SELECTED YOUTH DIPLOMATS TO VISIT WASHINGTON D.C.

Andrew Shelton attends Lamar High School in Lamar, MO. At school he is the class treasurer (4 years), Science Club president (2 years), and Hi-Step historian (service club, 1 year) among other things. He is an active participant in Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, the varsity academic team (team captain), varsity golf team, and speech and debate. He loves theater and was appointed to the State 4-H Council after serving as a state 4-H ambassador.

Athan Tran is a sophomore at Blue Valley North High School where he is class president and a member of the varsity swim team. Along with student council and swimming, Athan is an avid member of the drumline and is also a part of the band leadership team. In his spare time, he enjoys video making, computer building, and writing music. Through the leadership excursion, Athan plans to learn and replicate the many qualities of a leader, and wishes to use the entire experience to better his school and community.

Isabella Macphearson is a senior at Shawnee Mission South. She is Choir Board and Interact Club President, along with her leadership skills in NHS, honors classes, youth diplomats of KC, freshman mentorship and a multitude of other activities. She is a member of varsity choir and volleyball and is hoping to practice nursing and psychology at Baker University. Isabella hopes to spark inspiration in everyone she comes across and make a positive change in them. Isabella is passionate about hospitality towards others and wants to help whenever she can.

Emily Zimmerman recently graduated from Logan-Rogersville High School at Rogersville, Missouri. While there, she enjoyed being involved with the Student Council, National Honor Society, Science Club, Creative Writing Club, Key Club, GOCAPS, and Global Ties KC. Emily currently serves as an Intern for One Million Cups to help bring the community together for collaboration and innovation.

Riley Martin (she/her) will be a junior in high school this coming school year! At school, Riley is involved with theatre, debate and forensics, Arabic, and Thespians. She is a leader through various community organizations and groups, one of her favorites being Youth Diplomats! Riley is an actor, singer, dancer, and writer, and is extremely passionate about performing and creating. With this opportunity, she hopes to do more for meaningful change in the world through the arts! Instagram: @itsreallyrileykm

Yoselyn Banuelos is a junior at Allen Village High School and is a Mexican-American female, living in the United States. She is a leader of Student Council at her school, and is in the National Honors Society, maintaining a 4.33 GPA throughout the entire school year with dual credit courses. Outside of school, Yoselyn spends and takes advantage of her time engaging in internships and programs on social change and other useful skills. She is a KC Scholar and participates in multiple events and volunteer opportunities, like volunteering with Kindergartners for the summer. Yoselyn is very passionate about the quality of life for people and animals, hoping to see and participate in change in areas that are needed in her community and worldwide.

Erika Parrish is graduating senior from Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri. She was the President of the Black Student Union and member in multicultural club. She also has letters in Varsity Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Track. Some awards she’s received are All Conference, District, and sectionals. She led a protest at my school against the racial injustices occurring to our students and community. The Black Student Union also helped elect the first Black School Board Member, Anthony Mondaine, under her leadership.

Frances-Faith is a sophomore at Piper High School in Kansas City, Kansas. She is a first generation Nigerian-American who loves to embrace her culture. Frances is involved in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic endeavors. Her involvement includes, but is not limited to, Student Council, Track and Field, Black Leaders of America, Powerlifting, and Diversity Club. Outside of school, Frances enjoys drawing, reading, and learning about different cultures, including learning their languages. In the future, she hopes to master Spanish, Mandarin, and French. With various languages at her disposal, she hopes to study abroad and study cybersecurity and software engineering. Frances is eager to be a contributing member in cyber diplomatic affairs through her love for social justice and cultural awareness.

Ciella Magenda is a student ambassador at Van Horn High School. She currently works at Dixion Chilli. She speaks 3 to 5 languages, grew up in the eastern part of Africa (Burundi), and moved in the United States in 2015 (started learning English). At VHHS She’s involved in a variety of different activities and sports. She’s a hard worker, plays guitar and sings. As a hard worker, she is committed to her work and time.