Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Eleven outstanding high school seniors from across the region have been selected as the newest members of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program at East Tennessee State University. These 11 students will join 29 returning Roan Scholars on campus in the fall as part of the prestigious four-year scholarship program.

“This fall marks 25 years since the Roan’s inaugural class started at ETSU,” said Executive Director Scott Jeffress. “As we celebrate that milestone, we also celebrate the legacy of excellence and impact that began with Mr. Louie Gump’s founding vision and that continues with current Roans and Roan alumni. We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2029 as they become part of that legacy.”

More than 1,000 high school seniors from across Tennessee and the bordering states of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia requested applications for the Roan last fall. Of those, 150 were selected for initial interviews in December, with 24 of the most outstanding candidates then being invited to campus for Roan Finalist Days in late January.

“Members of the Roan Class of 2029 bring a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements at local, state, and national levels. From starting new organizations and serving in executive roles for statewide student organizations to captaining multiple athletic teams, earning All-American honors, and volunteering with countless nonprofits and service organizations, they are already serving and leading well in their communities, and we look forward to seeing all the ways they will make a positive impact on the ETSU campus and our region in the years to come,” Jeffress added. Five of the 11 newest Roans are also the first-ever to be selected from their respective high schools.

The newest Roan Scholars are:

Josué Aguilar (Northview Academy, Sevierville) – Aguilar currently serves as Tennessee State Beta Club secretary, helping represent thousands of students across the state. He is also an accomplished athlete who serves as captain of his high school soccer team, plays on a local club team, and volunteers with TOPSoccer, a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. Aguilar is also passionate about justice and civic engagement, having interned with the Tennessee 4th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office. Whether mentoring younger students, organizing leadership initiatives, or fostering inclusivity, he continually works to uplift those around him. His soccer coach, Andrew Stokes, said of Aguilar, “Josué is the definition of a servant-leader—he always puts others first, leads with humility, and inspires everyone around him.”

 

Drew Armbrister (Greeneville High School, Greeneville) – A dedicated leader and athlete, Armbrister has made a lasting impact on his school and community through his commitment to service and leadership. As class president and captain of the Greeneville High School football team, he leads with humility, integrity, and a strong work ethic. His passion for football extends beyond the game—he thrives on the mental and strategic aspects of the sport, twice earning All-State honors and being selected as an All-American last fall. Off the field, he founded the Greeneville chapter of Warm Hands, Warm Hearts, which provides winter clothing for those in need. Armbrister is also involved in Youth Leadership Council and Greeneville High School’s Leadership Council. His school counselor, Tonya Ridley, said of Armbrister, “Drew shines without dulling or stealing the light of those around him—his leadership, humility, and dedication set him apart.”

Addison Bays (Twin Springs High School, Nickelsville, Va.) – An exceptional student, athlete, and leader, Bays is a three-sport team captain in basketball, volleyball, and tennis. She helped start her school’s tennis team and has worked to expand access to the sport in her community by fundraising for new courts. Inspired by her brother, Carson, Bays is also deeply passionate about inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, working to educate peers on interacting with and supporting individuals with special needs. Described by others as a natural leader, Bays serves as class vice president and an FCA speaker, using her platform to inspire others. Tyler Webb, a teacher and athletic director at Twin Springs High School, said of Bays, “Her attitude and discipline are worthy of success—she leads with heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to those around her.”

Audie Brown (Unicoi County High School, Erwin) – Motivated by a desire to serve others and create lasting change, Brown excels in community involvement as well as academics and athletics. As president of both the National Honor Society and the Ruri-Teen Club, he has played a key role in revitalizing student engagement by organizing school-wide leadership meetings and increasing community service initiatives. A standout student, Brown is passionate about health care and has shadowed multiple physicians as he aims to pursue a career in medicine. As a captain on the Unicoi County High School football team, he led by example, demonstrating perseverance and teamwork both on and off the field. His Ayers Foundation College Access Counselor, Jessie Sutherland, said of Brown, “Audie leads with humility and determination—he sees a need and takes action without hesitation, making him a leader his peers trust and admire.”

 

Kate Carter (Science Hill High School, Johnson City) – A leader and advocate for student engagement, Carter has served as both junior and senior student representative on the Johnson City School Board, where she has helped increase accessibility to extracurricular activities. She helped revitalize and now leads Science Hill’s Student Government Association, bringing together diverse student voices to impact school initiatives. Passionate about human connection and leadership, Carter has excelled as a dance instructor, mentoring young students and fostering confidence through movement. She is also a dedicated community volunteer, serving with organizations like Kids Against Hunger and the Johnson City Public Library. Dr. Rhiannon Hartman Dunn, a former Science Hill educator, said of Carter, “She carries herself with humility, patience, kindness, sincerity and integrity, and she shares her voice to fight for equity and access for all of her peers.”

