Sutton Trust US

Programme

Participants Attending

US Universities in

2016-17

Debo Adebola – Cornell University

Swanscombe, South East England (The Judd School)

Debo Adebola is a student from North Kent who has demonstrated an interest in studying aeronautical engineering in North America from the age of 15, successfully applying to engineering summer schools in both North Carolina and Toronto. Debo comes from a very generation-minded Nigerian family, wherein respect for one's elders is essential; being the first in his family to apply to university, his parents have it in mind for him to attend university to focus on his academic work. However, the US offers a vibrant community environment that supports participation in sports, allowing Debo to enjoy athletics, basketball and soccer without letting down his parents. Debo's sporting prowess was highlighted by his bronze medal in the Kent School Games last year.

Flora Allum – Emory University

Gerrards Cross, South East England (Dr.Challoner's High School)

Flora Allum has lived in Buckinghamshire, England all her life. She is in the first generation of her family to go to university and is excited about the opportunities a US university education can offer her. Flora became interested in studying in the US when she heard about the programme. She is a key member of her school community, running a dance club every week as well as mentoring a Year 7 student for maths. Last year she founded a knitting club which was a huge success, and this year she hopes use it as a way of raising money for Age UK. She does over seven hours of dance classes each week and it is a passion that she would love to carry on at university. She would like to study physics

further at university as well as other interests including religion, history of art and French.

Valavan Ananthakumaraswamy – Stanford University

Enfield, Greater London (Queen Elizabeth's School)

Valavan Ananthakumaraswamy is from Edmonton, London, UK. His family is originally from Sri Lanka, but were displaced by the civil war. Valavan sees his community service as the most important part of him. He is Chief Operating Officer of The Youth Project (TYP) – an organisation he helped found in February 2014 and now runs in eight countries. He runs the Schools Project with TYP which runs in two universities and thirty schools across the world. He plays the Mridangam, a South Indian instrument, where he has Grade 8 Distinction and holds the professional title “Miruthanga Kalajothy”. He is also a black-belt martial arts practitioner. The opportunity to study in America is

invaluable for Valavan because he is very keen on studying under a liberal arts curriculum and the opportunities in terms of extra-curricular, study abroad, community service and internship provisions are ideal for him. He is interested in studying economics, philosophy and physics – a combination which he can only do in the US.

Katrina Arman – University of Pennsylvania

West Malling, South East England (Invicta Grammar School)

Katrina Arman hails from the small town of Kings Hill in rural Kent, and will be the first in her family to attend university. Her diverse background, with parents from Russia and Ukraine, means she is able to fluently speak three languages and has a passion for international study. She is the captain of her all-star cheerleading team which has managed to become National, European and International Grand Champions in one season. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and runs several online businesses, as well as being finance and accounts manager of her nationally recognised Young Chamber business network, which aims to give youth a voice in the world of business. She wants to major in

economics and has been inspired to go into investment banking after undertaking work experience with Morgan Stanley and HSBC. Katrina is particularly excited about the liberal arts system as she wants to learn many disciplines and be part of a varsity sports team.

Charlotte Babarinsa – Oberlin College

Liverpool, North West England (The Liverpool Blue Coat School)

Charlotte Babarinsa is a native of Liverpool and will be the first in her family to attend university. Being an active member of her community, Charlotte has enjoyed working on projects such as Liverpool Community Spirit and the Anthony Walker Foundation, joining people in her local area to combat racism. She is also an enthusiastic member of her school choir, representing her school in Austria. Charlotte comes from a dual-heritage family, of Nigerian and British descent. Her interest in studying in the US started three years ago when she came across the US-UK Fulbright Commission website but was reignited when talking to a former member of the programme. One of the reasons she is

attracted to studying in the US is the liberal arts system where she will be able to explore her wide range of interests further. She is also looking forward to joining more community projects throughout her time university.

Walid Bajjani – NYU Abu Dhabi

London (Burlington Danes Academy)

Walid Bajjani is an aspiring computer scientist with a strong interest in the economy. Born and raised in London, he will be the first in his family to attend university. Throughout his childhood and teen years he has participated in a variety of sports and extra-curricular clubs including volunteering internationally on an exclusive project in South Africa funded by the Royal Air Force. He has competed nationally in taekwondo for the past eight years and is now a corporal in the Air Training Corps. He is an active member of the schools’ student body; being Head Boy has allowed him to give back to his school community through delegation of the school council and giving public speeches to parents on open

days. Walid comes from a close-knit Moroccan/Lebanese family with a strong faith in Islam at the core of his identity. One of the reasons he is attracted to a US university is the ability to combine his love for economics without compromising a degree in computer science. However, he also appreciates the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects such as philosophy and geography before deciding on a particular major.

Lauren Bartley – Wellesley College

Ashby-de-la-Zouch, East Midlands (Ashby School)

Lauren Shushila Bartley is a student from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire who enjoys writing philosophical poetry and organising projects aimed at tackling problems within education. Lauren holds several leadership roles, having become Student Council Leader and Deputy Head of House and aims to introduce a student support system to her school in order to help the high number of students suffering mental health issues and exam anxiety. She is also leading a team on their month-long expedition to Borneo where they will be taking part in a self-designed charity project as well as experiencing rainforest treks and living in small communities. She will be one of the first members of

her school to apply to US institutes and believes that a US university will allow her to become a stronger and more rounded individual and that the liberal arts curriculum will give her more opportunities to find her passion.

James Bedford – Harvard College

Torquay, South West England (Torquay Boys' Grammar School)

James Bedford is a 16-year-old IB and Nuffield Health Research Scholar who lives on a sailing boat in Devon. He is the fourth from his school to successfully be part of the Sutton Trust US Programme, following three Harvard students, and will be the first in his family to go to university. James is a prominent member of school government, the first student to join the parent government and the only tutor in his school. He is an active rock-climber, swimmer, sailor, computer programmer, swimming coach and guitarist. He became interested in the US after attending Fulbright’s USA College Day and talking to the previous Sutton Trust students from his school. With his broad range of interests -

prominently biomedical science and economics - James feels the US will facilitate his wish to continue pursuing his interests and help him avoid the more niche specialisation found in the UK.

