Class of 2028

AdzichRyland Adzich was born and raised in Cupertino, California and graduated from The King's Academy. In high school, Ryland was part of the Principal's Honor Roll List, served as president of her school's National Honor Society chapter, served as an ALA California Girls State senator, and received several academic awards including her school's AP history, English, and mathematics honors. With a passion for education and literacy, Ryland founded The Creative Destination, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating literacy spaces in underserved communities. Her organization has created a literacy multipurpose room and a digital literacy technology lab in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. Ryland has conducted research on her literacy spaces under the guidance of a New York University professor and has also worked with the Stanford University Brain Development and Education Lab administering and analyzing student data on foundational reading skills tests. Ryland was recently awarded a national fellowship for the development of her literacy spaces in laundromats and plans to continue creating these spaces in the South Dallas area. Ryland also served as the president of Bookworm Global, an organization dedicated to donating books to children in underserved communities. She managed over 1,000 volunteers, donated over 50,000 books, and developed the organization's training materials. As an advocate on issues concerning education and California residents’ health, Ryland has testified on behalf of a California senate bill, served as a member of the Santa Clara County Youth Fentanyl Committee, and interned at the California state treasurer's executive office. Ryland plans to pursue majors in public policy and data science at SMU, with the ultimate goal of pursuing law school. She has a passion for constitutional law and credits this interest to the Supreme Court justices she has read about (and some she will hopefully one day meet). Just like Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, she too carries a copy of the U.S. Constitution in her pocket and will be bringing her copy to SMU. She chose SMU for its community based on shaping world changers, professors dedicated to students and their fascinating research projects, and the Mustang way. Ryland's favorite movies are The Shawshank Redemption and National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Her favorite books include Tuesdays with Morrie, Eugene Onegin, and The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System.
 BarringerAshlyne Barringer is from Denver, Colorado, where she graduated from East High School. She intends to study political science and pre-law with interests in economics, ethics, and philosophy. She chose Southern Methodist University for its beautiful location in Dallas, along with its diverse academic and professional development opportunities. In high school, Ashlyn was the opinion editor for her school’s newspaper, a tour guide for the Center of Colorado Women’s History, and the captain of her girls’ high school soccer team. In addition, she was a member of East High School Constitutional Law, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), National Honor Society, and her club soccer team, Colorado Rapids. In her free time, she likes designing and sewing, reading, going to the gym, hiking, biking, and being with friends and family. Some of her favorite books are The Book Thief and The Da Vinci Code. 
ChrysantKaterina Chrysant is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and graduated from Heritage Hall High School. She intends to pursue majors in biological sciences and fashion media. Katerina chose the Hilltop because she has a few family members who also attended SMU and attributed their successes to the ample opportunity and intellectual challenge that SMU has to offer. Katerina was captain of the varsity volleyball team and competed on the track team for three years, capturing two school records. She was also captain of the varsity soccer team and led them to the first state championship in school history as a sophomore. Katerina also led the team to a second title in her junior year. Outside of school, she competed in club soccer for Oklahoma Energy. Academic recognitions include Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Service Learning, Rho Kappa, Independent Studies Program, Student Council, and president of the Spanish Honor Society. Katerina enjoyed serving her community through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries program. Katerina also served as the co-founder and president of CASA of Oklahoma County’s Teen Board. Other honors include Cum Laude Society, Smith College Book Award recipient, President’s Award, Headmaster’s Award, Outstanding Athlete Award, and Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. Katerina loves to listen to Cage the Elephant and Zach Bryan. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog Leo, and spending time with friends.
CornmesserClaire Cornmeser is from Edmond, Oklahoma. She plans to major in psychology and pursue the pre-health program. Claire chose SMU because it checks every box: the opportunities, the reputation, the alumni, the medical field preparation, and the community. In high school year, Claire was involved in many organizations that have helped her develop into the leader she is today. She was on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame as an alumni chair, an active member of Cleats for Kids, Citizens Caring for Children, Visionary for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Project 66, an ambassador for her school system, yearbook editor, soccer player and AP Scholar. Claire’s interests include traveling, reading favorites such as Educated by Tara Westover and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and enjoying the concerts of her favorite bands from Zach Bryan to The Weeknd.
