My name is Oakley Strauss, and I am currently a senior at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona. I have a passion for giving back to the communities that have influenced my life, and have become actively involved in my Jewish community, Gender Sexuality Alliance, and the mental health community. I am a leader with the national mental health organization Bring Change 2 Mind on a school and state level. I am a representative of BC2M’s Arizona Teen Advisory Board and LGBTQ+ Mental Health Task Force. I work to acknowledge the intersectionality of my communities and promote awareness, as well as breaking down barriers that lead to bigotry and hatred. Next year, I plan to study Human Rights at Bard College in NY and continue my passion of awareness and giving back. Stand for the Silent inspires conversation surrounding mental health and works to create a more open future. I live by this belief and am constantly working to shape the future. I believe that you must create the world that you want to live in, shaping a better future in the process.

My name is Molly Chen and I’m a high school senior at Torrance High School in Torrance, California. I plan to study Computer Information Systems at California State Polytechnic Pomona. I’m Captain of Academic Decathlon and will continue academic competition through collegiate cybersecurity defense and pen-testing. I’m dedicated to the Kellogg Honors College and hope to support/do Musical Theatre. My dream job of Security Analyst combines my love for ciphers with my love for protecting others. I hope to serve as a role model for budding women in STEM, future leaders, and standers for the silent. Thank you for selecting me for this scholarship!

My name is Arden Morgan. I am a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Chemical Engineering. I serve as the junior representative for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at CU Boulder and am actively engaged in the Engineering Leadership Club. Upon graduation, I aim to work in the polymer engineering field or the renewable energy industry. Over the summer, I will be a chemical engineering intern at TDA Research working on various patent projects.  In my free time, you can find me rock climbing, backpacking, camping, or gardening. I am beyond grateful for the invaluable opportunity provided by Stand For The Silent and their support in shaping my future.

Hello. My name is Kira Lee. I am from Dallas, Texas. I am a senior at Richland Collegiate High School in Dallas. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at my local food bank, reading, and listening to music. I am a hard worker. For example, I have received the President’s Gold Service-Learning Award, the Chancellor’s Gold Service-Learning Award, and the Dallas College Honor Roll. For the last one and a half years, I have researched food insecurity and how it negatively impacts mental health and have made recipe cards and a website to decrease food insecurity within the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I also intend to become a school psychologist to help children with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. I love public speaking and advocating for others; for example, I actively advocate for others to improve their lives.

My name is Cady Aruanno, and I am a senior at Windermere High School in Orlando, Florida. After high school, I plan to attend Florida State University Honors College to study business. I am an active member in my community. In high school, I participated in water polo, weightlifting, Student Government Association, and Travel Club. I was the captain of both my weightlifting and water polo teams, and I served as the treasurer of the Travel Club. I have enjoyed volunteering for Give Kids the World, Young Life, Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, and Pack with a Purpose. I am so honored to be recognized by such a meaningful and important organization. 

My name is Wes Ferguson and I’m a senior at Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kansas. I plan to study Industrial Engineering at UC Berkeley this fall. In my free time, I enjoy running XC and track, doing NY Times crossword puzzles, and volunteering at a thrift store ministry. I also manage an online vintage clothing business focused on sustainability. I grew up in China and know how important it is to welcome and respect people from all over the world, so I’m thankful for the work that Stand for the Silent does. I’m very appreciative of this scholarship.

Hello! I am Rhett Krug, and I am currently a senior attending Lincoln County High School in Stanford, KY! When I graduate, I am going to attend Eastern Kentucky University where I intend to get a degree in computer engineering. I could not be more grateful to the Stand for the Silent organization for this opportunity!

My name is Kennedi Robinson, and I plan to attend college this fall to get my bachelor’s degree in biology or biochemistry. As a member of an underrepresented community, it is my dream to become a doctor so that I can advocate and care for patients from my community. I hope that I can be a leader of meaningful societal change as a part of my career in medicine.

Hi, my name is Zach Van Horn and I’m currently a Sophomore at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.  I’m majoring in Agribusiness and plan on pursuing a career in banking after college.  While attending Texas Tech I’ve been involved in a student spirit organization and worked part time for the University.  I am very grateful for the SFTS Scholarship.  This will be a huge help in getting me one step closer to obtaining my degree.