studying abroad in Japan while at UT Dallas.

Samara Khan, Seven Lakes High School, Katy
Samara Khan was president of HOSA her senior year and a member of the American Red Cross and National Honor Society. Khan traveled to Mumbai, India, and volunteered around 150 hours in Mother Teresa’s Orphanage and the Industrial Home for the Blind, teaching basic computer skills to children and scribing for six students. She is an emergency medical tech trainee with the Fort Bend Fire Department and was a clinical rotation trainee at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Nominated by her high school for her leadership and community service, she is the recent recipient of the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Award. Khan will major in biology.

Sanya Lakhani, Creekview High School, Carrollton
Sanya Lakhani plans to major in emerging media and communications. Lakhani was vice-president of the South Asian Association, and a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Drill Team, twice earning outstanding dancer. As a peer mediator, she helped fellow students resolve conflicts. She has volunteered with The Hope Project, Special Olympics and Feed the Hunger, and has helped prepare adults for their GED. She received the Presidential Service Award in 2012. Lakhani is a photographer and was elected for her high school’s Crimson Honor for Creativity award.

Selena Marroquin, Grady Spruce High School, Dallas
AP Scholar Selena Marroquin plans to major in biology. She received the Presidential Scholar Award and the Golden Senior Award, given to a senior who demonstrates commitment to their high school education. As a student ambassador for Dallas County College Afford-ability, Marroquin presented options for her fellow students to afford college. Marroquin was a senior class officer, serving as treasurer and overseeing a budget of $50,000. She was on her high school newspaper’s staff and competed against other schools through CREW Careers Building Opportunities. Marroquin had a summer internship in the human resources department at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she created PowerPoint presentations and assisted new employees with paperwork.

Tyler Meyers, James Steele Accelerated High School, Roanoke
Tyler Meyers co-led a team from his high school that participated in “Flip This Classroom,” a contest that encourages educators and students to develop creative ideas for an improved classroom environment. His team received the top award of $40,000 for new furniture and equipment through bkm Total Office of Texas. Meyers participated in the student-led organization EXCEL, and was a tutor for an at-risk high school student. He also took part in Keep Roanoke Beautiful, speaking at city council meetings to identify ways his high school could improve the city. He recruited volunteers and participated in the city-wide trash pick-up. Meyers is a website technician for MDPM Consulting, an internet design and marketing firm. He was one of 20 high school students nationwide selected to participate in WordCamp, part of WordPress. Meyers also has volunteered with the Frisco Humane Society, Basenji Rescue and Transport and the Chinese Institute of Engineers. He will major in software engineering.

Kaitlyn Morris, Hughes Spring High School, Hughes Springs
Salutatorian Kaitlyn Morris will major in computer science. She took first place in the Individual Computer Science UIL District competition her junior year. Her team earned first place at the TCEA State Robotics competition, creating a robot to help stroke victims take their own blood pressure. Morris was vice president of National Honor Society and secretary of her senior class. She also participated in FCCLA and Carter blood drives. She competed on her high school’s volleyball, cross country, track and field, and softball teams, starting all four years on the softball team and earning individual awards in track and field. She competed in FFA competitions, livestock shows and wildlife/forestry competitions. She was the Reserve Grand Champion for rabbits at the Cass County Show and demonstrated to children how to properly care and show rabbits. During a long distance horse race at Priefert Ranch, Morris monitored the health of the riders and their horses. She also mentored incoming freshmen in their transition to high school.

Ngoc Thuong “Grace” Nguyen, Denton High School, Denton
AP Scholar Grace Nguyen was president of the French Honor Society and a recipient of the French Honor Society Award. She was a senior officer for National Honor Society and vice president for the Chemistry Club. Nguyen raised funds for Amnesty International to help single mothers, and visited patients at Cook Children’s Cancer Center. Traveling to Vietnam each summer, Nguyen impacted children in local orphanages by delivering food and other supplies; tutoring them in Vietnamese, English and math; setting up a library with funding she helped raise in the U.S.; and creating an art camp contest to raise money for a playground. Nguyen will major in biomedical engineering.

Steve Smith, Ascension Academy, Amarillo
Steve Smith will major in mechanical engineering. Smith was team captain for his swim and cross country teams, and was captain of the Woodwind Ensemble. He earned Academic All-State Cross Country and Swimming recognition. He was treasurer for the Latin Club and a member of National Latin Honor Society and National Honor Society. Smith earned his Eagle Scout in 2012 and has volunteered at multiple Boy Scout camps. He organized and managed a donation drive for Goodwill, and helped sort and package food for the High Plains Food Bank. Smith has worked for the city of Amarillo and the Amarillo Family YMCA.

Lauren Taylor, Vista Ridge High School, Cedar Park
Lauren Taylor participated on her high school’s dance team, Star Steppers, earning awards for Best Showmanship, Most Spirited and Most Dedicated. She also taught at a dance camp for middle school students. Taylor was a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Student Council. She was selected for PALS, a peer assistance and leadership team that traveled to elementary schools to talk about inclusivity. She volunteered for Mudstacle, an obstacle course that raises money for Leander ISD. She also volunteered at the Milburn Park Egg-Stravaganza. Taylor will major in interdisciplinary studies and plans to become a teacher.

