Former Science Hill student honored as American University speaker

A former Science Hill student will launch American University's graduation ceremony on Friday at the Kogod School of Business. Taryn Estes, a senior at American University in Washington D.C., attended Science Hill High School in Johnson City, and is honored as a featured speaker on the commencement panel, sharing her journey through higher education, according to a press release from AU. "My four years at American University have been nothing short of transformative," Estes said. "Moving from Johnson City to Washington, D.C. was a big leap, but one that shaped me in ways I could not have imagined." According to the release, Estes will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with a self-designed specialization in business law, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a specialization in policy. Estes is also a member of both the Kogod School of Business Honors Program and the School of Public Affairs Honors Program. "I chose AU because I knew I wanted to study law in our nation's capital, a place I had admired since visiting on family trips and, memorably, my eighth grade Beta Club trip," she said. "The moment I stepped onto campus, I felt a strong sense of community that made the decision clear." During her time at AU, Estes served as president of Alpha Kappa Psi, president of the Business Law Society and a captain of the AU Mock Trial Team. She has also gained experience across the public, private and nonprofit sectors through internships with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. House of Representatives and nonprofit organizations. "Coming so far from home, I made a promise to myself and my family to take full advantage of every opportunity — so I did," Estes said. "One of the things I valued most about Kogod was the flexibility to tailor my education to my interests, allowing me to build a curriculum that bridged business and law. "At the same time, studying policy in D.C. gave me a front-row seat to how legal decisions are shaped at the highest levels," she added. Estes said some of her most meaningful experiences came outside the classroom at AU. "Being a member and captain of the AU Mock Trial team was truly foundational," she said. "It sharpened my advocacy skills while introducing me to an incredible community. Through Mock Trial, I had the opportunity to travel across the country, competing in tournaments from California to New York City to New Orleans. "These experiences, and the people I shared them with, are what I will carry with me long after graduation." She credited her success to the education and support she received from Science Hill High School. "I am incredibly grateful to the Johnson City Schools community — especially Science Hill High School — for laying the foundation for my success," she said. "Being a Topper instilled in me values of excellence, resilience and empathy that I have carried with me throughout college and into this next chapter as I prepare for law school." Following graduation, Estes will attend Tulane Law School In New Orleans this fall, where she plans to pursue a career in consumer protection and antitrust law, according to the release. Estes said she was especially thankful for her time in Science Hill Showstoppers and the speech and debate program, where she said she first discovered her passion for advocacy. "Under the guidance of Richard Marshall and Hunter Graybeal, I was given the opportunity to find my voice at a young age — an experience that continues to shape who I am today."