2026 Immersion Cohort

Lua Agbaw is a rising senior at Sallie B. Howard School in Wilson, North Carolina, where she has been a part of her school’s student government association, National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. She participates in many community-building and youth empowerment activities at the Triangle Bahá’í Institute. Lua is a member of her school’s high school choir, and she dances, draws and writes. Because of her interest in the arts, she plans to double major in music and strategic communications. She was drawn to communications through her love for learning about the world and telling stories. Some of Lua’s other interests include K-pop, fantasy books and superheroes.

Sara Anderton is a rising senior who goes to Fuquay Varina High School in North Carolina. She wants to go to college for journalism and has been her school newspaper’s news editor. Along with journalism, she loves writing and studying other languages, especially American Sign Language and Hebrew. Sara has been FVHS’s ASL club president since sophomore year. She has also self-published two books on Amazon. She is passionate about education and sharing her creativity, which reflects in all she does. Sara enjoys volunteering with Together On Center Stage, a theatre group for people with emotional and physical disabilities. She also enjoys volunteering with Breakthrough T1D, an organization working to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. These organizations are close to her because she has a father with Type 1 diabetes and deaf and blind friends. Sara cares for people, and her passion for journalism will help her expose injustice and take care of others.

Caroline Cordon is a rising senior at Alamance-Burlington Early College in Burlington, North Carolina. An avid reader, she is the president of the school’s book club and an active member of NHS, UNICEF, AsOne Bible club and Culture Collab club. She has been a student government representative for two years, organizing events and being a spokesperson for her classmates. Outside school, she immensely enjoys athletics and has played volleyball and basketball for her district high school. On a more competitive level, she’s participated in three years of travel volleyball. One of Caroline’s favorite pastimes is writing, and she won first place in a local writing contest in the fiction category. When she’s not reading, writing or playing volleyball, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family and friends, tutoring elementary schoolers in literature, and volunteering with her church’s youth program. She loves traveling and hopes to study abroad one day while pursuing degrees in psychology and English. Caroline is most passionate about learning new things, while also sharing her experiences with others.

Kadin A. Crawford is a Greensboro Day School student in the class of 2027, who is passionate about writing, global affairs, film and storytelling. He’s been involved in Model United Nations since ninth grade and completed a Georgetown University course to strengthen his research, diplomacy and public speaking skills. Kadin plays golf and has played piano and trombone since fifth grade. He’s also served twice as a student council representative, gaining experience in leadership and teamwork.

Laszlo Dworkin is a rising senior at Chaminade College Preparatory in Los Angeles. He thoroughly enjoys writing and engaging in deep conversation with peers on current world developments. He is immersed in Chaminade’s film program, entering the school’s highest level, Film 7, next year. He’s also the director of on-air talent for his school’s sports broadcasting program, where he offers color commentary on high school football games during the fall semester. He is obsessed with discussing everything sports, playing varsity tennis for Chaminade and being an avid NFL fan. Laszlo likes to hang out with friends on weekends and loves to sleep in whenever possible. Inclusivity stands at the forefront of his beliefs, as he strives to make outstanding impressions on everyone he meets.

Yashika Jagadeesh is a rising senior at Triangle Math and Science Academy and a passionate advocate for student voice, leadership and public health. She currently serves as vice president of student government and will step into the role of president next year, while remaining actively involved in HOSA, DECA and Dance Club. As a dedicated leader beyond the classroom, Yashika serves as a robotics coach, has contributed over 100 volunteer hours and volunteers as an SAT coach, helping students strengthen their academic skills. Deeply committed to health advocacy, Yashika is an active member of the Wake County Youth Health Council and the NC T21 Coalition, where she works to address teen health issues, particularly youth vaping. Her passion has translated into competitive success, earning her third place in Health Education at the HOSA International Leadership Conference and qualifying for international-level competition five times across both HOSA and DECA. In athletics, Yashika is a year-round athlete, serving as captain of her cross country team and a three-time MVP, while also competing in track. In addition, she pursues classical Bharatanatyam dance, having successfully completed her Arangetram, a milestone performance representing years of rigorous training and cultural dedication. Across all her pursuits, Yashika is driven by a commitment to empower others, build inclusive communities and stay true to herself.

