UM Honors College Picks Next Crop of Talented Provost’s, Dean’s Scholars

MISSOULA – An outstanding group of first-year students will join the University of Montana this fall as 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. 

Provost's Honors Scholars 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 recognize academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and potential. 

The students hail from Montana, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington. They will study diverse subjects, ranging from forestry and physics to finance, pharmacy, the arts and more. 

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

“The academic and co-curricular achievements of this class are exceptional,” 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.”

Following is a list of the 2026 Provost’s Honors Scholars: 

Arizona

Tatyana Dupuis, of Tucson, Arizona, plans to study anthropology, biology and forensic science, along with completing a Global Leadership Certificate through the Franke Global Leadership Initiative. In high school, she competed in varsity track and field and served as president of the SMART Team. Dupuis also interned with her local crime lab and plans to pursue a career in that field after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, reading and traveling.

Montana 

Railey Ackerman, of Helena, is completing her associate degree at Helena College at just 17 years old. At UM she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in creative writing. A highly motivated and academically driven student, Ackerman combines her love of storytelling with a strong interest in the intersection of psychology, communication and the digital world. She is especially passionate about helping people navigate and avoid predatory technologies and hopes to continue researching these issues at UM. Outside of her studies, she enjoys a wide range of creative pursuits, including crochet, drawing and writing.

Bailey Gilbertson, of Helena, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology before attending law school, with the goal of becoming an environmental lawyer. A top-performing student, Gilbertson is a valedictorian who has been actively involved in her school community as a varsity mock trial competitor and tennis player. An avid reader, she has a strong passion for the outdoors and enjoys spending time exploring Montana’s wilderness. Gilbertson hopes to build a career protecting natural landscapes for future generations.

Madison Higginbotham, of Helena, plans to pursue a degree in English literature with the goal of becoming an editor or writer. She has a strong passion for English and theater, spending much of her time at Helena High School involved in theatrical productions and rehearsals. In addition to her academic and artistic interests, Higginbotham works locally and enjoys watching movies, reading and spending time with friends. She hopes to use the power of writing to make a positive impact in her community. 

Benjamin Hughes, of Eureka, is interested in exploring STEM fields while remaining open to a wide range of academic opportunities. An active student-athlete, he competes in cross-country and track and hopes to continue running at the collegiate level. Hughes has a strong appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys taking on new challenges. While he is still considering his long-term career path, he is motivated by a desire to work with people and make a positive impact in his community. 

Grace McDowell, of Bozeman, is interested in studying history, anthropology and sociology, with a focus on understanding the systemic roots of modern social challenges. A dedicated athlete and engaged leader, she has been involved in activities like the Bozeman Climbing Team, Peer Education and the Women’s Empowerment Club. McDowell is passionate about advocacy and community engagement, and she hopes to pursue a career centered on social justice and outreach. She also values time outdoors and strives to live authentically while working toward a more equitable world. 

Jake Milone, of Kalispell, plans to explore academic interests in language, history and international relations – shaped by his lifelong love of reading and the outdoors. He spent his early years in Healy, Alaska, before moving to Montana in elementary school. Milone was actively involved in hockey through his freshman year of high school before shifting his focus to speech, where he further developed his communication skills and intellectual curiosity. While he is still considering his long-term career path, Milone hopes to find a profession to which he can dedicate himself and that allows him to make a meaningful, positive impact on the world. 

Sage Moler, of Helena, plans to study forestry at UM as a Davidson Honors College scholar. A National Honor Society student, he balances his academic pursuits with work as a cook and barista, as well as mentoring youth in an after-school program. Moler enjoys combining his love of the outdoors with travel and values engaging in thoughtful conversations with others. He aspires to serve as an officer in the Space Force and pursue a professional life centered on science and exploration. 

Annika Smith, of Glasgow, is passionate about creative problem-solving and is deeply involved in her school and community. She participates in a wide range of activities, including golf, cheerleading, theater, swing choir, band, student council and National Honor Society. Beyond school, Smith enjoys journaling, sewing, reading and photography. She is especially dedicated to scenic design, volunteering at her local summer theater and serving as the lead scenic designer for multiple high school productions. 