Alisha Blades – Hamilton College

Craigavon, Northern Ireland (Lismore Comprehensive School)

Alisha Blades hails from Craigavon, Northern Ireland, and currently attends Lismore Comprehensive School, where she acts as Head Girl and has been Chairperson of the Student Council for two years, achieving everything from more affordable lunches to leading the Free Year 13 campaign. Her heart belongs to science: studying biology, chemistry, maths and physics in the hopes of one day becoming a medicinal chemist, a career path introduced to her by her placement at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast. She serves on her local district youth council, which not only aims to represent the youth of Craigavon, but also to bring together Catholic

and Protestant youths in the area through inclusive recruitment. In her spare time, Alisha can be found teaching herself the guitar, piano and cello, or foraging for vinyls in one of Belfast's many record shops. Alisha is the first in her school to apply to university in the US and feels the US will be a great fit for her as she wishes to study not only her one true love – chemistry – but also dabble in the arts.

Laura Block – Columbia University

Cambridge, East of England (Hills Road Sixth Form College)

Laura Block was born in Germany and moved to Cambridge in the spring of 2001. Laura is an active member of her local community and volunteers within her church and youth group, often leading the worship through her passion for music. She has held the roles of School Prefect and Council Representative and is also very passionate about sports, spending much of her time at the gym as well as playing for her school hockey team. Laura was awarded the Principal’s Prize for Academic Excellence for achieving the highest exam results in her secondary school and now tutors GCSE students on top of her part-time job. Most recently, she was highly commended in the University of Cambridge

Robinson College Essay Prize and hopes to pursue her love for English literature as a major in the US. She is also looking forward to immersing herself in American culture and joining an acapella group.

Shayde Brown – Williams College

Redhill, South East England (Reigate College)

Shayde Brown will be the second in her family to attend university and the first in her college to apply to US institutions. She has a keen interest in baking and wants to become a pastry chef when she is older, possibly owning a pâtisserie in France. This would combine her passions for baking and the French language, which is one of the subjects she intends to study at university. Spending almost five years of her childhood abroad in Europe is a crucial part of her identity and sparked her interest in learning languages. She also loves learning about cultures and believes that studying French in the USA will allow her to learn about two foreign cultures both inside the classroom and outside

the classroom, and through study abroad opportunities to France.

Ibrahim Butt – Duke University (Robertson Scholarship Recipient)

Blackburn, North West England (Cardinal Newman College)

Ibrahim Butt is an ambitious young man from Blackburn, Lancashire. He is from a large working class family of ten and is in the first generation of his family to attend university. In addition to numerous academic pursuits, his extra-curricular activities extend to founding a community organisation called 2020 Vision. Ibrahim is a firm believer in the strength and capabilities of young people and, through his organisation, hopes to engage young people in social action projects throughout Lancashire. He also sits on the board of directors of a regional youth development initiative and has had the opportunity to represent the UK on exchanges in Bosnia, Germany and Tunisia. He has established a

new Human and Political Social Science Society at his college and introduced the Model United Nations to students. Ibrahim would like to pursue a US liberal arts degree, respected globally for its strengths in a broad range of disciplines. The Sutton Trust US Programme has intensified his passion to experience education in a new cultural setting. A diligent and dedicated learner, Ibrahim believes in the power of a global education.

Alejandro Carruthers-Hierro – Lafayette College

London (Chancellor's School)

Alex Carruthers-Hierro is from Barnet in North London, but is also highly proud of his Spanish heritage and bilingual abilities. He will be the first person in his family to attend a university, and the first in his school to apply to an American college. Alex has undertaken many extra-curricular activities, many of which have allowed him to become heavily involved in the immediate local community. These include completing Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the Jack Petchey Award. Alex was also Head Chorister at the Barnet St. John the Baptist Church all-male choir, singing in cathedrals all over the UK. To add to his musical abilities, he also plays the bass in a small group and would

love to continue wherever he ends up. Alex is a highly sporty person and uses his athletic hobbies as a form of letting off some steam after a hard day’s work; football, rugby, tennis and basketball to name a few, not to mention his love for the Chicago Bears American football team. One of the reasons Alex is attracted to the US is because of the liberal arts system and the fact he can study many subjects in which he has an interest, in addition to the one he will major in.

Daisy Catling-Allen – Vassar College

Basingstoke, South East England (Queen Mary's College)

Daisy Catling-Allen comes from the small village of Oakley, near Basingstoke. She will be the first person in her family to go to university and the first to apply to the US. Daisy is proud of her efforts to improve student-staff communications, which she has achieved by becoming both a Deputy Head Girl and a Welfare Officer in her school and college respectively. Her family is very close and she has been inspired by this familiarity to help others. She hopes to combine her love for biomedical sciences with that of classical mythology for a double major.

Kirstie Clarke – University of Chicago

London (The Bridge Academy)

Kirstie Clarke has lived in Hackney, London all her life and is the first in her family to attend university, as well as the first in her school to apply to US institutions. Kirstie is very involved with her school; she enjoys working with the younger students and is a mentor in both maths and reading, and was the founder of a student-run blog for her sixth form. Her true passion lies with mathematics and she intends to major in this at university, but she also has a profound interest in both the sciences and the arts, especially chemistry and English literature. The ability to pursue all of her academic interests and experience the unique US culture and lifestyle forms the core of Kirstie’s

interest in undergraduate study in the US.

Jodie Coburn – Yale University

Rotherham, Yorkshire and the Humber (Brinsworth Comprehensive School)

Jodie Coburn hails from Sheffield, South Yorkshire and is the first in her family to apply for university. Jodie is passionate about engaging younger children in education, particularly the sciences. She leads an after school "Serious About Science" club where she manages chemical reactions and interactive activities for third year students, as well as giving help on homework. Jodie is also the leader of her sixth form debate team and has debated about issues such as privacy vs national security and female genital mutilation. Not only is she an active part of her school community, she regularly volunteers in her local charity shop, where she has worked for three years. What most excites Jodie about

university in the US is the interdisciplinary nature of it - a keen lover of science, she does not want to focus on one area, but branch out and receive a broad but thorough education. Jodie is the first in her school to apply to American universities, but has very supportive family and friends who are just as excited as her about the prospect.

