Caroline Anderson is a junior at Smithfield Selma Senior High School who is passionate about pursuing a career in education. As a member of the innovative JoCo TEACH program she is actively working towards her teaching degree while finishing high school. She serves as Executive Secretary for Student Government, is a leader in First Priority and a member of National Honor Society. Beyond campus, Caroline is actively involved in community service and mission projects through Horne Memorial UMC. Her goal is to help students voice their opinions and help take them into account when making a decision. As a future educator she hopes this experience will help her in her own classroom by making sure her students are heard and supported. 

Evany Esparza is a junior at Randolph Early College High School and Randolph Community College, she advocates for higher consistency in teaching practices to support students facing language barriers. Evany is active in her school's tutoring club and will serve as a Peer Mentor to help incoming students succeed. She is a member of the National Beta Club, where she volunteers and placed in the top four nationally in Visual Arts. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Science Honor Society, participating in statewide events such as NC´s BioBlitz and NC´s Mushroom Quest, as well as the campus-wide Raven Recycling program. Evany is deeply committed to amplifying student voices and fostering meaningful opportunities for students within the public school system. Outside of school, she enjoys sculpture, painting, photography, and calligraphy, and she frequently volunteers at an education center that helps adults improve their English communication skills. 

Andy Hou is a rising senior at Green Hope High School in Cary, North Carolina. An active and motivated student leader, he is heavily involved in both his school and community. He currently serves as the Youth Vice President of the Chinese American Friendship Association (CAFA), the largest Chinese American organization in North Carolina, allowing him to make positive change in community service and impact. He also serves on the boards of the Green Hope Carolina for the Kids, Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, DECA, Amnesty International, and Speech and Debate, showing his dedication to educational excellence and impact. 

Anvith Narayana is a junior at Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina who is passionate about public policy and political advocacy. A decorated debater in Lincoln-Douglas, Anvith uses his skills in public speaking and argumentation to hold leadership in spaces like Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, and as President of his school's PTSA Student Leaders. Anvith has previously worked with international organizations like The Borgen Project as a Political Affairs intern, and continues to empower his community through advocacy work. 

Abby Smith is a junior at Weddington High School who is actively involved in leadership, music, and academic organizations. She serves as Historian for Tri-M Music Honor Society and is a member of the Marching Band Leadership Team. Abby is passionate about developing her leadership skills, supporting her community, and pursuing opportunities that allow her to grow both academically and personally. 

Rhea Watkins is a senior at Cedar Ridge High School in Orange County Schools and a dual enrollment student at Durham Technical Community College. She serves as President of her school’s Black Student Union, is a member of the Orange County Schools Student Advisory Council, and represents K–12 students as an advisor on the Orange County Cooperative Extension Advisory Board. Rhea was also selected as one of only 14 Junior Marshals in her class in recognition of her academic achievement and leadership. Passionate about educational equity and student advocacy, she volunteers as a student teacher and is dedicated to ensuring that student voices are represented in decisions that shape education across North Carolina.