DankoAlexander Danko comes to SMU from Frisco, Texas where he graduated from Reedy High School. Academically, he was an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Finalist, as well as a member of National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. Outside of academics, Alexander has played the cello for seven years, including being a member of his orchestra’s leadership council. He was also very active in Boy Scouts, including achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, leading his scout troop, and staffing many local scouting camps for all ages. In sports, Alexander has been an avid golfer since childhood, competing at the local, state and national levels. He also played varsity high school golf for four years and led the team to its first regional competition as captain his senior year. Alexander was attracted to the SMU community and the real-world connections available and intends to major in economics and data science. His favorite book is The Hobbit, and his current favorite movie is Dune 2.
DickeyCharlie Dickey comes to SMU from Manhattan Beach, California where he graduated with honors from Mira Costa High School. Charlie was an active member of the National Honors Society. After ten years of dedication and hard work playing the viola, Charlie’s journey in orchestra culminated this summer with a tour through eastern Europe ending in Prague. Charlie also received a Presidential Service Award for his efforts with local community organizations and volunteer work throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Charlie is an active athlete, training in boxing and wrestling, enjoys volleyball, working out with friends and looks forward to pursuing psychology and economics at SMU.
FoordDillon Foord comes to SMU from Naples, Florida. Dillon graduated as valedictorian from The Village School of Naples where he was treasurer of the National Honor Society chapter and a member of Mu Alpha Theta. He was also a member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams and was the captain of the varsity soccer team. Dillon is an Eagle Scout, an honor earned through many hours of community service, and he intends to serve the Dallas community in a similar fashion. Dillon intends to major in mathematics, and pursue a minor in business, but is open to other degree opportunities while at SMU. Dillon chose to attend SMU because of the school's prestigious reputation in Texas, accessibility to professors and research opportunities, and most importantly, the school's career center. The most influential experiences Dillon had growing up came from exposure to foreign countries and their citizens, so one of his top priorities is to study abroad to expand his knowledge of the world and himself. His favorite activities are watching and playing soccer with my family and friends, working out at the gym, and listening to new music. Dillon also loves to watch television shows and movies, such as Game of Thrones, The Boys, and the Deadpool franchise. Dillon’s favorite bands are A Beacon School, Kings of Leon, and Grizzly Bear, and a favorite book is The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu.
HameedMehr Hameed was born in Kerala, India and moved to the United States when she was in the third grade. She currently lives in McKinney, Texas and graduated cum laude from Emerson High School. In high school, she was involved with the school newspaper, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and was an AP Scholar with Distinction. She also conducted independent research in health and criminal law through her school’s independent study and mentorship program. Outside of school, Mehr spent time volunteering at her mosque’s law clinic which aims to provide free legal consultation and accessible legal services for the underprivileged. She plans to major in political science to accompany the Pre-Law Scholars program. Mehr chose SMU for the academic culture, emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, study abroad opportunities and the small close-knit community of the school. Interviewing SMU professors during the research process motivated her to attend the university further.  Outside of school she loves watching movies and television shows from around the world, exploring local cafes, traveling, and listening to music. Her favorite books include A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Babel by R.F. Kuang and The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Mehr looks forward to meeting new people this fall, exploring SMU traditions and making the most out of what SMU has to offer. Pony up!
