Eric is a proud Kenyan who grew up with his family of five on the humid coast of Mombasa, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s rich food culture and history. From an early age, he made a point of exploring local cuisines whenever he had the opportunity, an experience that shaped both his identity and his creative interests.

Eric is passionate about examining how social media shapes young people’s perceptions of traditional cultural foods. As a food content creator with over 90,000 followers across platforms and more than 12 million views, he uses his platform to inspire young people in Kenya to cook for their families—not as a chore, but as a love language. He understands the power of storytelling through food and is intentional about presenting traditional Kenyan dishes in a positive light while encouraging other creators to do the same.

Beyond content creation, Eric enjoys photography, cooking for friends and family, and spending time in grocery stores discovering new ingredients. He is especially interested in building food ventures that are rooted in the cultures and communities they serve.

Eric is excited to be a Bezos Scholar so that he can “acquire skills that will enable him to scale his impact in the kitchen and beyond, as well as build long-lasting relationships.”

Growing up in Lesotho, Katleho was raised in a community where resilience is woven into everyday life, and care flows between families and neighbors. As the second of four children in a household shaped by hard work and shared responsibility, he learned to view leadership as a practice of care, presence, and showing up for others.

Katleho is passionate about reimagining how complex global challenges, including climate change and education equity, can be translated into human-centered, community-driven solutions. Grounded in empathy and intellectual curiosity, he approaches social problem solving through storytelling, research, and entrepreneurship.

Katleho focuses on expanding access to high quality early childhood education that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and climate awareness. He believes early childhood is the most formative stage for developing problem solvers, and that empowering children to question and explore real world challenges lays foundations for resilient communities. Over the past three years, Katleho has addressed early childhood education gaps by piloting climate focused, symbolic play lessons. His work earned global recognition, placing him in the 2025 Three Dot Dash Global Teen Leaders Program.

Katleho is excited to be a Bezos Scholar and “looks forward to sharpening his approach, collaborating with globally minded peers, and scaling his impact for long-term change.”

Montaha comes from Tunisia, a nation shaped by generations who fought collectively for freedom and dignity. Growing up immersed in this spirit taught her that the most meaningful change is always built together. This foundation continues to guide how she understands community, responsibility, and impact.

Montaha is deeply committed to dismantling the barriers that prevent women and girls in her region from accessing safety, opportunity, and their own voices. Having witnessed firsthand the gaps between women’s needs and the support available to them, she is determined to drive meaningful change in her community. She believes that perseverance and courage, not circumstance, should determine what a person can become.

An artist and athlete, Montaha is a national chess player, the captain of her soccer team, a poet, and a digital design enthusiast who also builds model airplanes. Academically, she has won multiple national and international mathematics Olympiads and is conducting research in computational physics. Alongside her team, she co-developed an affordable, high‑quality pregnancy support belt designed to ease strain during pregnancy. She speaks Arabic, French, English, and German.

Montaha is thrilled to be a Bezos Scholar because I believe this experience will help me turn the ideas I care most deeply about, such as equity, access, and innovation, into real, lasting change.”

Paris grew up in a close-knit family in Kampala, surrounded by a value-oriented community that taught her to lead with integrity and purpose. Raised in a household that honored its past while planning for its future, she developed a love for storytelling and the power of words as tools for expression.

Paris is passionate about improving access to healthcare and patient experiences for people with underlying conditions, particularly in underserved communities across Africa. After experiencing a period of paralysis that deeply affected her family, she became an advocate for increased investment in osteopathic research and an emphasis on prevention rather than cure.

She has contributed to her community through a water purification initiative expanding access to clean water and by managing a fundraiser, Fraternité (French for brotherhood), which helped students obtain school supplies. Paris has also served as a school judiciary member and Secretary for Women’s Affairs, where she advocated for fairness, student voice, and the well-being of young women. An avid lover of poetry, R&B music, and deep conversations, Paris values growth, creativity, and meaningful impact.

As a Bezos Scholar, Paris is “eager to grow as both a person and a leader while connecting with a community of changemakers”.