Anika Kurup is a rising senior at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is passionate about athletics, running year-round for her school, while playing basketball on the side. After initially creating YouTube videos for fun, she has grown more interested in film and media studies, and plans on studying the subject in college. As founder and president of her school’s Powerlifting Club, she is dedicated to teaching students about proper lifting techniques. She is also an active member of the Spanish National Honor Society, volunteering with elementary schoolers in her free time. Outside school, Anika likes to play piano, rock climb, and spend time with friends and family.

Thailik McCormick is a rising senior from Central Carolina Academy in Sanford, North Carolina. Thailik found a love for public speaking at DECA and furthered that love when becoming a founding member of his school’s new segment. When not directing the episode for the week, he always ran a special segment with a friend, interviewing students, teachers and staff members. Afterward, he became a Teen Court defense and prosecution attorney, expanding his public speaking skills, all while finding a love for law. Being awarded Quesbridge Scholar Prep, Thailik hopes to go to college for journalism and political science.

Alesandra McFadden is a rising senior at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, New Jersey. A passionate writer and creator, Aly serves as editor-in-chief of her school’s newspaper, overseeing all articles published in local papers. Additionally, she is the sole editor for the New Jersey Key Club, where she manages all editorial and publication efforts at the state level. Aly has a strong passion for service, having completed over 300 service hours throughout her high school career. Her commitment to service extends beyond school, as well. She served as Miss American Irish with the Woodbridge American Irish Association, where she demonstrated leadership and inspired members of her community. Aly is also an avid runner and a three-year varsity athlete on her school’s cross country team. This year, she elevated her leadership by serving as a junior captain, supporting and motivating her teammates throughout the season. In recognition of her dedication both on and off the course, she received the Best Teammate Award. Aly is excited to continue her journey in communications through the Emerging Journalists Program.

Olivia Nelson is a rising senior at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina. For the past three years, she’s worked diligently on The Highlander, Heathwood’s yearbook, and will be stepping into the role as editor this upcoming school year. Aside from her yearbook responsibilities, Olivia has represented her class on Heathwood’s class council and serves as a PEAK (Pursuit for Environmental Adventure and Knowledge) Student Leader, assisting with ropes courses and pond activities. She is also an active participant in Heathwood’s Youth In Government delegation, showcasing her talents as both an appeals attorney and legislator, and is now soon to be a clerk. Outside school, Olivia is a public servant to her community and has over 200 hours of community service with Meals On Wheels, Harvest Hope, Power In Changing and more. Most recently, she co-founded Loads of Love to help address the need for laundry supplies for the homeless in Columbia. In March 2025, Olivia embarked on a trip to Kenya for a community engagement project with her school, where she helped repair a primary school and donated to the Voi community. She is also an active member of the Columbia chapter of Jack and Jill, where she has served as secretary and now as legislative chair. Aside from her extracurricular activities, Olivia enjoys traveling to new places, both in and outside the country, and has visited four of the seven continents. Fashion has always been a huge passion of Olivia’s, as she loves curating and shopping for unique pieces to add to her wardrobe.

Bao Nguyen is from Sacramento, California, and is a rising senior at Christian Brothers High School. He is actively involved in choir, cross country, French Club, and being a school ambassador and retreat leader. With all these activities in and outside school, he strives to spread positivity within his community. When he’s not on campus, he enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, volunteering, traveling and cooking. He recently came back from an immersion program in Los Angeles, learning about the history of skid row, along with bonding with his fellow classmates, peers and the LA community. During his junior year, his passion toward social justice and journalism sparked, leading him to spread awareness and take a new perspective toward life. He hopes to pursue a career in whatever comes next, with the goal of helping others and making a positive impact.

Blake Pierre-Louis is a rising senior at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York. Inspired by the story of Lonnie G. Johnson, a NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker, Blake discovered his passion for journalism through advocacy storytelling by researching Johnson’s legacy and presenting it to third-grade students to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black innovators. That experience shaped his belief that great storytelling gives voice to stories that deserve to be heard, a conviction he brings to his interest in sports broadcasting, where he looks beyond the scoreboard to explore culture, identity and the human spirit. A performer at heart, Blake is a saxophonist in his school’s concert band and an active participant in theatre, and he plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism with a focus on sports broadcasting, while enjoying skiing and spending time with his two dogs, Ruby and Oliver.