Alex Cox – Princeton University

Bournemouth, South West England (Bournemouth School)

Alex Cox lives with his mother in the seaside town of Bournemouth. While his main academic interests are maths and engineering, he is a very keen musician, having played in a number of classical and jazz bands in venues across the South on both the piano and clarinet – at which he plays Grade 8 standard. Combined with this is a love for creative writing and debating, and last year he won the JR Smith Writing Prize at his school – the first Year 11 ever to do so. These varied passions drove Alex to apply to the US, where he will be able to study these interests alongside the major of his choice. What inspires him to keep up this large number of extra-curricular activities is a love of

learning and education in general – he volunteers at a local primary school teaching maths and is a sergeant in his school’s Cadet Force, where he instructs younger children. For Alex, there is no better place to combine a broad academic programme and public service than the US. He was introduced to the Sutton Trust US Programme through his school, which last year sent a student to America.

Phoebe Cribb – Bryn Mawr College

Chorley, North West England (Cardinal Newman College)

As an active member of the wider community, Lancashire-born Phoebe is passionate about raising awareness of autism and climate change, which has resulted in her running two 10ks and two half marathons – raising over £4,700 in the process. Her compassion for others is demonstrated through her commitment to being a youth volunteer for the Archdiocese of Liverpool Lourdes Pilgrimage, a student mentor, a volunteer at an arts club for disabled children, a young carer for her autistic sister and a student ambassador for CAFOD. One of the reasons she is attracted to the US is the ability to ‘customise’ her degree through a liberal arts education while being immersed in

a completely new culture. She is excited at the prospect of studying psychology, international relations and art, and experiencing an education that caters to all of her academic and extra-curricular passions.

Elliot Davies – Princeton University

Wrexham, Wales (Alun School)

Elliot Davies comes from North Wales and is the first person in his family to apply to any university. The extra-curricular activities he is most proud of are lifeguarding and the fact that he completed an Open University course in physics, a subject in which he will pursue a major. His secret dream is to be an astronaut but he’ll settle for physics researcher. For his A-levels he unfortunately had to drop subjects that sincerely interested him like history and English, so going to the US would allow him to take them back up. He would also love to regain German as a second language and he appreciates American universities for the language requirement that most have. He has been a

swimmer for most of his life and would certainly enjoy the opportunity to continue that in the US.

Jack Dunn – Dartmouth College

Stranraer, Scotland (Stranraer Academy)

Jack Dunn was born in England, but has lived in Stranraer since the age of five. He is a triplet, with two sisters, and will be the first in his family to attend university and the first from his school to apply for US undergraduate study. Jack is an enthusiastic and avid percussionist with his local brass band, and has even played with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He loves to work with kids, through helping his local junior wind band and running his school's science club, where he shares his interest and passion for science. At university, Jack wishes to study the sciences and maths, with other interests in music and politics. Jack does a lot of work in his community through youth

volunteering ambassador work and his local food train charity. Although Jack's interest in US study only started with the Sutton Trust US programme, the ability to study outside of a chosen major or to double major, the vast opportunities and support offered by American universities has captured his interest and has given him the feeling that the US is the right fit for him.

Sarah Edwards – Middlebury College

Cleckheaton, Yorkshire and the Humber (Greenhead College)

Sarah Edwards is from a village in West Yorkshire. In her spare time, she pursues her creative passion for photography and film making, and has recently been making promotional videos for the Bradford Community Environment Project. Sarah is also a dedicated member of the Amnesty International Youth Group at her sixth form college, in which she campaigned for Afghan women’s rights, and she has taken part in musical theatre and tennis for most of her life. At her high school, Sarah was Head Girl, captain of the netball and rounders’ teams, and an enthusiastic lance corporal in the Combined Cadet Force, which involved lots of adrenaline filled activities, plus the role of teaching younger

cadets her skills. She is very excited about the prospect of studying in the US as she has many different interests, including geography, literature, art and French, and the liberal arts curriculum will give her the freedom to explore all of these.

Alice Findlay – Harvard College

Northampton, East Midlands (Northampton School for Girls)

Alice Findlay is one of seven children, and is the first in her family and school to apply to universities in the US. Alice enjoys helping younger people and believes strongly in giving something back; she is proud to be an active member of her school community, taking on roles as a Vice President, Head of School council, Biology Subject Officer, Maths Leader, and as a tutor and mentor. Alice has initiated a tutoring system and founded a student-run science homework club within her school. Additionally, Alice is a member of five music groups both inside and out of school, and has a particular love for singing as a member of three different choirs and an a cappella ensemble. Alice enjoys spending her

holidays helping her local community by volunteering at a care home and a homeless shelter, and by working as a young leader at youth activity camps. One thing that attracted Alice to studying in the US is the freedom to choose your own classes, and the possibility to double major, allowing her to combine her interests in biology and music.

Samuel Fox – Dartmouth College

Cowdenbeath, Scotland (Beath High School)

Samuel Fox is an ambitious and driven student from a small town in Scotland called Cowdenbeath and will be the first in his family to attend university. At school, Sam has achieved the title of Head Boy and is dedicated to improving the percentage of school leavers with positive destinations as he believes that education is the gateway to a better quality of life. Sam sees his position of leadership at school as an opportunity to be a positive role model to the younger students who doubt their abilities because of where they come from. Sam is also founder of Scotland’s first – and only – student-led product design company, Infinity Design, whose profits feed straight into the improvement of his

school’s design and technology faculty. As a keen fundraiser, Sam has recently abseiled down the Forth Rail Bridge for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. Sam would like to continue raising money, especially for charities that have helped those close to him, and he hopes to continue his charitable work in the US, whether it be through community initiatives or even national projects.

