Class of 2025

Aguer Atem

Hometown: Wylie, TX
High School Name: Wylie High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Public Policy and Economics majors, Law & Legal Reasoning and Business minors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Debate Team Co-Captain
  • Track Rack Leader
  • Founder of Jonglei Orphan Scholarship Fund

SMU Accomplishments: 

  • President of African Student Association
  • SMU Student Ambassador
  • SMU in Four Advisory Board
  • Connect Mentor
  • Pre-Law Scholar

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

What I like most about being a Hunt Scholar is the amazing opportunities that I have had to be able to make lasting connections and grow my leadership skills, not only on the SMU campus but all around.

Alyssa Brown

Hometown: Lancaster, TX
High School Name: Life School Waxahachie
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Management major, Entrepreneurial Specialization minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Lancaster Youth Advisory Council President
  • Created the "Better than Ever" Club
  • Navarro College Cum Laude Graduate

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Creator and Project Manager of Because of Jesus Winter Clothing Drive
  • Christian Formation Leader
  • SMU Student Ambassador

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I love being surrounded by other young, passionate leaders who actively pursue change.

Michael Castle

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
High School Name: Meadows School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science and Business majors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Student Body President
  • Founder and President of Risky Business/DECA Club
  • Chess Club President

SMU Accomplishments:

  • First-Year Senator

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I’m excited about being in an environment with individuals that I know will push me to be better in ever aspect of my life. I can’t wait to explore all of the opportunities that the hunt scholarship provides.

Emma Clarke

Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA
High School Name: Mira Costa High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Creative Advertising major, Political Science minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Student Trustee on Manhattan Beach School Board
  • President and Founder of "Smiles for Senior Citizens"
  • Recipient of the University of Virginia Thomas Jefferson Book Award

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Accepted into the Temerlin Advertising Institute
  • Kappa Kappa Gamma Public Relations Chair
  • Big Event Marketing/Communications Committee
  • Hilltop Scholar

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I'm so excited to be a member of such a vibrant community of leaders who accomplish extraordinary things on campus and beyond. I can't wait to learn from my peers and take advantage of all of the incredible opportunities that come with being a Hunt Scholar.

Claire Fitzgerald

Hometown: Bellevue, WA
High School Name: Holy Names Academy
Major(s)/Minor(s): Data Science and Sports Management majors, Management Science minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Editor-in-Chief of Holy Names Academy's Newspaper, "The Dome"
  • Varsity Volleyball Captain
  • Youth Volleyball Coach

SMU Accomplishments:

  • The Big Event at SMU Director of Marketing and Communication
  • Chi Omega Social Media Chair
  • Student Foundation External Affairs Coordinator
  • Sports Business Society
  • University Honors Program
  • Honor Roll with High Distinction

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I am so looking forward to being surrounded by like-minded and driven peers who genuinely want to make an impact and be involved. I am excited to learn from new perspectives all while building sincere friendships and taking advantage of the unique opportunities for personal and leadership growth.

Amber Franklin

Hometown: LaGrange, GA
High School Name: Springwood School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Science and Health & Society majors, Psychology minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Valedictorian
  • Senior Class President
  • Varsity Cheer Captain

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Research Assistant with The Anxiety and Depression Research Center at SMU
  • SERV Physician Recruitment Leader
  • Student Foundation Photographer
  • Member of Alpha Epsilon Delta
  • Member of Delta Delta Delta
  • Hilltop Scholar

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I am extremely excited for the amazing personal and professional opportunities that SMU and Hunt will provide me, and I look forward to becoming a part of such a diverse and driven group of exceptional individuals.

Caroline Hall

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
High School Name: Casady School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology and Medieval Students majors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Student Body President
  • Oklahoma City Rotary Club Junior Rotarian
  • Art Club President

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Hunt Leadership Scholars Program Student Assistant
  • Dedman College Student Advisory Board Representative
  • Hilltop Scholar
  • Member of the Student Union
  • Member of Chi Omega
  • Food Coordinator for the Campus Events Committee in Student Foundation

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

What excites me the most about being a Hunt Scholar is the opportunity to be surrounded by so many different leaders from across the country. I love to watch everyone’s unique backgrounds combine with the common thread of leadership which ultimately fosters growth and continues to leave a meaningful impact on SMU’s campus.