Uchenna, who goes by Barack, is a Nigerian German. He is passionate about the aviation industry, particularly exploring how air travel can become more accessible and efficient across the African continent, as well as the engineering intricacies behind aircraft development. His interest in aviation and engineering was fostered through a childhood filled with travel and museum visits, experiences that continue to inspire him. He further explored this passion through Space Center University at Space Center Houston, where he developed a stronger interest in aerospace systems and collaborative problem‑solving.

Committed to inclusion and global engagement, Barack served on the Equality and Diversity Committee at his previous school and now participates in the International Relations Council at his current school. As a 2026 Yale Young Global Scholar, he draws on his international experiences to engage thoughtfully in global dialogue.

Barack has a deep curiosity about the world and a wide range of interests, including playing football, chess, trivia, cooking, and traveling to new cities with his brother. He grew up in a close‑knit household with his parents and older brother and has lived in five countries—England, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland. This multicultural upbringing has shaped his outgoing, adaptable personality and his ability to connect easily with people from diverse backgrounds.

Barack is “overjoyed to be a Bezos Scholar because I will have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals with a similar drive and passion, engage in meaningful and insightful conversations, and build connections that will last a lifetime.”

Lehlabile is a South African Christian woman passionate about theatre, mathematics, and youth empowerment. She enjoys singing and has been part of choirs for over 15 years, an experience that has strengthened her confidence and belief that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. She is deeply committed to societal development and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

Lehlabile believes strongly in the power of the arts as a tool for empowerment. Through years of volunteering and serving as a peer tutor from grades 9–12, she witnessed firsthand the academic and personal challenges many young people face. These experiences shaped her belief that, with the right support and encouragement, youth can unlock their potential and become agents of change within their communities.

The youngest of five children, Lehlabile was raised by a mother who instilled the values of ubuntu (“I am because we are”), humility, resilience, and hard work. She grew up in Alexandra Township, a community that shaped her understanding of belonging and perseverance, and where teachers encouraged her to dream beyond her circumstances. Though she no longer lives there, it remains a grounding part of her identity.

In March 2024, Lehlabile participated in a service trip with Epworth Projects in Slidell, Louisiana, contributing to long-term disaster recovery efforts and learning from the resilience of affected families.

As an Entrepreneurial Leadership educator, Lehlabile is excited to be a Bezos Scholar, eager to strengthen her leadership, collaborate with peers, and create meaningful impact for students in South African schools.”

Siddhi is an Indian American student born and raised in California who values creativity, advocacy, and community. She grew up in an immigrant household with her parents, brother, and dog Fonzie, supported by a strong family foundation. She also found community through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and the Take Steps community in Orange County and Los Angeles after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age twelve. These experiences shaped her sense of belonging, resilience, and dedication to advocacy.

She is most passionate about education and the rights of students with disabilities, aiming to improve how schools support students with invisible and chronic disabilities and to expand resources for teachers through testimony‑based and interactive learning tools. She is especially committed to using her voice to create positive change within the education system.

Siddhi founded Behind the Story, which raises awareness about chronic conditions through art workshops and has helped raise $3,000 while leading a student team across Southern California.

In her free time, Siddhi enjoys exploring art, particularly colored-pencil sketches and found-object art, using each piece to tell a story. She is excited to be a Bezos Scholar, “to strengthen my leadership and deepen my advocacy alongside fellow changemakers.”

Celia is a Southern California native raised in a culturally diverse community that shaped her passion for creating inclusive spaces. Growing up in an environment that emphasized resourcefulness influenced her approach to problem-solving, balancing thoughtful planning and adaptability.

An active leader in her school’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, Celia expanded community exposure to student work by implementing her campus’s inaugural VAPA Week and Art Showcase. She is passionate about mentoring young artists and future educators, believing creativity is unlocked through knowledge and sustained growth rather than perfection.

Celia is also committed to creating learning experiences that encourage students to engage beyond screens and reconnect with hands‑on, analog processes, which she believes foster deeper thinking, creativity, and a stronger connection to the world around them. A dedicated art educator, Celia enjoys immersive experiences such as traveling, concerts, and escape rooms, as well as rewatching episodes of The Office with her husband and dog.

As a Bezos Scholar, she is “excited for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while gaining practical strategies and insights to strengthen arts education in my community.”