Ryan Townsend, Plano East High School, Plano
Ryan Townsend is the recipient of the National AP Scholar with Honor Award and is a World History Academic Achievement Award Scholar. Townsend was a member of National Honor Society and his high school’s psychology, environmental and history clubs. He also participated on his high school’s varsity basketball and volleyball teams, and was team captain for track and field. In district finals, he took first place in the 4×400 relay and second place in the 400-meter dash. Townsend helped to develop the program Embark, which provides mentoring to high school graduates beginning their career search. He regularly takes part in activities at his church, including leadership workshops. He has taught preteens the basic fundamentals of basketball, canoeing and kayaking. Townsend works at Consilium Wealth Advisory, LLC, and will major in finance.

Kevin VanHorn, Denton High School, Denton
Valedictorian and AP Scholar Kevin VanHorn will major in computer science. VanHorn was vice president of National Honor Society and a member of Key Club. He participated in cross country and tennis, and earned the Tennis Scholar Award two consecutive years. He was a middle school instructor in tennis and chess. VanHorn plays the viola and was first chair and soloist in orchestra, earning a top ensemble score two consecutive years. He volunteers at Denton Bible Studies Ministry as a sports world counselor and as part of their worship team. He received the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship.

Marisa Williams, Communication Arts High School, San Antonio
AP Scholar and honor graduate Marisa Williams will major in biology and criminology. Williams was president of Spanish National Honor Society, earning an Outstanding Achievement Award in Spanish Language and Culture, and a silver score qualification on the National Spanish exam. She was a member of National Honor Society and the Student Advisory Team, a group of students who share their personal experiences with teachers, faculty and parents to improve instructional methods within their school. She volunteered with the Journey Church Youth Core in Colorado and “Ride for Multiple Sclerosis,” helping bikers prepare for a race from San Antonio to New Braunfels. She also creates and manages weekly PowerPoint presentations for church services.

2015 Transfer Terry Scholars

Kamali Adewale, Dallas
Kamali Adewale graduated from the Honors Program at Richland College with an associate of science degree. He was a STEM Scholar and was selected to Phi Theta Kappa. Adewale volunteered at the public library and tutored students at Richland College, while working as a server at Beck’s Prime restaurant. He also was captain of his soccer team. Adewale will major in biochemistry.

Stephanie Alvarado, Irving
Stephanie Alvarado plans to major in business administration. She earned an associate of science degree in business at North Lake College, and was recognized for completing educational goals, service and participation in a tutoring program. Alvarado was secretary for Trio Student Support Services. As a member of Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology, Alvarado consulted with experts at Terrell State Hospital and attended the national Southwestern Psychological Convention. She received the Dr. Linda Jean Long Scholarship for her commitment to improving communication skills through the North Lake Speech Club. She has volunteered at nursing homes and for Out of the Darkness walk, and participates in Presense and Baptist Student Ministry.

Kunal Bhatpuria, Carrollton
Kunal Bhatpuria graduated with an associate of science degree from North Lake College. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. As part of his recognition as “Student of the Month,” Bhatpuria had lunch with the mayor of Coppell. He has volunteered as a math tutor and a webmaster for AnnihilatorCustoms.com. He also is lead bartender at Spa Castle. Bhatpuria will major in finance and economics.

Courtland Carson, Frisco
Courtland Carson attended Collin College before transferring to UT Dallas. He was on the Dean’s List and the President’s List multiple semesters. Carson is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was vice president for Psi Beta. As a member of Global Justice Society, Carson raised funds to build a water well in Somalia and to help Oxfam provide assistance to Syrian refugees in Turkey. Through Collin College’s Cultivating Scholars Research Program, he published a paper entitled “Psychological Influences of Religion: A Conceptual Framework into the Effects of Religious Satisfaction on Personality, Age and Income.” Carson is a zone leader for Alphabest Education. He will major in psychology.

Brandon Christy, Irving
Brandon Christy graduated with an associate of science degree in math from El Centro College. He was named Tutor of the Year and Outstanding Student of the Year in math, and was awarded the Mustang Technology Scholarship, which is given to future engineers. Christy presented at the recent Mathematical Association of America’s conference on Differential Equations. He will major in mechanical engineering.

Daniel Clarke, Dallas
Daniel Clarke attended Richland College and Brookhaven College before transferring to UT Dallas. Clarke is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is a STEM Scholar. He also is a volunteer track coach at St. Mark’s School of Texas. Clarke plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Billy Dennis, Mesquite
Billy Dennis graduated with an associate of arts degree from Eastfield College. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was on the Presidential List two years in a row. Dennis was a peer mentor with the Office of Student Retention and Engagement, helping incoming students transition to Eastfield. He was editor-in-chief and news editor for the Et Cetera Newspaper. As a writing tutor, Dennis facilitated student success workshops and wrote a weekly blog. He received a first place award for a non-journalism story and third place for column writing through the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Dennis won the 2015 Eleanor Fordham Jones Endowed Award in Creative Writing, and has written several stories for the Dallas Morning News, one of which gained national attention on the dangers of prescription drug use. Dennis has been a community organizer for Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama. He will major in historical studies.