HanscomMakenna Hanscom comes to SMU from San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated summa cum laude from Smithson Valley High School. In high school, she was both president and events chair of HOSA, a state finalist for Medical Mathematics for SkillsUSA, a member of National Honor Society, and a varsity volleyball player. Makenna’s academic accolades include recognition as a College Board Small Town and Rural Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, appointment to the Texas High School Coaches Association Volleyball Academic All-State ELITE Team and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Best and Brightest 1st Team. She intends to study chemistry and pre-health as a part of the University Honors Program. Makenna was drawn to SMU by the opportunities, both academic and extracurricular, as well as the opportunities in Dallas for internship and involvement in the medical field. In her free time, you can find Makenna reading a book, working out, cooking or baking, or listening to music. Her favorite movie is How to Train Your Dragon and her favorite television show is The Mentalist.
HawitCamila Hawit was born and raised in Honduras, in the tropical city of San Pedro Sula. She has been determined to help her country since an early age, hence her plan to pursue a major in political science. Camila also has an interest in other areas such as economics, education and philosophy. Having seen her brother graduate from SMU, she fell in love with the university’s dynamic community of students, the lively campus, and the vast academic opportunities that are offered. In high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the school’s Charity Club and Operation Smile group. Camila also prides herself on work with the Honduran National Pro-Life Committee, having participated in multiple interviews, given speeches to fellow Hondurans, and aided in the organization's mission and vision completion. Even though she never played sports, she spends most of her spare time watching soccer matches! Camila loves listening to music, reading, playing board games with her family and watching movies or television. Some her favorite movies and television shows include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Proposal, and Friends. The Bible is the book Camila can always rely on. Some of her favorite musical artists are Hakuna, Carla Morrison, and Morat. She is eager to begin her journey at SMU. Pony up!
HebertMichael Hebert comes to SMU from Cumberland, Rhode Island where he graduated as salutatorian from Mount Saint Charles Academy. Michael assumed various forms of student leadership and was an AP Scholar. Michael participated in varsity basketball, serving as team captain, as well as varsity track and field. He earned the distinctions of All-League basketball player and Scholar Athlete. At SMU he plans to major in statistical science. Michael chose SMU for its urban location, strong community, and opportunities linked to the honors program. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, going on walks, listening to music, and talking with friends. Michael’s favorite book is The Stranger by Albert Camus, and his favorite movie is Everything Everywhere All at Once.
HughesAlexandra Hughes comes to SMU straight from the heart of Dallas, Texas, where she graduated with high honors from Bishop Lynch High School in the top six percentile of her class. During high school, she was a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, Medical Honor Society, as well as a school ambassador. Ali also served as the student government mentor captain for a group of students of all ages and a peer tutor in the writing center, all while being recognized as an AP Scholar. She played two years of women’s basketball, serving as the lead captain, as well as two years of women’s lacrosse. She participated in four years of AP Spanish, as well as continually volunteering her time to many organizations including Love of the Lake, Dallas Charity, and Saint Patrick RCIA Refugee Outreach. She participated in various clubs at her high school such as Best Buddies, which has a high emphasis on aiming to end the isolation of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities worldwide. While juggling these academic honors and responsibilities, she was also the manager of her local, private pool, and involvement with The Knights of Columbus. She was drawn to SMU because of its proximity to home and its integrated sense of community, while still being able to personalize her education by pursuing various interests. Alexandra is a member of the University Honors Program and is planning to major in psychology and business on the pre-law program. She is looking forward to joining student organizations and clubs as well as getting involved in intramural sports and studying abroad. Outside of academics, Alexandra loves to watch professional sports, travel, attend concerts, swim, and spend time with her family and friends. Her favorite movie is Divergent, and her favorite book is The Fault in Our Stars. She is looking forward to meeting new people, exploring everything the school has to offer, and representing the Dedman Scholars Program. Pony up!