Alae is a Moroccan American who grew up in Las Vegas, surrounded by a close-knit community. Growing up as an immigrant in one of the most diverse cities in the country, she developed a strong sense of cultural awareness and appreciation that continues to shape her worldview. These experiences fuel her dedication to building spaces for youth—regardless of socioeconomic status—that encourage leadership, personal growth, and self-discovery.

Alae is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for young people to enjoy being young, even in a fast-paced and often tumultuous world, with the ultimate goal of fostering connected, safe, and supportive communities. Her experience navigating youth spaces within adult-centered environments has strengthened her commitment to advocating for communities where young people feel safe to exist, grow, and simply be.

She is proud of her involvement in Speech and Debate, including consecutively winning speech competitions, founding a Speech and Debate club at her former high school, and being an active member of the club at her current school.

In her free time, she volunteers at her local library and finds solace in discovering new music and getting immersed in stories through film and literature. Alae is excited to be a Bezos Scholar because she is “eager to learn from peers and mentors, build meaningful friendships, and apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to uplift and serve her community.”

Having called Las Vegas home since the 1970s, Melissa has witnessed the city’s remarkable evolution, growing alongside it while forming lifelong friendships and deep community ties. Educated in Catholic institutions from grade school through college, she developed a strong foundation rooted in discipline, service, and intellectual curiosity—values that continue to shape her work as an educator.

Melissa chose to teach at a Title I school because of her deep commitment to educational equity and the transformative power of access to opportunity. She takes pride in creating classroom environments where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As an English teacher, Melissa’s love of literature fuels her teaching practice. She finds great joy in helping students discover the power of language and storytelling while strengthening their confidence in literacy and critical thinking. Her career reflects a belief that meaningful relationships, resilience, and purpose-driven work are central to both personal fulfillment and lasting community impact. She is particularly proud of the strong relationships she has built with her students and the measurable academic growth they have achieved.

Melissa is excited to be a Bezos Scholar because “it offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate with passionate changemakers, expand my impact as an educator, and bring transformative ideas back to my students and community.”

Uchenna, who goes by Uche, is a Nigerian American who was raised in suburban Cincinnati and guided by his two older sisters. He values the cultural diversity of his town, which has strongly influenced the way he understands and connects with people.

Uche is deeply passionate about prevention, with a focus on addressing youth suicide, substance misuse, and gun violence. His advocacy centers on expanding access to mental health supports and creating environments where young people can speak openly, receive help early and thrive without stigma.

He is the founder of the Let’s Listen Project, leading volunteers in hosting storytelling activities at retirement communities across Fairfield. Uche also serves as a teacher’s aide at Fairfield Compass Elementary School, where he supports and learns alongside a third‑grade ELA class.

Uche enjoys writing poetry, cooking, and traveling. He is deeply passionate about youth advocacy and storytelling. He hopes to involve more young people in policy by helping them find the courage to share their stories and turn those stories into action. He is excited to be a Bezos Scholar to “learn from other young leaders, develop a prevention‑focused change project, and create meaningful impact in my community.”

As a first‑generation college graduate, Stacey is deeply aware of the power of education to enable social mobility and transform lives. This perspective fuels her commitment to advocating for students of all backgrounds and abilities and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.

Stacey is a passionate educator dedicated to public education and civic participation. She spent the past 12 years teaching American Government and Civics, Psychology, and Sociology, where she values the diversity and opportunities within her community. She recently earned a master’s degree in education with a concentration in social justice, further strengthening her ability to support students and engage in meaningful educational leadership.

In addition to her teaching, Stacey co‑advises the Junior Class Council and is actively involved in her local teachers’ union at the local, regional, and national levels.

She enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and engaging with both fine and performing arts. Stacy is honored to be a Bezos Scholar and “looks forward to learning alongside a cohort of student and educator scholars while supporting my student, Uche, as he develops his leadership skills and creates meaningful change in our community.”

Audrey is Korean American and, though born in New York, grew up in Los Angeles with her parents and two younger sisters. As a proud Angeleno, she loves the diverse community she comes from and is inspired by the people around her every day.

Audrey is passionate about expanding access to public speaking resources for Los Angeles youth. Through her extensive experience in public speaking, she has seen the power of youth voices and storytelling, and it is her mission to ensure that all young people, regardless of socioeconomic status, can confidently speak up for themselves.