Benjamin Hopkins – Bowdoin College

Stafford, West Midlands (Wolgarston High School)

Ben Hopkins has lived in Staffordshire all his life, and will be the first in his family to attend university. His passion for international travel was sparked by a French exchange in high school, and further encouraged by an expedition in Italy as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Ben enjoys sailing and regularly races at his local club, as well as teaching beginners the basics of the sport. He further contributes to his community as a Young Leader in the Scout Association. Tutoring a GCSE maths class and leading his school’s Maths Challenge team demonstrates his passion for the subject, however Ben is excited by the flexible US system and aims to make use of the variety of

courses on offer in order to broaden his university experience.

Emma Humphries – Smith College

Widnes, North West England (Cronton Sixth Form College)

Emma Humphries is a committed, enthusiastic student from Widnes, Cheshire. She is the first from her family to pursue higher education and the first from her school to apply to the US. A keen martial artist, Emma is currently a blue stripe belt in Kuk Sool Won (a Korean martial art) and is a five-time gold medallist, ranking 1st in national competitions in Liverpool and Edinburgh. Alongside this she is a member of Cronton Sixth Form College's Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts and has starred in their productions of Dracula: The Musical and Chess. Amongst many other things, Emma is most looking forward to the intellectual freedom and flexibility that the US offers, as well as gaining a

greater sense of independence and immersing herself in a different, more diverse culture.

Simran Jangra – Bucknell University

London (Lampton School)

Simran Jangra is an active member of her school community and has recently been awarded a leadership position within her school. Simran also runs a support club twice a week for students who need assistance with their homework. She has enjoyed building structures from a very young age and, through this, developed a love for engineering. This year she completed the Engineering Education Scheme, working with BP to fix a problem they were having with their subsea control modules. At university, she wants to do a mechanical engineering degree as it is the broadest of the engineering disciplines and she feel she can learn the most from it. This is also the reason

why she wants to study in the US, as she would like to take classes in a variety of subjects both related and unrelated to her major (e.g. the science of cooking).

Gabrielle Joslin – Smith College

Taunton, South West England (Richard Huish College)

Gabrielle Joslin lives in Somerset and studies biology, chemistry and physics at Richard Huish College, where she has also completed her Maths A-level in one year. Gabrielle hopes to double major in chemistry and physics at university and go on to earn a PhD. Gabrielle loves everything science-related and this year has achieved a Bronze in both the biology and chemistry British Olympiads. Gabrielle was awarded honours by the Royal Geographical Society for achieving the highest GCSE Geography result in her year in the UK: 100%. Gabrielle is passionately dedicated to ballet and has recently completed her Grade 8 ballet award and plans to continue dancing and performing at

university. Studying in the US is an exciting prospect for Gabrielle because the emphasis on extracurricular means she can be both a scientist and a ballerina. Gabrielle is also looking forward to meeting people from all around the world and learning about their different cultures.

Connor Keys – Vanderbilt University

Kesh, Northern Ireland (Portora Royal School)

Connor Keys, from Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is the first person to apply to US universities in his family. Loving everything sports related, Connor's days are packed with activity. He rows for his school's boat club and was a member of the J18 8+ which won the Championship of Ireland for the school in 2014 for the first time in 34 years, which he retained the following year. He is vice-aptain of the school's 1st XV rugby team and has spent a summer training four days a week with the Ulster U19 squad. He also captained his local football team for four years and was selected to train as part of a Northern Ireland Excellence Squad. Connor is still undecided as to what he wants to do in the future and has

many interests ranging from maths and physics to art and drama. The freedom as to what can be studied at American universities and the ability to apply to a university rather than a course were massive selling points for him. The extra-curricular opportunities available at US institutions were also very appealing and Connor cannot wait to get involved with as many activities on campus as possible.

Alexander Laiman – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harverfordwest, Wales (Ysgol Dewi Sant)

An introspective techie with a devotion to the arts and sciences, Alexander Laiman has resided in rural South West Wales for the past seven years. Eager to break out of this bubble, he is the first from his family and community to apply to US colleges, which is driven by the extensive diversity and opportunity available in US institutions. He is the Senior Prefect in his school and not only acts as a peer mentor and tutor but also works with a team to improve the local community and prospects for less urbanized students. Outside of the classroom he can either be found working on his dunk at the local basketball club, of which he was a founder, playing along to old-school metal riffs on his guitar, or

tinkering with electronics at home. He hopes to study physics alongside engineering at university while maintaining a broad outlook, and feels the US is the perfect place for this liberal education. Inspired by the prospect of fantastic internships, amazing resources and some of the best tuition in the world, he strives to broaden his horizons and make the most of the opportunity given to him.

Nathan Lewis – Duke University

London (Saint Olave's Grammar School)

Nathan Blaise Lewis has many leadership roles within school, being one of four house captains, the Vice-Chairman of the Sixth Form Association, a Sports Prefect and a Year 10 Form Prefect. He is part of the 1st XV rugby team, the basketball team captain and represents the school playing Eton Fives and football. Nathan’s paternal grandparents hail from Jamaica and his mother's family come from Greenwich. He is an aspirational engineer hoping to major in electrical engineering and has tried to fuel this interest by completing work experience on the Crossrail project with the traction power team and is the lead designer in his robotics team, where he recently became a Vex Robotics

national finalist and qualified for the World Championships in Kentucky.

Sian Lewis – Davidson College

Coventry, West Midlands (Blue Coat Coventry)

Siân Jessica Lewis lives with her parents and older brother. She is in the first generation of her family to apply to university and is the first to think of studying abroad. Inspired by personal circumstances, she works as a journalist for the international charity Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization and has raised money through charity events at school and produced a charity single for the same cause. She is an active member of the community, volunteering with the physical theatre company Highly Sprung Performance Co and works as a piano teacher. She enjoys singing, acting and dancing and is a member of a national award-winning all-female bhangra team. Her interest in the US was sparked by

the ability to continue her passion for many different academic areas. She is also very excited to be able to be involved in many different groups on campus.