 

Dayan Hernandez-Guarneros (Morristown-Hamblen High School West, Morristown) – Driven by a commitment to service, cultural awareness and advocacy, Hernandez-Guarneros strives to create inclusive spaces and uplift others in all she does. She founded her school’s Cultural Appreciation and Awareness Club, organizing events like International Night to celebrate diversity and bring the community together. As Tennessee HOSA state president representing more than 12,000 students, she has led statewide workshops and advocated for career and technical education in Washington, D.C. She enjoys expressing her creativity through music and art and believes in the power of storytelling. She has also placed nationally in speech competitions and was a Tennessee State BETA presidential candidate. Her HOSA state officer coach, Youstina Saber, said of her, “Dayan never seeks credit but always puts others first—she leads with vision, grace and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.”

 

Samara Kulbeda (Beech High School, Goodlettsville) – A curious and empathetic leader, Kulbeda balances academics, athletics and extracurriculars by focusing on how she is serving and supporting others through her activities. A volleyball team captain and coaches’ award recipient, Kulbeda is also an officer within the National Honor Society, a senior leader in Young Life and has competed multiple times at national-level DECA competitions. Additionally, she serves as co-manager of The Buc Stop, her school’s home for school-spirited merchandise and apparel, overseeing all sales and operations, and volunteers regularly at a local nursing home. “Samara has great empathy and is very attuned to how the people around her are feeling,” said AP U.S. history teacher Sandra Dickenson. “She is a leader who serves as a model for her peers and is able to motivate them.”

 

Noah Landry (Rockvale High School, Murfreesboro) – An outdoor enthusiast, Landry is an Eagle Scout and avid backpacker and rock climber. He has also competed in cross-country and sprint triathlons. At school, his leadership extends to organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Beta Club. Outside of school, Landry brings a tremendous work ethic to his jobs at a restaurant and local farmers market, while his service as a camp counselor—through scouting, church and other summer camps—both brings him great joy and allows him to coach, mentor and make a positive impact on younger students. Linda Veach, a Cub Scout day camp director, said of Landry, “Noah is a natural leader… His energy, dedication and ability to work with both peers and adults set him apart.”

 

Nancy Lazo (Rockvale High School, Murfreesboro) – A dynamic leader and tech enthusiast, Lazo has combined her passions for computer science, service and leadership to create meaningful change in her community. Her curiosity, dedication and persistence helped improve the product design for an AI-powered EdTech software tool. She also serves as an ambassador for tech nonprofit Potentia360 and later this spring will speak on the TEDxYouth stage. Lazo competes on her high school’s tennis team, is co-captain of the swim team, has served as both junior and senior editor of the yearbook, and was elected homecoming queen. Committed to service, she is a member of Youth Leadership Rutherford and is a peer leader in her community’s Martin Luther King Leadership Academy. Joumana Rahime, executive director of the STEM-centered nonprofit Potentia360, said of Lazo, “She exhibits exceptional leadership, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to growth, and her ability to balance leading and collaborating makes her an influential and respected peer.”

 

Lily Trembeczki (Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy, Biltmore Lake, N.C.) – Extremely curious and passionate about both learning and service, Trembeczki has excelled both in and out of the classroom. Vice president of the National Honor Society, she also volunteers extensively, from tutoring at the Enka Middle School Homework Diner to leading STEM activities for children at Buncombe County STEM Day. A Girl Scout and four-sport varsity athlete—soccer, cross-country, indoor and outdoor track—Trembeczki is also passionate about science and research, earning regional and state-level awards in DECA, HOSA, Science Olympiad and Distinguished Young Women competitions. Her teacher, Craig Orange, said of her, “Lily’s maturity, social ethics and integrity far exceed her years—she is a role model among her peers, always uplifting those around her.”

 

Ethan Tuell (Providence Academy, Johnson City) – An accomplished student-athlete, Tuell is the captain of his school’s cross-country and track teams, an all-state cross-country runner and school record holder in multiple events, and a bouldering enthusiast. Passionate about health and human performance, he is a certified nutritionist and is working toward a personal trainer certification. His love for music is also a significant part of his life—he has been a singer, guitarist and drummer in his school’s worship band; he volunteers at the ETSU Department of Pediatrics, playing guitar for patients and their families; and has recently started teaching guitar lessons. Tuell also volunteers with Kids Against Hunger, Mission to the World at Dayspring Mission Camp and in his church. “Ethan has a magnetic personality that draws people in,” said Eric Anderson, a teacher and coach at Providence. “He is humble, yet confident; strong, yet caring. He is a natural leader.”

About the Roan

“This is a special time for the Roan, as we celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary and continue to see the growth and expansion that Mr. Louie Gump envisioned—and the incredible accomplishments and impact that Roan Scholars and Roan alumni are making as they lead and serve,” said Roan Steering Committee Chair Mark Kinser. “We are so grateful to all of the high school officials, community leaders and other volunteers who are involved with the selection process—and to our supporters who give generously to provide the resources that sustain the program.”

The Roan inspires and empowers students to be leaders of excellence who will positively impact the ETSU campus, the region and the world. The Roan provides a full scholarship award for tuition, fees, room, board and books, and offers four years of unique, out-of-the-classroom experiences and opportunities designed to challenge and inspire students to grow and develop as leaders.

The Roan, which continues to be funded primarily by private donations, was established by the late Mr. Louie Gump in 1997. The first class of Roan Scholars entered in 2000. For more information, contact the Roan office at (423) 439-7677 or RoanScholars@etsu.edu, or visit the Roan website at RoanScholars.org.