Class of 2019

Adia Vaughn is a sophomore that goes to Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. She is from Mesquite, Texas and her parents are Ronald and Velescher Vaughn. She is majoring in Biology and runs track and field for the Braves. As a freshman, Vaughn qualified for Indoor Nationals in the 60-meter dash and qualified for Outdoor Nationals in the 200-meter dash and the 100-meter dash. She is the KCAC champion in the 100 meters and holds the school records for the 400 and 200.

Rachel is originally from Fairfield, Ohio but currently lives in Richmond, Indiana for school. She plays soccer at Indiana University East and is majoring in Biochemistry with hopes to be an orthopedic surgeon. Rachel enjoys working with special needs children, and in the last year or two she’s grown extremely close to Jesus. Other goals she has set for herself include working in a private practice, along with helping as many people as she can through her profession and ministry.  

Juan is a biomedical engineering student and men's soccer player at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. He was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a Colombian household, speaking Spanish and English, he learned to work hard while showing humility in everything he does. He has learned several important values thanks to motivation from His father, Ivan, his mother, Luisa, and his older sister, Maria.  Juan has enjoyed studying and exploring various science and math courses throughout grade school and high school leading into college. Outside of school, his main hobbies have included playing soccer, running, and playing video games, especially with his friends. Going into college, Juan felt excited and he continues to look forward to applying himself in the challenging yet rewarding field of biomedical engineering to see how he can contribute to the growing demand of enhanced health applications.

Wyatt Bell is a 2017 graduate from Cimarron High School and is currently a sophomore at Tabor College. Wyatt is currently studying to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in both Biomedicine and Psychology, with the dream to continue his education at The University of Kansas Medical School. He aspires to become either an orthopedic surgeon or a general surgeon. While being a full-time student at Tabor College, Wyatt is also a member of the Tabor Bluejay football team, a tutor for the Biology and Chemistry department, a Presidential Leadership Scholar, and a member of the Science Club. He is an active volunteer at the Hillsboro Community Hospital in Hillsboro, Kansas and has completed internships at North Kansas City Hospital and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California.

Rodrigo Lima was born in Campinas, Brazil, in 1998. He is currently a student athlete from Park University, where he is part of the men's soccer team and majoring in International Business. Rodrigo feels It is a great honor to be an ambassador and to represent the American Red Cross, being able to help and chang people's lives. He is excited to organize the Red Cross blood drive and to show people the importance of donating blood.

Melissa (Missy) Emery is from Lebanon, OH and is currently a Sophomore at Mount Vernon Nazarene University majoring in Business Management and Public Relations. She currently competes for the Varsity Soccer and Track and Field teams playing center defender and running sprints. When not studying or playing sports Missy enjoys reading, watching The Crown, volunteering with her sports teams and raising and showing dairy goats with her Mom.

Marielis George is currently a sophomore attending La Sierra University. She is majoring in Bio-Health Science with an aspiration in becoming an orthopedic surgeon. When she’s not studying, Marielis enjoys playing Softball or learning new things. After graduating from La Sierra University, her goal is to return home and attend Valegos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Nyla Greer is currently a sophomore at Madonna University studying Early Childhood Education and Comprehensive Elementary Education. At Madonna University she is involved in numerous activities around campus including Student Ambassadors, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and Volleyball. Her dream is to become a third-grade teacher, then further her education to possibly become a principal or superintendent. Before Madonna University, Nyla attended West Bloomfield High School where she also played volleyball and stayed actively involved in the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a nonprofit organization that is aimed at improving race relations and driving social progress through athletics. Her main goal in life is to spread positive energy and be a helping hand to those in need. Nyla feels she is able to do this through different organizations, including the American Red Cross.

Brianna Heaviside is 20 years old and from Ontario, CA. Brianna attended Pomona Catholic High School in Pomona, CA, where she served as Senior Class President and captain of the softball team for 3 years and captain of the basketball team her senior year. She played softball for all 4 years of high school and was a starting player since her freshman year and received multiple First and Second Team All- League awards as well as First Team All- League in basketball. Brianna currently attends Marymount California University as a sophomore, where she plays softball as a middle infielder. At Marymount, she is studying to receive a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and has maintained a 3.4 GPA and was placed on the Dean's List for Spring of 2018. After obtaining her degree at Marymount, Brianna plans to attend medical school to practice in family medicine. She is honored and excited to work with the American Red Cross and hopes to bring good to the world by helping others.

Ali Ann Russell is from the beautiful state of Tennessee.  She is a Biology major with the intentions of going to medical school after she graduates college. Working alongside the American Red Cross is an incredible honor, and Ali is excited to see what she can offer this renowned organization and see where this once in a lifetime opportunity will lead her.

Stefanie Carballo was born and raised in Keller, Texas. She went to high school at Keller Central High School. Stefanie is currently a sophomore, majoring in Nursing at Culver- Stockton College. She plays on the women's soccer team and is also part of the Greek life community. Stefanie has been playing soccer since she was six years old and hasn’t stopped since. She is very grateful for this opportunity!

Henrietta McDonald wishes to give plenty of thanks to everyone who supported her. She feels it is a great honor to achieve this role and implement her time to make a small community a better place. Henrietta feels that this program will be very impactful and will permit more exposure to her academic career.