Luke Mansfield – Rhodes College

Nottingham, East Midlands (The Nottingham Emmanuel School)

Luke Mansfield is a first-generation university student who was the first in his school to apply to US institutions. Luke is an active member in his local community: he regularly volunteers at his local charity shop and leads children’s groups at his local church. He also created a Spanish Young Leaders group for Year 7s to improve their Spanish skills while increasing their confidence and ability to lead others in the process. After being amazed by academic freedom of the American liberal arts education, Luke has been excited about the possibility of living in a different country and exploring a different culture. At university, Luke currently hopes to study Spanish, and make use of the fantastic

study abroad options available, as well as learning about new subjects to broaden his academic knowledge. Trying out new extracurricular activities in the US such as helping to run a campus radio station is something Luke is very much looking forward to taking part in.

Awnit Singh Marta – Harvard College

London (Greenford High School)

Awnit Singh Marta is a West Londoner who is not only is the first in the family to apply to the USA, but is also the first in the family to attend university. Native to Afghanistan, Awnit used to live in the Netherlands and immigrated to the UK with his parents and three brothers nine years ago. Awnit loves to embark on interdisciplinary activities: he has been the deputy head of his school’s student voice body; is the electrician and driver of the school’s go-kart team, racing against international teams; started a Punjabi Folk Dance club for juniors; and was selected by the Royal Astronomical Society to attend the European Southern Observatory Astronomy Camp in Italy last year. Awnit wishes to

pursue education in the US because he believes that it does not limit his paths in life. He looks forward to the immense diversity of the students, both culturally and academically, as well as the student-led organisations.

Maria McAveety – Skidmore College

Glasgow, Scotland (Our Lady's High School Cumbernauld)

Maria McAveety was the first in her immediate family to achieve a Higher or equivalent and will be the first to attend university. She is proactive in her community through being a leader at the local Scout group, helping at a club for disabled children and delivering baked goods in her village. Maria carried out work experience in the Scottish Parliament and her main interests are in the social subjects. However she also loves music and does street performance in her spare time. US study appeals to Maria as through the liberal arts curriculum she would be able to study a variety of subjects, something which appeals to her due to her range of interests. The ability to apply without deciding a degree

subject also was a factor in her decision to study in the US as she is uncertain of which she wants to major in.

Erin McDermott – Duke University

Glasgow, Scotland (Saint Ambrose High School)

Erin McDermott lives in Glasgow with her mum and will be the first in her family to attend university. She is very active within her school community due to her roles as Head Girl and manager of the school’s credit union. Erin also has a passion for education and has been chosen to visit Malawi next year as part of a humanitarian project focusing on female education and health initiatives. This year, Erin is working towards achieving the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award which involves volunteering in her local parish. She also co-founded a school fundraising committee for Aid to the Church in Need, a charity that raises awareness and funds to support Christians all over the world who have fled

from persecution. Erin balances her studies with her part time job in a clothing store. Erin was first attracted to US universities by the liberal arts system which fits her well as she would like to major in political science with minors in Spanish and sustainability. Erin also wants to take advantage of the study abroad and enrichment programmes that American universities offer.

Jack McGeehan – Claremont McKenna College

Derry, Northern Ireland (St Columb's College)

Jack McGeehan is fuelled by ambition. The first of his family to travel to the US, he never had much hope of study outside of Ireland before this programme. Still deliberating between a career in law, politics, physics or economics, and harbouring passions for many other areas of study, the liberal arts system suits him perfectly. Jack is extremely proud of his Irish heritage and, although he is currently preparing to take his Grade 5 exam in electric guitar, he also plays traditional Irish guitar. Jack sees the US as the first step into a career where he can make his mark; where he can make a change; where he can do something great. His ambition continues into his sporting life where he captains his

extremely successful local Gaelic football club and also plays rugby with the City of Derry Rugby Club.

Joe McGrath – Princeton University

Doncaster, Yorkshire and the Humber (The McAuley Catholic High School)

Joe McGrath is in the first generation of his family to attend higher education and the first to study abroad. Joe, who grew up in a mining village with two older sisters, is looking to constantly better himself in all aspects of his life. A dedicated athlete who has taken part in various sports since the age of six, Joe has developed his sprinting skills over the years to a point at which he came 3rd in the 100m at two national championships in 2014. Joe is able to balance his track and academic lives successfully: he has been able to attain top A-level and GCSE grades whilst still being able to make national finals for his age group. He also volunteers weekly to mentor Year 8s with their maths due to his

previous struggles in the subject. Joe believes that an education in the US will help to develop his sprinting capabilities to a point where he could perhaps compete for his country and also provide him with a vast amount of job opportunities in the academic topics he is most interested in: chemistry, chemical engineering and economics.

Craig McHugh – Emory University

Cowdenbeath, Scotland (Beath High School)

Craig McHugh, from Cowdenbeath, a small town in Fife, lives with his father and two younger brothers and will be the first person in his family to pursue a university education. A well-known figure in his community, Craig is adored by many pupils younger and even older than him for his humour and his outlook. He is dedicated to helping children in his community who were, like him, told they would never aspire to higher education simply because of a geographical coincidence like where they were born. As an active pupil leader and prefect in the school, he reaches out to those he helps through fundraisers, his love of football, and the US study group he formed to pass on his newfound knowledge

on the matter. Craig really enjoys the notion of freedom attached to US study. He is passionate about studying history, but also has a love for physics and understands how the liberal arts system could allow him to study both subjects. While he loves his hometown, he is massively interested in travelling the world and making his mother proud, whom he lost in 2009.

Kevin Mokhtar – NYU Abu Dhabi

London (Bishop Thomas Grant School)

Kevin Mokhtar from Streatham, London is an advocate for studying beyond national boundaries. His devotion to study in the US has been driven by his curious and adventurous character, which motivates him to explore the changing world around him. As a Young Darwin Scholar, Kevin wants to extend his passion for the environment through pursuing a major in geography. Kevin will be first in his family to attend university, and he is already planning to form his own travel society and take part in the student leadership body. He believes that studying in the US will provide him with a fun and insightful adventure to meet new people and discover a whole different world that enhances a

student’s academic and social life experience.