Kendyl Kirtley

Hometown: Tampa, FL
High School Name: Berkeley Preparatory School
Major(s)/Minor(s): CCPA and Psychology majors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Berkeley Community Service Council President
  • Founder of the Mission St. Michael's Project
  • Membership Chair of the Girls Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Service (GOALS) Organization

SMU Accomplishments:

  • SMU Big Event 2022 and 2023 Service Coordinator
  • Chi Omega Health and Wellness Chair
  • Mustang Heroes Volunteer
  • SMU Look Writer
  • Hilltop Scholar

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I love being a part of a community of student leaders who are passionate about creating positive changes. The kindness, drive, and support from every scholar in the program inspires me to work ad make a difference at SMU and in the Dallas area.

Elisabeth Lendal

Hometown: Avon Lake, OH
High School Name: Avon Lake High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Sports Management major

High School Accomplishments:

  • Board of Directors of Community Resource Services
  • Girl Scout Gold Award
  • Varsity Tennis and Lacrosse Captain

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

Community Service. Being a Hunt Scholar will give me so many opportunities while being at SMU, on and off campus. It will also be great to be surrounded with other leaders who also want to make the world a better place. I am so excited to start this new chapter of my life at SMU, with other Hunt Scholars.

Tulsi Lohani

Hometown: Euless, TX
High School Name: Trinity High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Journalism, Political Communications & Public Affairs, and Public Relations & Strategic Communications majors, History and Political Science minors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Senior Class President
  • HEB ISD Student Ambassador
  • Founder and Lead Student Coordinator of the Student Voter Empowerment Coalition - Tarrant (SVEC)

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Program Assistant of Engage Dallas
  • Pre-Law Scholar
  • Communication Director of the Rotunda Scholars Program
  • Political Correspondent and Host of Hilltop NOW
  • Head of Programming of the South Asian Student Association (SASA)
  • Undergraduate Research Assistant for Student Affairs
  • Project Director for SMU Votes Project

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

Having the ability to simultaneously reflect and grow as a leader and a person is an opportunity I am forever thankful for through the Hunt Program.

Jude Lugo

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
High School Name: Flower Mound High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Management major, Spanish, Education, and Philosophy minors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Senior Class President
  • Texas Boys' State Comptroller of Public Accounts
  • Lewisville ISD Student Direct and Advisory Committees

SMU Accomplishments: 

  • Membership Chair of SMU Student Senate
  • Tournaments Director of SMU Mock Trial
  • Big iDeas and Cox Graduate Entrepreneurship Club Student Entrepreneur
  • Finalist for the Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Business Legends Award
  • Resident Assistant to SMU Upper Division Housing
  • Student Representatives to the Institutional Technology Leadership Council

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

My favorite part of being a Hunt Scholar is the community of talented leaders I am surrounded by. I love that the Hunt Scholars are a diverse group with a wide variety of interests who share a common bond and similar philosophies on life.

Krish Madhura

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
High School Name: Bishop Gorman High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Management and International Studies majors, Public Policy minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Student Body President
  • Founder of No Place for Hate (racial equality organization)
  • Nevada Student of the Year

SMU Accomplishments:

  • First-Year Senator for SMU Student Senate
  • Speaker of the House for SMU Student Senate
  • Co-Founder/Director of the House of Representatives
  • Professional Development Team of Alpha Kappa Psi
  • Paper published for Public Policy in regards to systemic racism
  • Cox Business School Board Student Representative

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I think what excites me the most about being a Hunt scholar is being in an environment that is going to push me to become the best leader, while being surrounded by other fantastic leaders. Constantly motivating each other to be the best.

Gabriel Mongaras

Hometown: Round Rock, TX
High School Name: Gateway College Preparatory High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science, Statistics,  Mathematics, and Data Science majors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Valedictorian of Graduating Class
  • AAS in Computer Information Technology - Computer Programming with Scholastic Excellence from Austin Community College
  • Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa - Alpha Gamma Pi Chapter
  • 2021 Austin DoraHacks Blockchain Hackathon, Third Place

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Member of Her Society
  • President of AI Club
  • University Honors Program
  • Hilltop Scholar
  • Rotunda Scholar
  • Mouzon Carrie & Edwin Math Scholarship Recipient

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I really look forward to being a Hunt Scholar because I will be around like-minded and like-motivated people. I hope to make new friends and new experiences with the Hunt Scholars in my class. I also hope to find opportunities that allow me to use my skills in more ways to help others.

