UM Honors College Names Provost’s, Dean’s Scholars

MISSOULA – A talented group of incoming freshmen will arrive at the University of Montana this fall as the Davidson Honors College’s new Provost’s Honors Scholars and Dean’s Leadership Scholars.

The scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for incoming students in UM’s Davidson Honors College and significantly reduce the cost of attending UM.

In 2020, UM announced its inaugural class of Provost’s Honors Scholars. The scholarships are awarded to students around the nation based on academic performance, public service, leadership, personal qualities and potential for future impact. Based on the same criteria, Dean’s Leadership Scholars are recognized for academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and potential.

The students hail from across Montana and states in the West and the Midwest and will study a diversity of fields from wildlife biology to political science to art.

DHC Dean Tim Nichols said this year’s incoming students are accomplished scholars, athletes, artists and leaders in their schools and communities.

“The exemplary academic records of this class are even more impressive given the many challenges they overcame during the global pandemic,” Nichols said. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the Davidson Honors College, where they will be surrounded by other talented, motivated students for an elevated, enriched and enlivened UM education.”

The class of 2021 Provost Honors Scholars are:

ALASKA

Aveline Larroque of Anchorage, Alaska, intends to study chemistry at UM. Larroque has been active in Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, Anchorage Youth Court and Battle of the Books and likes reading, knitting, crocheting and biking. As a future chemist, Larroque’s favorite element is ytterbium.

CALIFORNIA

Jaiden Mae Stansberry from Yosemite National Park, California, is interested in forestry. She volunteered in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Yosemite National Park with its Preventative Search and Rescue Program, informing visitors about safety precautions while hiking and assisting with rescues. She also painted a community mural at a local store. Stansberry is a valedictorian and International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate. This summer, she will receive her Red Card for wildland firefighting to pursue a career with the Park Service. National parks are nothing new to Stansberry, who always has lived inside them.

Jocelyn Stansberry from Yosemite National Park, California, plans to study wildlife biology at UM. She was captain of her cross-country team and is a state champion distance runner. She has conducted research on invasive turkey populations in Yosemite. Stansberry was co-founder and treasurer of her school’s Get Outdoors Club, which encourages students to engage with nature. She also was involved in Mock Trial and a special Glacier Education program.

IDAHO

Clemens Wilson of Boise, Idaho, is interested in economics. He is an accomplished cellist and has performed with the Boise High symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In addition to music, Wilson enjoys the outdoors, backpacking, skiing, river surfing and hiking. He also speaks fluent German.

Taylor Sadewic from Sandpoint, Idaho, plans to major in communicative sciences and disorders, with a minor in human and family development. She is interested in becoming a speech pathologist and one day working with children with autism. Sadewic loves to ride, compete and give horseback riding lessons. She was involved in the 4-H program for the past 11 years and mentored and led younger children. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, skiing, yoga and playing the flute and guitar. In Missoula she would like to learn to rock climb and whitewater raft.

WASHINGTON

Judah Garcia of Sumner, Washington, is interested in political science and forestry. Garcia has completed the full IB diploma, is involved in the National Honor Society and was a cross-country captain. Garcia enjoys running, hiking and fishing and is looking forward to the academic community at the DHC and spending time outdoors and in and around Missoula. He is not afraid to try new things and can play a few chords on the banjo.

The 2021 class of Dean’s Leadership Scholars are:

MONTANA

Cascade

Georgia Balius is interested in political science, law, philosophy and computer science. She was student council treasurer, a member of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society and a volunteer at the Great Falls Public Library. She has earned the President's Award for Academic Excellence, Head of School Honor Roll, Dean’s List at Great Falls College-Montana State University, ASCI's Distinguished Christian High School Students Award, various science fair awards and a Scholar Athlete Award. Balius graduated high school one year early with an Associate of Arts degree from Great Falls College-MSU. She also was a United States Senate Youth Program Scholar 2021 and received National Merit Recognition. She likes baking, reading, hiking and collecting books. She has a collection of over 200 books so far.

Charlo

Aryal Love is interested in psychology and exploring law school after graduation. Love was president of National Honor Society, president of 4-H Club, president of Health Occupations Students of America and secretary of the student council. She enjoys running and reading and has worked as a barista, babysitter and pipe changer. She also led a pack trip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, taking care of guests and livestock.

Great Falls

Logan Corn is interested in exploring the sciences and marketing. Corn has been involved in his high school health occupations group, as well as football and the National Honor Society. Corn likes sports, the outdoors, reading and working with his hands. He has been a lifeguard and landscaper.