Danukshi Mudannayake – Harvard College

Ilford, Greater London (Woodford County High School)

Danu Mudannayake is in the first generation of her family to attend university. Having first encountered the Sutton Trust US Programme at Fulbright’s USA College Day in 2014, Danu was eager to discover more information about the prospect of US higher education. When she isn’t at school or tutoring young children in English and maths, Danu enjoys using her free time productively. Having founded the Political Art club at school and through developing her musical skills in a number of school ensembles, Danu relishes chances to express her creativity, winning the Silver Treble Clef award for musical dedication. Public speaking has also been of interest to Danu, who has taken

part in the North London Model United Nations and the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Her wide range of academic interests have made the US seem like the ideal destination for her to continue her studies in a liberal arts setting, combining the subjects she adores and exploring new avenues of thought.

Adam Nash – Skidmore College

Stoke On Trent, West Midlands (St.Margaret Ward Cathloic Academy)

Adam Nash will be the first in his family to attend university and the first in his sixth form to even consider applying to US colleges. He comes from a long line of pottery industry workers and is excited to be the first one in his family to venture abroad in search of wider horizons. Leading an active lifestyle, Adam participates in a number of sports, such as football and badminton, whilst also finding time to volunteer as a gardener in his local elderly community amongst other things. Adam is thoroughly looking forward to being a part of the never-ending list of extracurricular opportunities that the US has to offer. Adam has volunteered in a number of GCSE science classes, assisting younger students

with their studies, and will soon be tutoring students in maths and physics. In the US he plans to major in physics and minor in other passions of his such as maths and geography.

Matthew O'Boyle – Duke University

Bangor, Norther Ireland (Bangor Grammar School)

Matthew O'Boyle has three brothers - two older (at Notre Dame in America and St Andrews in Scotland) and one younger. Being in the first generation of his family to go to university, Matthew is looking forward to higher education. Matthew regularly plays tennis and competes at a national level. He is captain of his school's tennis and table tennis teams and plays on the hockey team. He loves music, having attained his Grade 6 clarinet and piano, and is a member of his school's jazz band, concert band, choir and chamber choir. Matthew prefers the broader focus in American colleges and the possibility to do double or even triple majors. He thinks this is a better fit for his academic goals as he would like

to study computer sciences and Spanish on top of his main focus in mathematics.

Tommy O'Donnell – Grinnell College

Plymouth, South West England (Devonport High School for Boys)

Tommy O'Donnell hails from Plymouth, England, and dedicates himself to a number of activities. From writing and singing in a local band to founding and running his own sixth form philosophy club, Tommy is an active member of both his school and local community. In addition to this, he finds the time to run his own food catering business, play football, and volunteer helping young bereaved people come to terms with the loss of a family member. US study appealed to Tommy due to the amount of extra-curricular opportunities on offer and the ability to study a wide variety of subjects.

Owen Ogden – Yale University

Wigton, North West England (The Nelson Thomlinson School)

Owen Ogden is originally from Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire, but spent a large part of his childhood living on the Isle of Man before moving to Cumbria. He and his two elder sisters are the first generation in their family to attend university. Owen is a keen footballer and played at club level for several years as well as representing the Isle of Man U13s. A passionate historian, Owen thoroughly enjoys assisting with history lessons for younger pupils in school. Additionally, he co-founded and chairs the school debating society and is involved in one-to-one literacy support. Owen’s interest in the US started three years ago when he began to look at all the options available to him and he realised that a US

education would allow him to combine his interests of history, politics and physics. He is looking forward to joining a university soccer team as well as having the opportunity to experience US culture.

Precious Ogu – Trinity College

London (St. Saviour's & St. Olave's)

Precious is a born and raised South East Londoner. Having lived in a multicultural city all her life, she is eager to move to America to meet even more diverse people. Precious has a love for drama and has performed every year in her school’s production; she can't wait to continue with this passion in the US. She is also a lover of languages and economics, and has benefitted from having internships in Spain and at the Barclays headquarters in London. Precious has been the Treasurer of her Sixth Form's Prom Committee, and is also in charge of 125 students as House Captain. One of her greatest achievements is receiving the Dyers Award from her school, for the highest

achieving GCSE students. She is looking forward to not having to specialise so early, and to explore subjects she has not yet had the opportunity to, such as urban studies, Italian and Mandarin.

Kerry O'Neil – University of Pennsylvania

Glasgow, Scotland (Notre Dame High School)

Kerry O'Neil is the first person in her school to apply to US institutions and will be the first in her family to go to university. A music lover, Kerry is part of the Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra where she plays the cello and often performs in her community and in public as a singer/songwriter. She enjoys learning about other cultures and languages and passes on this knowledge by teaching a weekly Italian class to younger pupils in her school. Kerry is active in her school's pupil council and has been responsible for representing her house group for four years. Kerry is proud of volunteering at her church and in her community, and leads the singing in her church on a weekly basis. She is

extremely interested in studying in the US, as she wants to pursue a double major in politics and Italian, but is also looking forward to being able to pursue her other interests by taking a variety of different classes.

Robyn Pattison – Skidmore College

Rosyth, Scotland (Dunfermline High School)

Robyn Pattison is a dedicated student from Rosyth, Scotland. She loves debating and has recently competed in the European Youth Parliament National Finals. She is also a House Captain and a committed house council member, and has recently put forward a motion to have more prefect duties. She loves the arts and organises projects as a Fife Youth Arts Director and will be putting on a gallery featuring high school students’ work. Robyn wants to study psychology in the US but is looking forward to the liberal arts curriculum’s flexibility so she can pursue all her passions. She is also in the first generation of her family to attend university.

Billy Plummer – Georgia Tech

Norwich, South East England (Thorpe St. Andrew School)

Billy Plummer is an enthusiastic and driven individual and, although not the first in his large family to attend university, he is certainly the first to consider university in the US. He is also the first from his school, a small sixth form on the outskirts of Norwich, to apply to US universities. Billy is committed to engineering and technology and wants to major in mechanical engineering. He has founded numerous school clubs related to engineering: one collaborating on projects like an electric go-kart, and a more unique club where he works with other students to design and produce crowd-funded products. Billy is passionate about having an all-American experience, leading an active life and

getting to know another part of the world – these are all big reasons why he is so certain the US is for him.

