Class of 2027
Joy Adeyemo
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biochemistry major, Latin minor
High School: Founder's Classical Academy Frisco
High School Accomplishments:
- Founder and President of Life Skills Club
- National Honors Society Secretary
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I love the fact that I’m part of a community of like-minded and driven leaders whom I can both encourage and be encouraged by.
Megan Appel
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Electrical Engineering major, Mathematics and Physics minors
High School: Plano West Senior High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Varsity Swim Captain
- Girls in STEM Chapter President
- Academic All-State Elite Team with Summa Cum Laude
SMU Accomplishments:
- Lyle Engineering Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I’m looking forward to interacting and building friendships with this community of outstanding student leaders. The Hunt community will provide a place to connect with others that share my values but will also expand my horizons. As a Hunt Scholar, I am so excited to learn ways that we can all give back to our communities utilizing the vast resources available at SMU.
Valeria Carrera Avalos
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biomedical Engineering major Pre-Med Track
High School: Hebron High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Bilingual Student Mentor
- Dean’s List
- Academic Honor Roll
SMU Accomplishments:
- Hilltop Scholar
- Thrive Scholar at Lyle School of Engineering
- Best Buddies Event Coordinator
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I love how all Hunts always support and are there for each other at all times.
Annika Chapman
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Business major
High School: Thomas Sprigg Wootton High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
- Shift Leader
Cate Cumbie
Hometown: Springtown, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Biology major
High School: Lake Country Christian School
High School Accomplishments:
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Salutatorian
- Student Council President
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
The people!
William DeJean
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Finance and Data Analytics majors
High School: Catholic High School
High School Accomplishments:
- High School Swim Team Captain
- Founder YourKindAct Charitable Organization
- Louisiana Swimming’s Organization
SMU Accomplishments:
- SMU Swimming Team
- BBA Scholar
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
Being a Hunt Scholar provides an amazing opportunity to connect like-minded and passionate individuals, as well as provide the resources for each member of this program to reach outstanding success in their respective fields. This diverse group pushes each other to be the very best they can be, all while going to an outstanding university and creating lifelong relationships.Aditya Goel
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science and Business majors
High School: Saint Mark's School of Texas
High School Accomplishments:
- Eagle Scout
- ASDFW Youth Club President
- Transportation as a Service Club
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
The connectivity!
Daniel Gonzalez
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Political Science and Finance majors
High School: Imagine International Academy of North Texas
High School Accomplishments:
- Texas Youth Governor
- Vice President Kosovo Campaign Fundraiser
SMU Accomplishments:
- Pre-Law Scholar
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
The people!
Adare Haas
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Dance and Business majors
High School: Carmel High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Indiana State DECA Business Competition Winner 2X
- Council Member of Student Government
- State Qualifier in National History Day Competition
SMU Accomplishments:
- BBA Scholar
- Meadows Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
A community of like-minded people!
Lauren Lazar
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Business and Journalism majors, Political Science minor
High School: Independence High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Vice President of Best Buddies
- Theatre Lead Actress in Shattered Dreams
- Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council
SMU Accomplishments:
- President of Best Buddies
- Hilltop Scholars Program
- Meadows Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I love the community! I have met so many lifelong friends through the program that make me feel welcomed and valued. Combining my passion to lead while actively pursuing my education has been amazing.
Elise Lindquist
Hometown: Huntington Beach, California
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Computer Science major
High School: Huntington Beach High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Model United Nations Senior Teacher
- Summa Cum Laude
- Investing Club President and Founder
SMU Accomplishments:
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I was immediately surrounded by like-minded, driven, fun individuals who were easy to connect with and provided a great community. I am eager to take advantage of all the opportunities ahead as it was immediately apparent that the Hunt Program is a catalyst to expand upon and fine-tune leadership skills. I am confident that this program will help continue to shape me into the strong leader I strive to be and will help propel me to be successful in my chosen career.
Trey Mainz
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Finance major
High School: Alamo Heights High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Eagle Scout
- Founder of Chess Club for Cambridge Elementary
- Construction of 2 Park benches at Cambridge Elementary
SMU Accomplishments:
- BBA Scholar
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I am looking forward to joining the SMU community with a group of like-minded individuals. I’m excited to share leadership experiences and ideals.Heidi Marsh
Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Finance major, Law minor
High School: Southside High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior and Junior Council President
- National Honor Society
- Founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation
SMU Accomplishments:
- BBA Scholar
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
To me, it is way more than an academic opportunity. It is a way for me to become more engaged around campus alongside like-minded students who have the same passion for success and progress. I am so excited for all of the relationships, lessons, and experiences that the Hunt Scholarship will provide me.
Tatum Morris
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management major
High School: H B Plant High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Founder of National Drug Take-Back Initiative 12.3MyHomeIsDrugFree
- National Officer of SADD
- Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient
SMU Accomplishments:
- Hilltop Scholar
- BBA Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
It excites me be a part of a group of passionate leaders on campus who are eager to make positive change. I look forward to the unique opportunities within this program that will make it an experience of a lifetime.
Travis Pryor
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Computer Science and Film majors, Graphic Design and Chinese minors
High School: Chaminade College Preparatory School
High School Accomplishments:
- 500+ hours of service during high school tenure
- National Society of Black Engineers Junior President of the St. Louis Chapter
- Jack and Jill Mid-Western Regional Teen Officer
SMU Accomplishments:
- Lyle School of Engineering Acceptance
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
The thing I like most is being able to continue serving the community and engaging with other leaders.Mehreen Syed
Hometown: Murphy, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Biophysical Sciences major
High School: Brighter Horizons Academy
High School Accomplishments:
- Student Council Community Service Head
- NASA High School Aerospace Scholar
- Charity Week Ambassador
SMU Accomplishments:
- Hilltop Scholar
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
I’m so excited to participate in the Hunt program’s unique opportunities and be surrounded by this amazing community of leaders.Tyler Welch
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Major(s)/ Minor(s): Sports Management and Journalism majors, Statistical Science minor
High School: Seven Lakes High School
High School Accomplishments:
- Editor and Chief of School Newspaper
- Principal Leadership Council
- Superintendent Student Leadership Circle
What do you like most about being a Hunt Scholar?
As a Hunt Scholar, I love the countless opportunities that the program provides to not only learn about leadership, but also to apply that leadership on campus and become involved in the wonderful SMU community. I also love getting to know my fellow Hunts and build relationships with them.