JoshiShreya Joshi is from Fairview, Texas, and graduated from Lovejoy High School, where she played an active role in Girl Scouts, HOSA, South Asian Culture Appreciation Club, National Honor Society, the theater program, and Lovejoy A Capella. She was granted the Graduate Profile Award, is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and served as choir president. Shreya chose SMU because of its beautiful campus, extensive research and learning opportunities, and prime location in Dallas. During her time at SMU, she plans to pursue biology, psychology and mathematics to accompany the pre-health program. In her free time, Shreya enjoys singing, dancing, reading, baking, traveling, and volunteering at her temple. Her favorite movie is Mamma Mia. Shreya is looking forward to joining an a cappella group on campus, the Asian American Pacific Islander Students Association, and studying abroad, along with other clubs. She is excited to experience all that SMU has to offer and to follow in her mother’s footsteps!
KellerSarah Keller comes to SMU from Palos Verdes, California. Sarah graduated Palos Verdes High School as president of her Girl Scout troop, along with holding membership in National Honor Society, Science Honors Society, English Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, Model United Nations, and Science Research. She was also the nominating committee chair of the Future Medical and Science Professionals Club and a seal bearer for California Scholarship Federation, along with being an AP Scholar with Distinction. She also earned her seal of biliteracy in Spanish and is a California State Seal of Civic Engagement bearer. Through Girl Scouts, she was able to earn her Gold Award, which focused on raising awareness for the national blood shortage, leading her to run a blood drive that collected enough units to save over 120 lives. At SMU, she plans to double major in psychology and chemistry with a minor in neuroscience and is looking forward to the unique campus spirit and research opportunities that are provided on the Hilltop. In her free time, you can find Sarah baking, reading, swimming at the beach, or hiking.  
Le BlancCruise Le Blanc graduated from Frisco High School in Frisco, Texas with an International Baccalaureate diploma. During high school, he was a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, and participated in orchestra. He chose to attend SMU because of the small class sizes and the research opportunities. Cruise’s hobbies include reading books, watching shows and movies, and playing video games. His favorite book series is Dune by Frank Herbert and his favorite video game is Horizon: Forbidden West. Cruise’s love of science and science fiction led him to want to pursue a major in physics with a cosmology and astrophysics specialization. Cruise has never left the country, so he is excited about the opportunity to study abroad while at SMU.
Isabella Monserrate is from Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Richardson High School, where she was enrolled in both the Law and Advanced Sciences magnet programs. During high school, she was a member of Academic Decathlon and National Honor Society, secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, and committee member of Carousel of Roses. Isabella has earned several honors, including Academic Decathlon First in District Interview with a perfect score of 1000, College Board Hispanic Recognition Award, Service-Learning Award, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Isabella is excited to experience all that SMU has to offer and to participate in as many campus traditions as possible, especially boulevarding! She plans to major in biochemistry and hopes to pursue a career in medical engineering. Isabella chose SMU for the small class sizes, opportunities to earn multiple majors, and the faculty investment in students. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding at the Dallas Equestrian Center and shopping with friends. Every summer, Isabella is a camp counselor at the Center of Anna Maria, a job she absolutely adores. Her favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird, And Then There Were None, and Nine Stories. Her favorite movies are Knives Out, The Boondock Saints, and It's a Wonderful Life.

Macy Mose was born and raised in Bixby, Oklahoma, graduated as valedictorian from Bixby High School. She served as captain of the varsity cheerleading team and earned the title of UCA All-American Cheerleader all four years of high school. Macy is a National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar, Academic All-State, and College Board Indigenous Recognition recipient. Her leadership experiences include serving as class historian, National Charity League chapter president, and Oklahoma Association of Student Councils workshop delegate for two years. Macy was involved in Bixby High School’s Pre-Med Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and National Honor Society, earning Pillar of Character, Leadership, and Scholastic Excellence awards. Outside of school, she was a member of OU College of Community Medicine’s Club Scrubs, shadows at local clinics, and completed a certified nursing assistant program. Macy has partnered with organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Tulsa Cancer Specialists to complete over 200 service hours. She chose SMU because of its diverse opportunities for involvement, intimate class sizes, and location in the vibrant city of Dallas. On the Hilltop, Macy plans to major in biochemistry on the pre-health program. In her free time, Macy enjoys reading, with her favorite book being Steven King’s 11/22/63. She appreciates King’s intricate plot weaving, which combines distinct perspectives into one cohesive, tear-jerking story. Macy is eager to meet new people and capitalize on opportunities to serve and grow as a Mustang.