Roshaye Poleon – Northwestern University

London (Ursuline High School, Wimbledon)

Roshaye Poleon is the eldest of three children and is often considered the bookworm of the family. She will be the first in her family to attend university and the first in her school to apply to US institutions. She’s generally quite sporty and even trained to be a Wimbledon Ball Girl. With a younger sister with a rare genetic disability, she enjoys spending her free time volunteering at specialist schools as she is able to use the skills she has learnt working with her sister at home to help other children. This year she has chosen to continue her volunteer work at a care home for people with dementia. She has always admired the sense of school pride that students show at US institutions and

believes that really adds to the undergraduate experience. She hopes to major in neuroscience, a course that is only offered by a small number of UK universities as a standalone subject.

Natasha Porter – Bryn Mawr College

Ilford, Greater London (Seven Kings High School)

Natasha Porter is from London and currently attends Seven Kings High School. She is the first person from her school to apply to US universities. She is an active member of her school community as a prefect, a member of the yearbook committee and a student mentor. Outside of school, Natasha is a passionate musician and has been playing the piano and singing for several years. She also composes music and regularly performs with her church choir. Natasha is involved in her community and has volunteered with several local charities and museums, and is a Youth Leader of her local Brownie unit. As the first person in her family to attend university, Natasha is determined to make the most of her

higher education and hopes to major in political science.

Shady Qubaty – Yale University

London (Latymer School)

Growing up in four countries taught Shady Qubaty how to develop organisational and communication skills, which he relies on to balance his studies and extra-curricular activities. As captain of his school's 'Bank of England Target 2.0’ competition team, chairman of both the history and economics societies and a member of the Social Mobility Foundation’s student advisory board, he learnt the importance of teamwork. An active member of his community, Shady helped to initiate a project using iPad technology to address isolation experienced by the elderly. He is a fan of multiculturalism and enjoys learning about different traditions, and believes the US would offer an once-in-a-

lifetime opportunity to immerse himself in another culture. The breadth and depth of the US liberal arts philosophy is particularly appealing to Shady as he maintains an interest in a variety of disciplines ranging from economics to drama.

Daniel Rodgers – Babson College

Mansfield, East Midlands (Joseph Whitaker School)

Daniel James Rodgers will be the first in his family to apply to university. He has been a Scout for over half of his life, and it has shaped who he is today. To that end, he has continued as a young leader of his scout group, and now plans and runs Cub Scouts nights, as well as being an active part of the committee. He also runs an after school math session once a week for younger students struggling with their homework commitments. In his spare time, Daniel also enjoys aiding his local MP, as politics is his passion. Daniel believes that the study of political science can only be aided by learning about economic history, with the mathematical theories behind them, hence why a liberal arts education

in America would be perfect for him.

Carol Rossell – Tufts University

Bognor Regis, South East England (Felpham Community College)

Carol Rossell is an ambitious young woman from the small town of Bognor Regis on the south coast, notable for the seaside resort of Butlins where she also works as a lifeguard. In the neighbouring village, Carol heavily participates in her school's community. An integral member of the School Council, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Mock General Election and the co-founder of the Rights Respecting Schools ambassador group, she also mentors younger students in the sciences and maths and runs the school's science club. From a single parent background, Carol will be the first in her immediate family to attend university. After reading an article about the increased financial support

offered by US universities, she noticed a poster in her sixth form common room advertising the Sutton Trust US Programme. This opened her eyes to the ability to tailor her education towards her scientific passions of biology and chemistry, whilst still being able to engage in other subjects. She is also looking forward to joining a women's rugby team on campus, having played the sport briefly at county level.

Katie Russell – Northwestern University

Glasgow, Scotland (St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School)

Katie Russell was raised by her single mother in Glasgow, Scotland and will be the first in her family to attend university. She is extremely involved in her school community as a school captain and also with her school drama club, being involved with several school productions. Her work as captain has allowed her to connect with younger pupils and help forge a strong sense of community within the school. Katie is also a member of a group of young Glasgow filmmakers, leading to her create over five short films, one of which was screened at a local film festival. She began to be interested in US study after discovering the Sutton Trust US Programme and learning that it would

enable her to combine both her passions: biology and film studies. She is looking forward to experiencing the strong sense of school pride and community that the US has to offer.

Ahlbie Squire – Pomona College

Lostwithiel, South West England (Bodmin College)

Ahlbie Squire will be not only the first in his family to attend university, but also the first in his school to apply to US universities. He is actively involved in a peer mentoring scheme that helps to improve the lives of younger pupils at his school. Up until a year ago, Ahlbie was home-schooled, which meant he had to self-study for most of his GCSEs, and this helped him discover his interest in science. Ahlbie is intrigued by the idea of a US college education, which he thinks is much more rounded and allows individuals to look into their field(s) further such as through undergraduate research. Currently a keen sailor, hiker and cyclist, but also proficient in Spanish from self-study at AS-level, he is

hoping he can share his passions with a college community.

Charles Stewart – Brown University

Purley, Greater London (Wilson's School)

A hopeful escapee from Croydon, Charlie Stewart has been in love with illustration and animation ever since he was rejected by the Year 1 football team. He delivered a presentation at a competition in the Saatchi Gallery in London about the 1982 short animated film Vincent, was awarded second place by the editor of Tate Etc., and was asked to speak again this year. He also loves drama, and played Macbeth in his school's last Christmas production. He is an active member of his community, being chosen as a member of the Croydon Youth Board, as a mentor for the National Citizen Service, as Deputy Head Boy of his school, and as the editor of the school magazine. It is the

opportunities that US universities provide for him to continue these interests alongside his academics that attracted him to an undergraduate degree in the States. He would like to study English literature, and is looking forward to drawing cartoons for any and all campus papers that will have him.

Jack Tait – Princeton University

London (Highams Park School)

Jack Tait, an outgoing, confident young man, is in the first generation of his family to attend university and will be the first person in his school to apply to US universities. Ever since the 2010 general election, Jack has been in love with politics and this summer completed two weeks of work experience in David Cameron's office, meeting the Prime Minister at Downing Street, as well as spending a week at a political think-tank. Closer to home, he was appointed Head Boy at his school, is a fully qualified football referee with the London FA and also regularly represents his school in debating competitions, winning the South East round of the International Competition for Young Debaters and

finishing inside the top 30 at the international final. Jack and his family are a very close-knit group, especially after Jack's mother fell seriously ill and he became her main carer for nearly two years. The main reason Jack wants to study in the US is the increased chance it gives students to practise all of their interests and hobbies alongside their studies. He would like to study political science, with the possibility of a double major or a minor involving economics.