Stephane Emmanuel, Garland
Stephane Emmanuel attended Richland College and St. John’s University before transferring to UT Dallas. He has volunteered for New York Cares and has been a data entry specialist for Aramex. Emmanuel will major in finance.

Joseph Granado, Dallas
Joseph Granado will major in criminology. He graduated from Mountain View College with an associate degree of science. Granado is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He has volunteered with the Oak Cliff Lions Club and at Maria Moreno Elementary School. He also works part-time as an administrative assistant for a local attorney.

April Harrison, Cedar Creek
April Harrison graduated with an associate of science degree in engineering from Austin Community College. She volunteered with Battleground Texas, educating residents on current elections and candidates. Harrison will major in electrical engineering.

Jaimie Jerman, Frisco
Jaimie Jerman will major in literary studies. Before transferring to UT Dallas, Jerman attended Collin College. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, was on the Dean’s List and received the Collin College Presidential Award in 2014. Jerman has volunteered for Lions Club and is an administrative assistant at Malibu Floors.

Christopher Martin, Plano
Christopher Martin attended Richland College and Eastfield College. He works full-time as a Starbucks barista and will major in accounting.

Jeanne McDonald, McKinney
Jeanne McDonald will major in literary arts. She earned an associate degree of art from Collin College. McDonald is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was an Honor Society member and made the Dean’s List in 2013. McDonald presented at this year’s Collin College Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference. She volunteers for Meals on Wheels and has been a customer advocate for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Joshua Morris, Garland
Joshua Morris will major in accounting. He graduated with an associate of science degree in business from Eastfield College, where he was on the President’s List in 2014. Morris is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He participated in the Eastfield accounting and math clubs, and volunteered over 100 hours at New Beginning Center Women’s Shelter. Morris was elected Worshipful Master for the Gabe P. Allen Masonic Lodge.

Yuddy Palacios, Bedford
Yuddy Palacios will major in biology. She graduated from Tarrant County College with an associate of biology degree. Palacios is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Cornerstone Honors Program, and was the recipient of the Dean’s List Award. She was secretary for the biology club and a member of the Organization of Latina American Students. Palacios volunteers at St. Michael’s church, collecting food and clothing for low-income residents, and also has volunteered at a homeless shelter in Fort Worth. Palacios is a cashier for Central Market.

Bikram Pandey, Irving
Bikram Pandey plans to major in management information technology. He graduated from Dallas County Community College with an associate degree in business. Pandey is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He works full-time as a cashier for Hoodbro Enterprises.

Eduardo Perez-Realegeno, Trophy Club
Eduardo Perez-Realegeno attended the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County Community College (TCCC) before transferring to UT Dallas. At TCCC, Perez-Realegeno worked with the Veteran’s Association, helping veteran students acclimate to college. As a recreational specialist and intern for the City of Roanoke, he organized events such as marathons, Easter egg hunts and Fourth of July festivals. He is the lead sound engineer at Alliance Community Fellowship. Perez-Realegeno will major in finance.

Ryan Pittman, Coppell
Ryan Pittman will major in computer science. He graduated from North Lake College with an associate of science degree. Pittman is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta. He also tutored students in the math department at North Lake College. He works with the entertainment team at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Phillip Slay, McKinney
Phillip Slay graduated from the Honors Program at Collin College with an associate of arts degree in May. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was on the Dean’s List and the President’s List multiple semesters. Slay was active in the Collin College theatre, earning the Cougar Club Award for his dedication and scholarship achievement. As a member of Collin Theatre Cares, he has collected donations for various charities, including Adam’s Animals. He is a member of the McKinney Repertory Theater and has served as a board member for Youth Actors Guild. Slay has been a volunteer and house manager for the McKinney Performing Arts Center. He will major in visual and performing arts.

Stephanie Talbert, Wylie
Stephanie Talbert will major in business administration. She graduated from Collin College with an associate of arts degree in May. While working for Capital One Bank, Talbert volunteered with the bank’s Early Financial Learning program on the middle school students’ team. Talbert previously worked as a recruiter with Frontera Search Partners.

Priscilla Ukhuakhua, Arlington
Priscilla Ukhuakhua graduated with an associate of arts degree from Tarrant County College (TCC) in May. As vice president for Phi Theta Kappa, she helped create awareness for an “Honors in Action” college project. Ukhuakhua was the recruiter and event planner coordinator for Students Leadership Academy. She received numerous awards at TCC, including “Spirit of the Year,” “Outstanding Community Service” and “Five Star Competitive Edge Member of Excellence.” Ukhuakhua volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Mission Arlington, and teaches children and youth at International Charismatic Church. She will major in business administration.

Contact Us

Sheila Kelly

Director

972-883-6309
sheila.kelly@utdallas.edu

Cassie Cure

Assistant Director

972-883-4284
terryscholars@utdallas.edu

Terry Scholars at UT Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W. Campbell Road, PHY 10
Richardson, TX 75080 – 3021