Audrey enjoys public speaking, songwriting, playing multiple instruments, and spending time with her family. She has proudly served as class president for the past three years and is excited to continue in this role through her final year of high school. She is also an active member of her school’s Speech and Debate community, where she has deepened her passion for public speaking, placed at several tournaments, and qualified twice for the National Speech & Debate Tournament.

Audrey is “beyond honored to be a Bezos Scholar and is excited to work, learn, and grow with a group of dedicated youth leaders from across the country and Africa.”

Kristen was born and raised in the diverse heart of the San Fernando Valley, where she graduated from the very school where she now teaches. She identifies as a wife, a mother of four, and a high school Physical Education teacher and ASB advisor, and she believes that movement, mindfulness, and connection empower people to live their best lives.

Kristen is passionate about redefining student life on campus by making activities more inclusive, impactful, and accessible, beginning in her ASB and PE classes. She believes that when students feel connected, valued, and supported, they are empowered to radiate that positive energy throughout their campus, community, and beyond.

In recent years, Kristen has guided student leaders in creating new, inclusive events that improve school culture, including a music festival and athletic events that spotlight students who may not usually receive recognition. She also designed a mindfulness-based yoga curriculum to support student well-being, which was recently approved by the school board to begin next year.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking local mountains, camping at the beach, and crafting at her kitchen table. Kristen is excited to be a Bezos Scholar so she can “grow personally and as a leader, bringing back meaningful tools that empower students and strengthen our school community.”

Leonardo is the son of Mexican and Costa Rican parents, and his bilingual, multicultural identity shapes everything he does. Growing up in Carrollton and Lewisville, Leonardo has been surrounded by a vibrant Latino community that reflects his heritage.

Leonardo is passionate about improving academic outcomes for multilingual students at his school by expanding access to tutoring and mentorship. After witnessing many students’ struggles or attending summer school due to limited support, he is committed to building a school‑wide system that ensures every student has the resources needed to succeed.

He is proud to have founded his school’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutoring Club, which has significantly improved academic outcomes for multilingual students. Leonardo is also a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a regional clinical nursing competition medalist, and a recipient of the Barbara James Service Award for his dedication to public health service.

Having attended the same charter school since kindergarten, Leonardo values the long‑standing relationships and strong sense of belonging that have shaped his upbringing. He enjoys playing soccer, spending time with family, and bringing joy to children through his work in his family’s party entertainment business. As a Bezos Scholar, he is “excited to gain the tools and guidance needed to expand his ESL mentorship initiative and create lasting change in his community.”

Anna is from Dallas, Texas and is a proud first‑generation student from a Mexican immigrant family, whose upbringing instilled resilience, strong cultural values, and a deep respect for education.

Anna is a dedicated science teacher who is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for all students, particularly through hands‑on learning and science research. She values curiosity, perseverance, and community, and works to inspire students to see themselves as future scientists and leaders.

She is most passionate about improving access to high‑quality STEM education and research opportunities for students from underrepresented and first‑generation backgrounds. Having seen how limited access and support can hold capable students back, Anna believes that with the right opportunities, students can achieve far beyond what they imagine. She is proud of leading her students to compete at regional and state science fairs, with many advancing and earning top placements while representing their school and community.

Anna also serves as a Society for Science Advocate, supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds while building STEM-focused programs and strengthening student leadership through the student council. She is excited to be a Bezos Scholar to grow as a leader while gaining tools, mentorship, and a network to expand opportunities for her students and community.”

Vrinda is from the Rio Grande Valley, where the community feels close and personal, but where many people do not always feel represented or included in decision‑making processes. Growing up in this environment shaped her belief that communities are stronger when more voices are part of the conversation.

Vrinda is passionate about civic engagement and believes in making it easier for people, especially young people, to have their voices heard. She enjoys public speaking and advocacy as tools for drawing attention to issues affecting her community.

Vrinda is particularly passionate about making voter participation and community involvement more accessible and inclusive. Seeing how limited representation can impact communities motivated her to advocate for broader participation and leadership opportunities. She currently serves as the State President of Business Professionals of America, representing student leaders across Texas and advocating for student voice at the state level. Vrinda has also served as president of a local Youth Committee Board, focusing on cultural representation, while remaining actively involved in dance as a form of personal expression.