Bethany Tallis – University of Rochester

Gourock, Scotland (Clydeview Academy)

Beth Tallis lives on the west coast of Scotland in a small town, but was born and raised for several years in Coventry. She is the first in her school to apply to the US and will be a first generation university student. Beth's passion for helping others led her to volunteering for St Andrews First Aid, whilst her love for music means she is the first flute in her county's orchestra. Beth wishes to study biology and geography at university and hopes to double major. She is also keen to get involved with community life and continue volunteering at university.

Jade Thurnham – Occidental College

Irthlingborough, East Midlands (Huxlow Science College)

After discovering the brilliance that is the liberal arts curriculum, Jade Thurnham can't wait to take advantage of everything the US has to offer. Jade is the first of her family to even consider university and she hopes to encourage those who also saw it as unreachable. Being Head Girl provides a good platform to do so. Jade is a keen fundraiser, volunteering for her local library and the Air Ambulance Charity, as well as being Head Fundraiser to attend a youth conference in Uganda to discuss social justice. She enjoys the idea of taking on new extra-curricular activities such as sign language or volleyball in the US. With a refreshingly curious approach, Jade is eager to take on both marine

biology and astronomy - something almost impossible in the UK.

Lynn Travnikova – Middlebury College

London (Woodhouse College)

Lynn Travnikova is an outspoken and enthusiastic Londoner from a diverse half-Russian and half-Congolese background. Lynn's integrity was clearly demonstrated when a simple challenge set by one of her friends to give up eating meat spanned into a lifelong dedication to veganism. Consequently determined to make a positive impact on the world, she is now president of both the Feminist Society and Debating Society at her college, believing that critical thinking and equality are both key to a better tomorrow. The first in her family to attend university, the liberal arts system of US colleges provides Lynn the perfect opportunity to indulge her love of learning about everything she can; a

keen biologist and lover of philosophy, she plans to continue her studies in the sciences and humanities through a double major and hopes to kindle her curiosity for anthropology and languages in college.

Hannah Ward – Trinity College

Sutton, South West England (Blenheim High School)

Hannah Ward is a determined and hardworking young lady who is looking forward to the future. A proud Brit, Hannah also embraces her mother’s Ghanaian heritage and will be the first in her entire family to attend university and the first in her school to apply to US institutions. Education is really important to Hannah because of the social mobility it encourages. To Hannah, involvement in the community is fundamental to her values; she hopes to continue her active approach in her community at university through student government. Upon returning from a holiday to Miami with her best friend in 2012, Hannah reflected on just how at home she had felt in the US despite

being just under 4,500 miles away from her family. A visit to her Careers Advisor just days later introduced her to the Sutton Trust US Programme. Four years and a trying journey later, the prospect of a double major in international relations and theology looks incredible.

Sam Weaver – University of Richmond

Harwich, East of England (Colchester Royal Grammar School)

Sam Weaver, a native of Essex, has spent his life living in small coastal towns such as Harwich and Clacton-on-Sea. He will be the first in his family to go on to university after finishing school; his dreams lie in the US because of the liberal arts education, which would allow him to explore different areas of learning and to acquire a breadth of new skills and knowledge. Sam is a keen football player, currently in his ninth season at Little Oakley Football Club – he was recently awarded a ‘Long Service Award’ by the district league. A highly involved member of his school, Sam is both a school prefect and a house prefect; acting as a peer mentor to younger students at the school whilst

organising and competing in competitions for his house. His extra-curricular activities within the school range from mentoring French to struggling GCSE students to representing the school in football, rugby and athletics. Sam looks forward to studying in America so that he may embrace a new culture whilst sharing his own with others.

Rishara Weerakoon – Vanderbilt University

London (St Dominic's Sixth Form College)

Rishara Weerakoon attended St. Dominic's Sixth Form College in Harrow-on-the-Hill where she studied maths, further maths, geography, and physics. Whilst still pursuing physics, Rishara would love to explore her other interests such as human geography, economics, drama, and English literature. She was born in a very small town called Stade near Hamburg in Germany, and moved to London when she was six years old. Both of her parents are from small villages in Sri Lanka, and Rishara has been raised in a Buddhist home. Change has been a big part of Rishara’s live, having moved country at such a young age, as well as moving home and school within London three times. Rishara now embraces the

challenges that arise with change as they have moulded her into who she is today.

Rebecca Wiggins – Pomona College

Hornchurch, Greater London (Havering Sixth Form College)

Rebecca Wiggins lives in Romford, East London and she will be the first in her family to attend university. She first became interested in US higher education after discussing it with her American pen pal. Having a wide range of academic interests, she feels like she is more suited to a liberal arts curriculum than the single subject system in the UK. She is very passionate about foreign languages and cultures, currently studying German in school and teaching herself Japanese in her free time. After spending a month trekking and volunteering in southern Peru, she wants to continue to broaden her horizons and see the world. She plans to major in either computer science or physics

while continuing to study modern foreign languages. She also wants to take advantage of all the extra-curricular activities offered by US universities.

Conor Wilson – Princeton University

Downpatrick, Northern Ireland (St Patrick's Grammar School)

Conor Wilson is from County Down, Northern Ireland and is keenly interested in both biotechnology and linguistics - it was this unusual combination of interests which initially drew him to the more flexible American system. He was also attracted by the number of opportunities for community engagement at US colleges, given his position as the current and founding president of his high school's St Vincent de Paul Society conference which fundraises thousands of pounds annually for the disadvantaged in the local community, and his involvement with Saphara, a charity which seeks to empower young people in India through education. This year he was a national finalist in the All Ireland

Linguistics Olympiad, placing him among the top 500 young linguists in the Anglosphere, and obtained a commendation for his performance. A member of a vast extended Irish and Scottish family, he will be the first in his immediate family to attend university.