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.