MurphyHadley Murphy was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Park Tudor School. She intends to study biology and the pre-health program at SMU. Hadley was drawn to SMU because of its connection to the vibrant city of Dallas, excellent academic opportunities, and because she sees SMU as a place where she can thrive. During high school, she participated on the teen board of a children’s cancer endowment. Hadley found this work incredibly meaningful, and she advocated for the lack of funding that is given to pediatric cancer research and raised close to $270,000. In addition, she played high school lacrosse and soccer, helping each team win state championships. Hadley received academic awards for being a strong student-athlete, and the honor of being selected all-state lacrosse as a junior and a senior. In her little spare time, Hadley loves to play classical pieces on the piano and spend valuable time with my family and friends. Her favorite book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
ReddyBhavna Reddy comes to SMU from Southlake, Texas. She graduated with honors and was a part of the marching band as a flute player. She received awards such as AP Scholar with Distinction and multiple gold Presidential Volunteer Service awards. Bhavna plans to major in biological sciences and psychology to accompany the pre-health program. She chose SMU for its undergraduate research opportunities, tight community, and location. In her free time, Bhavna likes to read, collect, crochet, listen to music, go to concerts, or do anything artsy. Her favorite movie is Spirited Away and her favorite book is Murder on the Orient Express. She can’t wait to meet new people and make connections through the University Honors Program and Dedman College Scholars. Pony up! 
RezkoMariella Rezko was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and graduated with high honors from Sunny Hills High School. She intends to major in biology but is also excited to explore psychology as well and possibly a minor in business. Mariella was encouraged to attend SMU because of its tight-knit community, supportive faculty, diverse education opportunities, and extracurricular activities. At SMU, Mariella will be a part of the University Honors Program and hopes to study abroad. In high school, she was a member of the National Honors Society, co-vice president of the Breast Cancer Awareness Club, and secretary of the International Refugee Committee. Additionally, she enjoyed being a part of both the volleyball and track teams. Outside of school, Mariella was an active member of the National Charity League where she enjoyed giving back to the community through multiple philanthropic opportunities. Mariella’s high school distinctions include AP Scholar with Distinction, PIH ambassador, and Rotary Youth Leadership, , Blue Service, Mission Bell, and Yellow Rosebud Service awards. In her spare time, Mariella enjoys painting, reading, going on hikes, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite book is Little Women and her favorite movie is Set It Up. She is excited to learn more about SMU, the city of Dallas, and meet many new people!
RobertsMaxwell Roberts was born in Grapevine, Texas and graduated from Westlake Academy, where he received his official International Baccalaureate diploma. In addition, Max was also awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, Westlake Academy IB Knowledgeable and Thinker awards, IB service awards, and was inducted in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honors Society, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. A man with many passions, Max plans to double major in biological sciences and film studies, two fields seemingly unrelated but equally inspiring to him. Maxwell chose SMU due to its tight-knit alumni network, the sense of community, and the campus’s location in the heart of Dallas. For fun, Max loves to watch films, create videos on Adobe Premiere, dabble in graphic design, and is an avid video gamer. He also loves music and art and is looking forward to exploring the Dallas music scene.
SchadeAbigail Schade is from Austin, Texas and graduated with honors from Round Rock High School. Abigail chose SMU because of its smaller class sizes, the ability to pursue multiple interests, and its amazing community. She plans to major in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. While in high school, Abigail was a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Charity League, and the American Sign Language Club. She also participated in her high school’s theater program and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. Additionally, she pursued her love of music as a member of the varsity marching band, which placed eight last year at Bands of America Grand National Finals, the band leadership team, the wind ensemble, the full orchestra, the woodwind choir, and the clarinet choir that was selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago. She primarily plays the bass clarinet but is also proficient in both the soprano clarinet and the contra-bass clarinet. At SMU, Abigail will march with the Mustang Marching Band. She also hopes to participate in research, study abroad, and various clubs related to her interests. In her free time, Abigail enjoys reading, writing, drawing, journaling, and listening to music. Her favorite book series is Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman.
