2025 Winners
1st Place
Kensley Pal
Sophomore, Allen High School – Allen, Texas
I’m a junior at Allen High School in Allen, Texas, with a strong passion for business, finance, and finding meaningful ways to give back to my community. As an intern at the Credit Union of Texas, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work alongside banking professionals and gain hands-on experience in financial services. I’m also Vice President of the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation where I help lead donation drives and local outreach efforts that directly support families and students in our area. Additionally, through my Dreams to Business summer internship, I designed over 15 business infographics and worksheets aimed at helping young learners understand core business concepts. After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in business and eventually earn an MBA so I can continue building meaningful connections, grow as a leader, and use what I’ve learned to empower others through education and opportunity.
2nd Place
Oyinkansola Adeoso
Sophomore, Allen High School – Allen, Texas
Oyinkansola Adeoso is a junior at Allen High School where she is involved in Student Council, PALs, Debate, and the African Student Association. She has a strong interest in STEM, literature, and history and enjoys challenging herself through advanced coursework. Outside of class, Oyinkansola participates in community service such as volunteering at her church, creating social media posts for a startup coding-tutor project, and reading. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a degree in either Business, Finance, or Information Technology, hopefully at UT Austin, after graduation.
3rd Place
Grace Ding
Junior, Obra D. Tompkins High School – Katy, Texas
Grace Ding is a senior at Obra D. Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. She is passionate about educational justice and the power of storytelling as a tool for civic empowerment. At Tompkins, she serves as captain for her debate team, where she enjoys fostering a collaborative team culture and exploring nuance in policy issues. She also leads her school’s Civics Club, which aims to increase student engagement with government and create space for civic discourse. Beyond school, Grace is involved in Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, where she helps organize projects that amplify student voices, such as the Student Bill of Rights and the Interactive School Board Power Map. In her free time, Grace enjoys creative writing, hotpot, and lavender matcha lattes. In the future, she hopes to continue studying how education and policy can shape more inclusive communities.
Honorable Mention
Joshua Nicketta
Junior, Allen High School – Allen, Texas
Joshua Nicketta is a senior at Allen High School in Allen, Texas, with a wide-ranging commitment to the arts. He has performed in nearly 20 theatre productions with North Texas Performing Arts and plays French horn in several ensembles, including the AHS Wind Ensemble and the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra’s symphony group. At Allen, he serves as band secretary for one of the largest marching bands in the world, helping lead the organization as it prepares to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade. Joshua also has a deep interest in visual art; he co-founded Rural Anthology, a visual arts magazine, and authored The New Formalist Vanguard, a critique of modern art and capitalism. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a law degree and practice in the field of intellectual property, supporting and collaborating with fellow creatives across music, art, and literature.
Honorable Mention
Hector Medina
Junior, Thomas Edison High School – San Antonio, Texas
I am an incoming senior at Thomas Edison High School, where I strive to balance academics, leadership, athletics, and service. I currently serve as president of both the Student Council and the National Honor Society, roles that allow me to lead projects that strengthen our school and bring students together. I am also a leading member of the Academic Decathlon team, where I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself academically and collaborating with teammates. As a varsity athlete in track and cross country, I have learned the value of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. Beyond school, I am involved in SkillsUSA and dedicate time to volunteering, which has deepened my commitment to serving others. After high school, I plan to major in Health & Society on the pre-dental track, with the goal of pursuing a career in dentistry or orthodontics. I believe that education, leadership, and service have the power to inspire others and create lasting change.
2024 Winners
1st Place
Neha Varghese
Lawrence E. Elkins High School – Houston, Texas
I am an incoming senior at Lawrence E. Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas. I partake in numerous extra-curricular activities that involve giving back to my community. As the Vice President of UNICEF and Chief Sales Officer of EVO, I hope to make a long-lasting impact on children in need. With UNICEF, I have been able to host a variety of events to raise awareness and funds to support refugee children. With EVO, I have been able to create a product to promote English Literacy which has ultimately ranked second nationally within the Junior Achievement company. After high school, I am planning on going down the pre-med route and gaining a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. Overall, I value forming deep connections with other people and surrounding myself with individuals I can grow along with.
2nd Place
Rio Kato
Clear Lake High School – Houston, Texas
Rio is a junior at Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX. She serves as secretary for her school’s FFA organization and Model UN club. Moving from Japan last summer, she is also the 2024 representative for the Children’s World Summit in Tokyo. Rio volunteers for a non-profit organization that seeks to provide education for developing countries in East Asia. The main activities are creating and publishing books in English for children to use. She cares deeply about ensuring high-quality education for all. Outside of her passion, Rio loves to spend time with her friends and play the guitar. She often bakes cakes to practice for her next FFA contests as well. In college, she plans to major in international relations with a minor in education. Rio plans to receive education in Japan or the U.S. and work in the international field in the future.
3rd Place
Sophia Agboiyi
Elkins High School – Sugarland, Texas
4th Place
Saanvi Vinod
Panther Creek High School – Frisco, Texas
Saanvi Vinod is a rising junior at Panther Creek High School in Frisco, TX, with an immense passion for medicine. She conducts neurology research at a local university and volunteers at a hospital, finding joy in serving others. Saanvi expresses herself through writing as a member of her school’s yearbook staff and is an International Top Ten Finalist for creating a startup focused on women’s safety in third-world countries. She is passionate about activism and advocates heavily for women’s rights initiatives and youth representation. She is part of her district’s Superintendent Council and works with others to improve the educational curriculum for all. In her free time, Saanvi enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with friends, and playing with her dog, Archie. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a pre-med track and travel the world, making memories and meeting new people along the way.
5th Place
Grace Maeng
Memorial High School – Corpus Christi, Texas
Grace Maeng, a rising junior at Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, distinguishes herself through academic, musical, and community achievements. Since 2023, she has led health awareness initiatives and attained state-level recognition in Health Education through HOSA. A dedicated musician for over a decade, Grace’s musical journey showcases her talent with Superior ratings at the Student Affiliate Preparatory Piano Performance Competition and UIL Piano competitions, culminating in the 2024 Outstanding Performer Award. Beyond her musical pursuits, Grace participates in NHS and SNHS, volunteering at Christus Spohn Hospital, reflecting her keen interest in biology and biochemistry. In her free time, she loves reading a good book, swinging a racket on the tennis court, and catching up with friends. Grace is committed to educational excellence by continuing into her secondary education and aims to firmly impact her community as she prepares for a future centered on healthcare and compassionate service.