Kennedi Montague

Hometown: McKinney, TX
High School Name: McKinney North High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biochemistry major (Pre-Med), Mathematics and Neuroscience minors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Captain of the NorthStars Varsity Drill Team
  • National Honor Society President
  • Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Member
SMU Accomplishments:

  • Game Day Captain of SMU Pom (2022)
  • Hilltop Scholar and Current University Honors Program Member
  • Member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honors Society of Texas Kappa Chapter
  • Hunt Leadership Scholars Program Student Assistant
  • Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the SMU Chemistry Department
  • Orientation Leader for the Incoming Class of 2027

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I truly enjoy being surrounded by a group of passionate, hardworking, and intelligent individuals who share the drive to create positive change in their community, desire to achieve academic excellence, and push themselves to their highest potential to accomplish their goals! This organization is very special in the opportunities it presents students like me to learn imperative leadership skills and receive hands-on experiences in their respective fields with like-minded people!

Yousuf Nadir

Hometown: Plano, TX
High School Name: Parish Episcopal School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business major, Pre-Med track

High School Accomplishments:

  • Honor Council President
  • Student Diversity Leadership Council President
  • Varsity Basketball Captain

SMU Accomplishments:

  • BBA Scholar
  • University Honors Program

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

The opportunity to meet driven, ambitious students that will help me grow and strengthen my path as a leader.

Nise Olawale

Hometown: McKinney, TX
High School Name: McKinney Christian Academy
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major, Spanish minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • National Honor Society President
  • Lincoln-Douglas Debate Team Captain
  • Varsity Basketball Captain

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I am most excited to go through these next four years of college surrounded by diligent and determined students, who are as passionate about achieving their goals as well as influencing their community as I am.

Tamal Pilla

Hometown: Carrollton, TX
High School Name: St. Mark's School of Texas
Major(s)/Minor(s): Finance and Philosophy majors, Public Policy & International Affairs and Cognitive Science minors

High School Accomplishments:

  • Co-Editor-in-Chief, Scientific Magazine
  • Co-President, Cooking Club
  • Managing Editor, Yearbook
  • Design Director, Literary Magazine

SMU Accomplishments:

  • University Honors Program
  • First-Year Senator

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I’m excited to be surrounded by so many ambitious and like-minded student leaders! I feel incredibly honored to be a part of this tight-knit family of accomplished scholars, athletes, and artists—and I intend to make the most of all it has to offer.

Ally Rayer

Hometown: La Canada Flintridge, CA
High School Name: La Canada High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Undecided major

High School Accomplishments:

  • Girl Scout Gold Award
  • Miss La Canada Flintridge 2020
  • Parent-Teacher-Student-Association Student Club President

SMU Accomplishments:

  • Hilltop Scholar

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I am excited to join the amazing Hunt Scholar community of dedicated students, alumni, and supporters, which will provide me unique opportunities to grow my leadership abilities while serving the SMU and Dallas communities. To be a part of this program and collaborate with such talented students is such an honor. I am especially thankful for the Hunt Family for this incredible opportunity.

Megan Riebe

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
High School Name: Incarnate Word High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Health & Society major, Spanish minor

High School Accomplishments:

  • Student Council President
  • Intern for Women's Global Connection

SMU Accomplishments:

  • University Honors Program

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

I am most excited about utilizing the amazing opportunities that are available through this program while working alongside others that are similarly driven to change the world for the better. I cannot wait to enhance my skills as a leader and learn from everyone in the Hunt community.

Pareeni Shah

Hometown: Allen, TX
High School Name: Allen High School
Major(s)/Minor(s): Health and Society major

High School Accomplishments:

  • Founder & CEO of 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Inspire NexGen
  • Founder & President of Allen High School United Nations GirlUp organization
  • International Finalist for Marketing Communication Series in DECA

What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?

Engaging in the unique opportunities and experiences offered by the Hunt Program and forming a tight knit community.