StapletonSandhya Stapleton (he/she), grew up in Africa and India and graduated from high school in New Delhi. She plans to pursue majors in English with creative writing and earth sciences with an environmental studies specialization. Sandya would also like to participate in theater. In high school, she participated in seven theater productions, earned two bronze medals in speech and debate, and co-founded the Fighting Failure podcast, which is dedicated to discussing environmental solutions. Sandhya also gave a TedX speech in support of it. She chose SMU because of its opportunities in the humanities and subject combinations. In his spare time, she loves playing complex board games, completing puzzles, and getting creative! When she gets the chance, she likes to participate in thrill-inducing activities, like white-water rafting and rock climbing.
TegeneBetty Tegene comes to SMU from Allen, TX. Throughout her high school career, she participated in extracurriculars that align with the pursuit of medicine. At SMU, Betty plans to major in biological sciences with a minor in neuroscience. She chose SMU because it allows her to still be a part of her community in Dallas while also experiencing a sense of independence and responsibility. Betty chose SMU because it is in the heart of Dallas, allowing her to access great hospitals to gain clinical experience. SMU’s small class sizes and beautiful campus have also solidified her decision. In a way, church has become a second home to Betty. She loves celebrating religious holidays with fellow Christians and weekly Sunday service. Betty also has memorable experiences volunteering at church and with a local hospital. Betty was also chosen to participate in College Board’s Recognition of Black Excellence program. During her free time, Betty loves watching Netflix shows that are wholesome and funny, such as Seinfeld and Reba, but her favorite television show is Gilmore Girls. Betty’s artistic side compliments her love for science as she is very inspired by nature and explores her creativity through photography and interior design projects.
ThoppaySvetlana Thoppay comes to SMU from Frisco, Texas, interested in cellular and molecular biology. She plans to major in biological sciences in parallel with the pre-health program while taking advantage of SMU's small class sizes and research opportunities. Her accomplishments include graduating magna cum laude, conducting research and receiving the AP Capstone diploma, and earning the AP Scholar with Honor award. Svetlana was involved in school clubs such as HOSA and NHS, acquiring over 100 hours of service volunteering in various positions ranging from healthcare clinics to community clean-ups. In addition, she was president of her school's chapter of Mu Alpha Theta. She is an alumnus of her district's Independent Study and Mentorship program, where she researched a highly aggressive cancer, glioblastoma, under the mentorship of a neurooncologist at Stanford University. She presented her research on a website, Navigating Glioblastoma, which explained the disease to patients, giving information on treatments and possible resources. Svetlana enjoys listening to music, singing, and dancing in her free time. At SMU, she plans to endeavor on a new path of research and career exploration while connecting with the diverse student body.
WatermanKyra Waterman, a Dallas native, graduated among the top ten students of her class at Rockwall High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader, a member of the varsity choir, and a Girl's State Delegate. Kyra is most fond of her time in the IB diploma program, where she made lifelong friends and discovered the importance of learning and working in community with others. Her love for community goes hand in hand with a passion for service, which she embraced as president of her school's NHS chapter and as the founder of the Environmental Action Club. Kyra was drawn to the Hilltop by SMU's small size and interdisciplinary focus. While at SMU, she plans to major in biology with aspirations of earning a Ph.D and pursuing an academic career. Her interests in both the sciences and humanities might also lead her to add a second major or minor in French or philosophy. Kyra enjoys nature, reading, and exploring new ideas. She particularly loves magical realism, and her favorite book is Jorge Borges's short story collection, A Universal History of Iniquity. During her time on the Hilltop, she is most excited to meet new people and learn from new perspectives.