As a Bezos Scholar, she “looks forward to developing my leadership skills while gaining the perspective needed to create meaningful change in my community.”

Ariana, who goes by Ari, is a proud Mexican American educator and librarian dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and innovative library where all students feel empowered to learn and grow. She is from the Rio Grande Valley, where strong family ties and a rich cultural heritage shape her values and perspective. Deeply connected to her community, Ari is committed to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that reflect the resilience, diversity, and spirit of the students she serves.

Ariana is passionate about literacy, library innovation, and civic engagement, driven by experiences that have shown her the importance of access, representation, and belonging in helping every student thrive.

She is proud to have secured grant funding to support literacy and media initiatives at both UTRGV Collegiate Academy and Lamar Academy, expanding opportunities for student learning and engagement. She has also led impactful, culturally centered programs that promote literacy, student voice, and meaningful connection across her campuses.

Outside of work, Ari enjoys reading, staying active, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns alongside her son, who attends the University of Texas at Austin. She is excited to be a Bezos Scholar to “be better prepared as a school leader, strengthening my ability to advocate for students through project-based learning and transformative professional development.”

Sanaa is a first‑generation refugee from Iraq and identifies as Muslim. She has had the opportunity to live in a variety of cultural environments. A proudly adopted Texan, she has been exposed to artistic expression, financial development, astronomical exploration, and medical investigation, all of which have shaped her worldview.

She is committed to serving the underserved, particularly individuals with limited ability to advocate for themselves, and is motivated to improve the quality of life through medical-focused efforts. She is deeply interested in the medical research world and hopes to use it to assist both developing and developed countries while addressing the lack of accessibility in healthcare.

At school, Sanaa holds multiple leadership positions, including involvement in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Student Council, and the Muslim Student Association, and has founded outreach programs to support her community. She enjoys exploring “the gap” in all things, going on runs, painting, reading, and learning through curiosity.

She is “more than thrilled to become a Bezos Scholar and looks forward to learning alongside others while representing positive, community focused change.”

A native Louisianian, Jennifer has spent the past 24 years in Katy, Texas, watching the city evolve into a diverse, multicultural community and a meaningful place to raise a family. As an experienced educator with 27 years of teaching and student support, Jennifer is an avid reader and documentary fan. She enjoys teaching AP Language and Composition and 9th‑grade Pre-AP English while continuously seeking opportunities for students to contribute to their community and grow as leaders.

Jennifer is passionate about supporting students, particularly in helping more female students become involved in organizations and ensuring students who are struggling academically or personally have the support and space they need. Over the past three years, she is most proud of the growth she has witnessed in her students and their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom. She was honored to be named Teacher of the Year on her campus for the 2025–2026 school year, representing both her colleagues and the school community.

She is excited to participate in the Bezos Scholars Program alongside Sanaa and “hopes her students’ dreams will come to fruition, inspiring lasting, positive change throughout their school and community.”

Growing up on the east side of San Jose, Vunal, a Sri Lankan American, was raised in a socioeconomically diverse community shaped by many cultures and limited resources. As a student at a Title I high school, he has seen how creativity often fills the gaps left by limited funding and opportunities, which has shaped his desire to expand access to education.

Vunal is especially passionate about increasing access to STEM education and improving community awareness around brain health in underserved communities. After working directly with Alzheimer’s disease patients at the University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, he saw how a lack of awareness can delay care and became motivated to turn education into a tool for prevention.

He is also passionate about understanding how math connects to real‑world challenges, particularly in improving health, and enjoys making new ideas approachable for others through tutoring, organizing rallies, and lab work. Over the past three years, Vunal has been his class and ASB treasurer. Now serving as Associated Student Body President, he also leads math and physics clubs, and built a growing online following by sharing educational math and physics animations. He also founded Neuro Nova, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about brain health.

Vunal enjoys music, working out and participating in school events. He is “excited to be a Bezos Scholar and eager to grow alongside others committed to meaningful, lasting change.”

Quang Vu is a dedicated science educator who finds joy in exploring the intersection of technology and the natural sciences. Quang teaches at Silver Creek High School, a vibrant community where many students are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and he is deeply committed to ensuring his students have access to meaningful, high‑quality STEM learning opportunities.