Helena

Kevin Northey is interested in studying management information systems and finance. He is a Special Olympics volunteer and has participated in a community outreach program through his high school athletics department. He served as the secretary/treasurer of the National Honor Society and the treasurer of Business Professionals of America, as well as an intern in the Governor’s Budget Office. Northey is a force to be reckoned with, not just in the classroom, but also as a three-time Academic All-State football athlete. He enjoys golf, fishing, hiking and pick-up basketball with his brothers. He is looking forward to Griz football games and challenging himself with the diverse curriculum that the DHC provides. Northey has seen “The Office” so many times that he can describe nearly every episode based on its title.

Lakeside

Jack Gannon is interested in studying history. Gannon was president of the Flathead High School Science Club and a low brass section leader. He was recognized as a National Merit Scholar.

Missoula

Jayden Beed is interested in marketing. Beed has been active and successful in DECA, Student Action Committee Leadership, debate, National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America. Beed placed second at AA State Speech and Debate. She enjoys debate, sports, volunteering, photography, boating, fishing and anything business-related. She is excited to join the UM and DHC family and is looking forward to this next level of her education.

Sam Phillips will explore his many interests as an undeclared student at the UM. Phillips has been active in the Missoula community through his volunteer service at the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, as a soccer coach, as student body vice president and a marching band drum captain. This former Student of the Month enjoys tennis, skiing, videogames, poker, hiking and listening to music. He has worked as a barista, busboy and is food-safety certified. He looks forward to the focused learning environment of the DHC.

Lauren Sheehan is interested in biology and pursuing a career in medicine. While at Sentinel High School, Sheehan was engaged with student council, Providence Montana Junior Board, the Jadyn Fred Foundatio and Mismo Gymnastics. She is a recipient of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Academic Letter and Academic All-State. At UM, she plans to join ROTC, as well as the DHC.

Logan Stabnau is interested in physics. He has been active in the Missoula community through volunteer activities at the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center and the local ice rink. Stabnau enjoys traveling and hopes to visit as many new places as possible through his college years.

Pinesdale

Emma Jessop is a graduate of Corvallis High School and will study microbiology at UM. Jessop, who comes from a large, close-knit family, also plays piano and ukulele. She was president of Interact, a service club in her school.

Rapelje

Sebastian Lara Ambriz is interested in studying art at UM. He has been actively engaged with the National Honor Society, running a local newsletter and serving as a technical assistant at his local church. Ambriz is a beekeeper’s assistant and loves writing fiction.

Whitefish

Luca Welle is interested in environmental studies. Welle served on the Montana Future Fisheries Improvement Project’s Citizen Review Panel, which allocates funds for various fishery restoration initiatives. He has volunteered as an advocate for climate action with organizations such as Climate Smart Glacier Country and Citizen’s Climate Lobby. He enjoys all outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking and skiing, as well as participating in theatre and reading a good book – especially science-fiction.

ARKANSAS

Hartley Meyer is a 4.0 student from Little Rock, Arkansas, who will study wildlife biology at UM. An enthusiastic veteran of science fairs, Meyer has studied bald eagle nesting, overpopulation among urban white tail deer, chemical levels in the Mississippi River Valley and the environmental biodegradation of styrofoam through mealworms. She is a shooting sports enthusiast and hopes to hike the Appalachian Trail. Meyer, who plays the clarinet, has also been involved in gymnastics, sailing club and STEM Club leadership.

IOWA

William Austin from Davenport, Iowa, is interested in physics and astronomy. He was active in his high school's student council and in local service activities. He has been recognized as an AP Scholar, DAR Good Citizen and Honor Roll student, and he received the Novello Tech and Rotary awards. Austin is interested in skiing, soccer, video games and history. He grew up in Utah and moved to Iowa five years ago, and his love for the mountains influenced his decision to apply to UM. The beautiful environment and the friendly staff and students are just a few of the things that he is looking forward to at UM and the DHC. 

WASHINGTON

Erika Isern will pursue cognitive neuroscience at UM. She is a graduate of Mount Spokane High School in Mead, Washington, where she was vice president of DECA and managed the school store. Isern, who comes from a large family, served as a nanny for two young children and as a camp counselor. She is a lover of literature and passionate about the human brain.

WISCONSIN

Quinn Lamers is a 4.0 student from Rhinelander High School in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Lamers was quarterback and captain of his football team. He also was treasurer of the National Honor Society and on the Link Crew, mentoring younger students. He was a commended National Merit Scholar and two-time student of the month. Lamers, an avid outdoorsman, describes a money management course as his most powerful educational experience.