Four local students named Roan Scholars at ETSU

Four high school seniors from the Tri-Cities region have been selected for the Roan Scholars Leadership Program at East Tennessee State University, joining the incoming Class of 2030. The students are among 12 high school seniors chosen for the program overall, according to a press release from ETSU. 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 incoming class will join 31 returning Roan Scholars on campus this fall. "Last fall marked 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 '30s as they become part of that legacy." Applicants came from Tennessee and the bordering states of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. About 150 students were selected for initial interviews, and 24 finalists were invited to campus for Roan Finalist Days in February, according to the release. Jeffress said the selected students showed a range of academic, athletic and extracurricular accomplishments. "Members of the Roan Class of 2030 bring a remarkable set of academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements at local, state and national levels," he said. "From captaining multiple athletic teams and earning national championships, to founding numerous school clubs and organizations and volunteering with countless non-profits 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." Lexi Rodriguez Alvidrez – Sullivan East High School, Piney Flats Rodriguez Alvidrez is a bold advocate, multilingual scholar, voracious learner and relentless servant-leader. Fluent in both English and Spanish, and conversational in numerous other languages, she has also participated in the Middle College Program and will graduate from high school with an associate degree. She serves as an administrative coordinator and head peer tutor for her school's World Language Department and as president of the World Language Club. She has spoken before the Tennessee Board of Education to advocate for retaining world language requirements, volunteers with the Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition and is a varsity athlete in cross-country, track and swimming. Whether advocating, mentoring or serving, Rodriguez Alvidrez leads with conviction and compassion. Her Spanish honors teacher said of her, "Lexi is a natural leader, yet she approaches every situation with kindness, conscientiousness and poise. She is the epitome of absolute selflessness, determination and precision." Austin Glass – Volunteer High School, Mount Carmel Glass is a servant-leader whose drive, resilience and integrity define his impact. A four-time National Champion male soloist in clogging, he has performed in locations across the country and serves on the Clogging Champions of America Youth Leadership Council. He captains his school's wrestling teams, has earned multiple student-athlete honors and finished in the top three at the Tennessee State Wrestling Championships both of the past two years. Beyond athletics, Glass serves as chief audio/visual engineer for his school's broadcasting program; he also runs his own landscaping business, which he started at age 15. Janelle Bowker, Clogging Champions of America board member, said of him, "Austin leads with integrity, humility and a genuine desire to serve others. When he commits to a task, he works diligently to not only meet expectations but to exceed them." Jackson Haren – Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport Haren is a disciplined leader, accomplished musician and servant-hearted mentor. As first sergeant of his 113-member Air Force Junior ROTC corps and Tenor Drum Squad Leader in one of the nation's top marching bands, he leads with composure and conviction. He is a multi-year All-East and All-State percussionist, a past patrol leader in his scout troop, a certified lifeguard and a devoted weightlifter. In his endeavors, Haren strives to put others first, leading with courage and steadiness. His Air Force JROTC instructor, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Melanie Blankenship, shared, "Whether he is navigating a historical debate, leading a scout troop or performing on stage, Jackson brings thoughtfulness, excellence and integrity to everything he does." Becca Taylor – Daniel Boone High School, Jonesborough Taylor is a steady leader, conscientious scholar and compassionate friend whose impact is felt both in and out of the classroom. As Student Council president, she led the vision-casting process as her school underwent a rebranding initiative. Outside of school, she volunteers with Waiting to Hear, serving the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and dedicating herself to learning sign language to better connect with those she supports. An outstanding student, athlete and leader, Taylor strives to live out a legacy of positive impact in all she does. Her assistant principal, Ginger Luya, said of Taylor, "She leads not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to serve and uplift those around her - a quality that sets her apart in every setting she is in." The four Tri-Cities students will begin the program in the fall. The Roan, which continues to be funded primarily by private donations, was established by the late Louie Gump in 1997. "This is a special time for the Roan, having recently celebrated the program's 25th anniversary and as we continue to see the growth and expansion that Mr. Gump envisioned, as well as the remarkable achievements 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 the high school officials, community leaders and many other volunteers who are involved with the selection process, and to our supporters who give generously to provide the critical resources that sustain the program." For more information, contact the Roan office at (423) 439-7677 or RoanScholars@etsu.edu, or visit RoanScholars.org.