Chloe Randall is a rising senior at Seaforth High School in Pittsboro, North Carolina. She has a heart for supporting the most vulnerable, especially individuals living with mental and physical disabilities, and is actively involved in Unified Club and Special Olympics. Chloe is the two-term president of her school’s Guitar Club and the co-founder of a student book club. She is an active member of the International Thespian Society, serving as stage manager and sound lead for school productions, and is also a member of both the National Honor Society and the English Honor Society. Her love of writing began at a young age, and her first published novel, “The Grumpy Platypus,” made its debut when Chloe was in fourth grade. Chloe also welcomes new students and visitors to her school as a Seaforth Student Ambassador. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys attending live concerts, reading, and spending time with friends and her cat, Yogurt.

Harriett Stell is a rising senior at Washington Montessori Public Charter School in Washington, North Carolina. She is an active member of her school’s National Honor Society, where she hopes to become president next year. Through the National Honor Society, she volunteers by tutoring at a local elementary school and supporting organizations such as Packs for Patriots and the Ronald McDonald House. Harriett is committed to serving her local community with passion and dedication. In school, Harriett has always had a love for writing, which has led to her interest in journalism. Throughout her years in high school, she has also held many leadership roles, including serving as a member of the Communication Arts elective, where she had the opportunity to photograph events and promote her school, and working as an editor for her school’s yearbook. For fun, Harriett enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing on her high school’s varsity volleyball team, baking for her friends and family, scrapbooking, and watching movies.

Akshay Sudhakar is a rising senior at McLean High School in McLean, Virginia. He is deeply interested in aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering. Akshay has explored these interests through programs such as the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program and the Harvard University Venture Tech Summer Program, while also competing in the KidWind Solar Challenge, where he placed first at the regional level and second at the state level. In addition to STEM, he has been actively involved in journalism and student media as a member of Quill and Scroll, a former anchor and director for WMHS News, and an attendee of the 2024 National High School Journalism Convention in Philadelphia. He has also run indoor and outdoor track for three years. Outside school, he is involved in youth leadership and community service through organizations such as the Kaveri Kannada Association, Chinmaya Mission CMWRC, Vedic Health and the National Education Association. Through these experiences, Akshay has developed a strong interest in both technical innovation and community-centered leadership. Beyond academics, Akshay enjoys traveling outside his hometown, playing soccer and watching his favorite soccer team, Manchester United.

Claire Watrous is a rising senior at Bloomington High School North in Bloomington, Indiana. She has dedicated her high school career to both school spirit and student media. For the upcoming academic year, she will serve as the editor-in-chief of both the yearbook and the newspaper. Her most significant contribution to the school’s journalism department was spearheading the effort to reinstate the newspaper class, which she initiated to ensure student voices have a permanent platform. Beyond the newsroom, she is a four-year member of the Bloomington North cheerleading team, where she has developed the teamwork and discipline she brings to her leadership roles. Her commitment to her school community extends into her involvement as a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society and her school’s freshman mentor program, where she helps incoming students transition into high school life. She plans to pursue journalism in college.

Amirah Williams is a rising senior in the Middle Creek High School Adobe Digital Media Academy, in Apex, North Carolina.  She is deeply committed to inclusivity and visibility in the communication industry. She is the founder and president of the Middle Creek Black Student Union, as well as the founder of her school’s food pantry. She is the outreach officer for her academy, as well as the outreach officer for her local chapter of SkillsUSA, where she has competed at the state and national conference in video news production as a news anchor, placing fourth nationally. She competed this year for a student Emmy, writing a report and filming and editing a package on Anne Holt and inclusivity in industry. She has displayed her passion for communications through her work with The Durham Bulls broadcast team, WRAL and the North Carolina Coastal Pines Girls Scout council’s marketing office. She enjoys nature and hanging out with her friends, often hiking and paddleboarding.

Brynley Witkowski is a rising senior at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. A passionate advocate for individuals who are often marginalized, she has dedicated the past three years to volunteering with her community’s Teen Court program. Brynley has also participated in the 7th Congressional District Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurial Conference and is a member of the 2026 North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly. Outside the classroom, Brynley works as a lifeguard and serves as a Girl Scout camp counselor, roles that reflect her strong sense of responsibility and leadership. She is actively involved in volleyball, competitive swimming, her church youth group and Girl Scout service projects. With a proven commitment to teamwork, service and personal growth, Brynley is eager to continue developing her passion for writing and research while making a meaningful impact in her community.