Quang is passionate about expanding access to hands‑on STEM education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. He is motivated by his belief that breaking down barriers to scientific resources empowers the next generation of problem solvers to address pressing global challenges. Over the past three years, Quang has transformed his AP Environmental Science curriculum by integrating immersive, project‑based learning focused on biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems. He has also partnered with the nonprofit Engineering Tomorrow to bring cost-free engineering labs to his students, including a featured project in which students designed electric vehicles to explore sustainable energy.

Outside the classroom, Quang enjoys staying active by playing badminton, pickleball or biking. He is thrilled to be a Bezos Scholar and “looks forward to collaborating with a diverse cohort of leaders while gaining new perspectives to better advocate for his students and community.”

Jean-Carlo is an Indigenous Mexican American who grew up in a large family of seven. One of his favorite dishes to cook with his family is traditional Mole Poblano. A proud Californian from South Central Los Angeles, he was raised amid vibrant cultures and diversity, shaping his deep love for the city he calls home.

Jean-Carlo is passionate about educational equity, politics and civic engagement. He has witnessed how underfunding and poverty deprioritize education in under-resourced communities. He is dedicated to breaking down these barriers so students can thrive regardless of circumstance.

He served as an assemblyman in California’s YMCA Youth & Government program, where he successfully lobbied for and passed legislation requiring the UC system to divest state funds from companies tied to serious violations of international humanitarian law. He also helped pass a bill protecting students by restricting ICE agents’ entry into school buildings. Through this work, he has advocated for policies that directly protect and uplift his community.

Jean-Carlo is excited to join the Bezos Scholars Program and “is eager to learn new leadership skills, connect with like-minded community leaders from across the globe, and create a passion project rooted in giving back to my community.”

Never afraid to represent la raza, Christian is a Chicano educator, proud to represent his family and community in his actions and commitments. Christian is passionate about providing a platform for multilingual students who are left out of instruction due to limited access and resources. Growing up surrounded by nothing but students whose first language was Spanish, he is determined to ensure students are actually supported as they deserve.

Christian enjoys serving as a soccer coach and a coding instructor to kids in the Los Angeles area. He regularly volunteers at his local library, taking his daughter along for the ride.

He is a family man at heart, spending as much time as he can with his loved ones, and you’re likely to find him playing baseball or soccer on any available field.

As a Bezos Scholar, Christian “sees this program as a wonderful platform to amplify voices that are tapped into what the needs of the community are on the everyday level, and to bring about that desired change.”

Mohammad, also known as Sami, was raised in a first-generation household by immigrant parents. Sami draws strength from his family’s resilience and is deeply connected to the diverse city of Philadelphia, which he proudly calls home.

Sami is deeply curious about the environment and enjoys exploring how climate systems shape the world around us. He is passionate about helping first‑generation students develop a strong interest in science and see it as a pathway to uplift their communities.

Sami is most passionate about expanding access to science education for students from underrepresented and first‑generation backgrounds. Having navigated limited access to opportunities in his own community, he is committed to building inclusive spaces where all students can pursue their interests and succeed. He currently serves as president of his school’s Science Honor Society and is the founder of Climate4Philly, an initiative that makes environmental research and education more accessible to students across Philadelphia.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Sami works to bridge opportunity gaps and empower students to engage meaningfully with climate science. He is “thrilled to be a Bezos Scholar because it will allow me to strengthen my leadership skills, collaborate with driven peers, and expand my impact to create lasting change in my community.”

Nick grew up in the small town of Springfield, Ohio, with his two brothers and parents. Being surrounded by hardworking people from a young age helped instill in him the values of perseverance and dedication, which continue to shape his approach as an educator and mentor. He strives to model these values for his students in and out of the classroom.

Nick is a science educator passionate about helping young scientists foster curiosity in science and using what they learn to challenge and expand their understanding of the universe. Nick is also deeply interested in creating as many opportunities as possible for students to continue pursuing their education beyond high school.

Nick is particularly passionate about expanding access to physics education at both the secondary and post‑secondary levels. He believes that understanding the universe at a fundamental level should be available to anyone interested, regardless of socioeconomic status.

