Leadership Team

 Austin is a high school senior who has previously lived overseas for over six years. 

As a Dual-Enrollment and AP student who is active in Model United Nations, he has consistently demonstrated his intellectual curiosity. His achievements include the Superintendent's Honor Roll, Presidential Service Award, Congressional Award, Military Child of the Year semifinalist, and Virginia High School League Academic Excellence Award.

Outside of the classroom, Austin is an accomplished competitive golfer, earning a spot at the 2024 Under Armour Junior Tour National Championship and the 2023 VHSL 6A State Championship. 

Dedicated to service and leadership, Austin volunteers with Sentara Hospital and serves on the WHRO Student Advisory Board.

Amaya is a high school junior and an active member of the Science National Honor Society, serving as an officer and organizing meetings and events to promote academic excellence in the sciences. As a member of the Math Honor Society and part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, she has demonstrated a commitment to high academic standards.

Her leadership experience includes facilitating the English Immersion Association Program, where she leads sessions to assist international students in improving their language skills. Amaya also volunteers at the local library and teaches Arabic to children at Sunday school. 

Amaya also enjoys playing the piano, volunteering with Virginia Beach EMS, participating in Future Business Leaders of America, and volleyball. Traveling is a passion, with Dubai being her favorite destination. 

Tucker is a high school junior

and member of the Macon and Joan Brock Health Sciences Academy at Old Dominion University, a three-year program designed to prepare high school students for careers in healthcare, which supports his goal of becoming a sports medicine physician. 

Tucker also serves on the Youth Advisory Board of Youth Volunteer Corps Hampton Roads and is actively involved in school clubs, including Student to Student, an organization dedicated to serving military children, and Key Club, where leadership and community service are central focuses.

In addition to academic and extracurricular pursuits, Tucker enjoys participating in a fantasy football league with friends. A quote that serves as inspiration is from John Madden: “Be a winner, stand for something, always have class, and be humble.” 

Marissa is a junior in high school who consistently earns her school's Scholar Award. She also serves on her school’s library Student Advisory Board, where she helps provide input on book selections, and on the WHRO Public Media Student Advisory Board, where she contributes to the development and review of online content used by schools across Virginia.

Outside of academics, Marissa enjoys reading, traveling, crafts, and baking. She looks forward to connecting with other youth in the community through the Student Advisory Council and developing her leadership and public speaking skills.

Marissa plans to pursue a career as a juvenile and domestic relations attorney, combining her academic dedication with her passion for helping others.

Ryan is a homeschool student, currently in his junior year, with a strong passion for environmental stewardship. 

His dedication to service has earned him the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Bronze). He is a member of the Youth Conservation Leadership Institute and volunteers as an oyster gardener with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Ryan also previously served as a patrol leader with the Boy Scouts of America, where he led his peers in various activities and assisted with multiple Eagle Scout projects, and is active with Youth Volunteer Corps Hampton Roads. Ryan also enjoys playing chess and engaging in video games like Minecraft and Roblox. 

Elizabeth is a homeschooled junior who is CPR certified and committed to serving her community. She is active in her local suicide prevention walk and is actively involved in her church, where she has served for over five years. She also leads groups of elementary students during Vacation Bible School every summer.

Outside of her leadership activities, Elizabeth enjoys crafting personalized watercolor creations, reading, offshore fishing, and exploring issues like food distribution. These hobbies reflect her creativity and interest in making a difference in both local and broader communities.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to pursue a career as either a structural engineer or a pediatric counselor. 

Logan is a high school sophomore in the Governor's STEM Academy who is interested in a career in zoology or marine biology.

He is a PADI Advanced Open Water diver and a dedicated volunteer for the Virginia Zoo's Conservation Youth Team. He is a recipient of the Presidential Service Gold Medal and Congressional Award (Bronze Medal), having demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through his volunteer work both locally and overseas, and was also honored as a 2024 semifinalist for the Military Child of the Year award.

In his spare time, Logan enjoys video gaming, building Lego models, and studying history. 

Domenique is a high school sophomore and an ECNL soccer player with Richmond United. She has served in numerous student council roles and is active with Jack & Jill of America, where she currently serves as Parliamentarian.

She has been recognized with the Presidential Award of Excellence, Hampton Roads Workforce Council “Top 20 Under 20,” and multiple athletics and robotics awards. Passionate about leadership and service, Domenique has also contributed to projects with ForKids and her church.

Her future goals include playing soccer in college while studying sports management or administration, with aspirations of becoming a sports analyst or social media manager for a professional team.

Jack is a sophomore in the Science and Medicine Honors Academy. He has earned the President’s Honor Roll Award for Academic Excellence and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for the past four years. Active in leadership and service, he has volunteered with the Roc Solid Foundation, Riverside Hospital, and the Elizabeth River Project, and previously served as part of the Chesapeake Mayor’s Ambassadors group.

At school, Jackson is a percussionist in the marching band and has been selected to perform with the Bay Youth Organization, All-City, and All-District Band. He is also a member of Key Club, HOSA, and the Red Cross Association.

Outside of school, Jackson enjoys playing guitar, piano, and a wide range of percussion instruments. He hopes to study genetics or biomedical sciences in college and pursue a career as a genetic researcher.

Autumn is a sophomore and honor roll student who plays clarinet in her school’s marching band. She has earned first and second chair placements and has been selected for both All-City and All-District Band. In addition to her musical achievements, Autumn volunteers extensively with her band program, helping to raise funds through car washes, food service, and other activities.

 As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Autumn hopes to build confidence in public speaking and strengthen her leadership abilities.

Outside of band and academics, Autumn enjoys singing and is currently studying as a soprano at Chesapeake School of Music with a focus on Italian music. She also likes drawing, painting, writing, and traveling. After high school, Autumn plans to attend college to study occupational therapy.

Dennis is a homeschooled sophomore who serves in a leadership role with DeMolay International, a young 

men’s leadership fraternity. In this role, he helps plan events and coordinate fundraising efforts, gaining valuable experience in organization and teamwork. He is excited to use his leadership opportunities to help teach future leaders while also learning from his peers.

Dennis hopes to strengthen his leadership abilities, expand his perspective, and contribute to meaningful projects that make an impact in the community. He values the chance to collaborate with other teens who share a passion for growth and service.

Outside of his leadership activities, Dennis enjoys playing video games, reading, sports, and listening to music. These hobbies keep him balanced and creative while he pursues his academic and leadership goals.

Sedona is a high school freshman and a competitive ice hockey player who currently serves as the captain of her team. She has demonstrated exceptional skill, having been invited to play for the 19U Little Flyers team at the age of 12. Currently, she plays for the Triple A Washington Pride girls' ice hockey team and the Double A Warriors co-ed ice team.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Sedona excels academically, receiving the Superintendent's Award and Honor Roll. She is an active member of the Morning Announcement Club, contributing to school communication and engagement. 

Sedona enjoys a variety of hobbies, including field hockey, running, working out, reading, journaling, and traveling.