In his community, Nick serves at a local food pantry, helping create a safe and welcoming environment for people to gather and connect. He enjoys attending live music performances, exploring new restaurants and cuisines and going on walks. He is excited to be a Bezos Scholar, “so he can combine his passion for science and service to create meaningful impact while connecting with like‑minded peers from around the world.”

Keraud grew up in a strong Ethiopian and Christian community that played a significant role in shaping his faith, confidence, sense of identity and connection to his cultural roots. Being surrounded by others with similar backgrounds has influenced how he approaches learning, encouraging curiosity, discipline, and growth both in and out of school.

Keraud is particularly interested in computer science, especially coding and web development, and enjoys building projects that challenge his thinking. He is passionate about helping students stop comparing themselves to others and recognize that their individual paths do not have to follow anyone else’s timeline. Having seen how pressure and comparison can cause doubt, Keraud wants others to understand that there is still time and support available to grow and succeed.

Keraud is also involved in sports and school activities and values pushing himself to grow across different areas of his life. He is proud of his involvement in athletics, extracurricular activities, and leadership and mentorship roles that allow him to encourage and support other students.

He is excited to be a Bezos Scholar so that he can grow as a leader and create meaningful change in his community.”

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Laura left her hometown at 18 and has since lived in Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Maryland. Each place has shaped her perspective, particularly her time in Alabama, where meeting icons of the Civil Rights Movement deepened her appreciation for history, dialogue, and social change.

Laura is passionate about addressing polarization in the United States and believes meaningful progress can come from sharing meals and engaging in guided, respectful conversations across difference. She holds a minor in Black Studies from Penn State and remains deeply engaged in continued learning about Black history and its relevance today. Laura brings creativity, curiosity, and care into her work as a librarian, believing libraries should be welcoming, inclusive spaces that foster understanding and connection.

Laura serves on two Boards of Trustees, including the Anne Arundel County Public Library system, where she supports expanded services, new library projects, and initiatives such as the dedication of a Malcolm X wall in Annapolis. She also serves on the Severn Crest HOA Board, helping older residents navigate community needs, safety concerns, and access to resources.

Laura enjoys scrapbooking, rug hooking, writing, poetry, and dance. As a Bezos Scholar, she is “thrilled to support students as they build leadership skills while continuing to learn alongside them.”

As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Jordina was born in Barcelona, Spain, and moved to the United States at age five. Growing up across multiple cultures and languages has deeply shaped her identity, and living in the diverse city of Orlando fosters pride in her heritage while inspiring her to celebrate and uplift others’ identities.

Jordina enjoys learning languages, including Spanish and American Sign Language, as a way to connect more deeply with her community. She is especially passionate about reducing language insecurity and challenging stigmas surrounding accents. Witnessing peers abandon language learning due to discomfort, and seeing immigrants limit themselves because of their accents, has motivated her to advocate for language as a bridge to opportunity rather than something to hide.

In her community, Jordina leads several initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices. She serves as Co-president for the Helping the Homeless Project, which has raised over $8,500 and distributed more than 1,450 care packages. She is also involved with REACH of Central Florida, where she helps plan large-scale Asian cultural festivals.

An accomplished musician, Jordina has won state competitions in piano, violin, cello, and viola, and enjoys performing to bring people together. As a Bezos Scholar, she is excited to “connect with an inspiring cohort that will expand my definition of leadership, while gaining new perspectives that will help me invent the solutions needed to drive a tangible impact in my community.”

Kimberly, who goes by Kimber, was adopted from the Philippines by an American family stationed in Okinawa, Japan. From a young age, she witnessed the power of multilingual and multicultural exchange, having hosted nearly 50 international students alongside her family.

Kimber thrives on helping students connect across disciplines through the study of language, culture, and heritage. She believes that language learning opens pathways for students to discover their passions while exploring music, history, visual arts, literature, and dance. Kimber views the study of languages as a magnifying glass—one through which students can examine who they are, deepen their sense of self-worth, understand the world more profoundly, and find meaning across difference.

Kimber is especially proud of sponsoring her school’s chapter of the Spanish Honor Society. She values watching native and heritage speakers build friendships with non- native speakers as they collaborate toward the shared goal of strengthening their school community.

Kimber is delighted to become a Bezos Scholar to “deepen her love of learning, teaching and growing alongside colleagues and other scholars for the betterment of her community.”