Tennessee 

Hank McGowan, of Nashville, Tennessee, is exploring academic interests in statistics, sports, history and engineering as he considers future career paths. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and tennis recreationally, practicing acoustic guitar, exploring classic films and music, and playing video games. While he is still determining his long-term goals, McGowan is motivated to pursue leadership opportunities and strive for excellence in whatever field he chooses, with a strong desire to make a positive impact and make his family proud. 

The class of 2026 Dean’s Leadership Scholars are: 

Arizona 

Ben Boschee, of Phoenix, plans to study forestry, inspired by summers spent in the north woods of Minnesota, where he developed a strong interest in trees and their environmental importance. He has broad academic interests in science, history and literature, and is an accomplished drummer, actor, stage manager and visual artist. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Boschee practices martial arts. He hopes to build a career studying and managing forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on the impacts of wildland fire. His goal is to help preserve forests and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

California 

Tyler Lalonde, of Pleasanton, California, plans to continue building on his global academic and leadership experiences. After moving to Sitges, Spain, following eighth grade, he developed a broad international perspective while completing the International Baccalaureate diploma at the British School of Barcelona. Lalonde has taken on several leadership roles, including serving as a House Leader, mentoring younger students as a Rainbow Leader and guiding a sustainability initiative as a Garden Leader. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, demonstrating discipline and the ability to stay calm under pressure. 

Montana 

Anya Denmark, of Kalispell, plans to study history before attending law school, with the goal of becoming a criminal prosecutor. She explored her interest in law and public speaking through four years of debate and other academically focused extracurricular activities. Denmark enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and discovering new places, and being near the ocean. She also hopes to study abroad in college and continue her involvement in debate or mock trial. 

Ginny Dunnington, of Bozeman, plans to pursue studies that reflect her broad interests in music, history and languages. An engaged and well-rounded student, she led her school’s Arabic Club, performed in theatrical productions such as “The Music Man” and “The Princess Bride” and participated in skiing and biking teams, as well as chamber and jazz choirs. She has also gained hands-on experience working on a farm. Outside of school, Dunnington enjoys backpacking, reading, knitting, journaling, playing music and connecting with others. She hopes to build a career that combines her passions for music, writing, languages and the outdoors in a way that helps people. 

Eden Finlinson, of Missoula, plans to study aquatic wildlife biology. Deeply connected to her community, she has been involved in the Missoula Community Theatre, volunteers locally and works at Grizzly Peak Retirement Home. Finlinson is passionate about both the sciences and the arts, and she enjoys combining her creative and academic interests. She hopes to pursue a career that allows her to use her love of biology and creativity to make a positive difference. 

Bella Glaser, of Missoula, plans to pursue a degree in forestry with the goal of becoming a firefighter and serving the community she loves. Deeply committed to martial arts, she is passionate about jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts and plans to continue training and competing throughout her life. In addition to her own athletic pursuits, Glaser coaches youth jiu jitsu and finds fulfillment in mentoring and positively impacting young people. She hopes to combine her love of service, the outdoors and physical discipline in a career dedicated to protecting both people and the land. 

Ella Groshans, of Billings, plans to pursue a field of study focused on supporting children, with interests in elementary or special education and speech-language pathology. She is motivated by a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others and is committed to maintaining strong academic performance in college. Outside the classroom, Groshans enjoys singing both independently and in choirs, spending time outdoors, cooking, baking and being with friends and family. She hopes to build a meaningful career centered on service, education and care for those around her. 

Garrett Hinderman, of Helena, plans to study computer science and cybersecurity, with the goal of becoming a cybersecurity analyst. An active student, he served as captain of his cross-country team and competed in varsity track, as well as club alpine ski racing for Great Divide. Hinderman enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, backpacking, skiing and climbing. He also has a strong interest in music, having played guitar since a young age and participated in percussion in his high school band. In his free time, he enjoys reading history and baking for friends and family. 

Jorja McCormick, of Livingston, plans to explore her interest in climate change through her college studies, building on a lifelong connection to animals and the natural world. Raised in a rural setting, she has spent much of her time riding horses, camping and enjoying Montana's outdoors. McCormick developed a growing passion for environmental issues during high school and hopes to pursue a career that allows her to work in nature while making a meaningful impact on the climate. 

Tobi Smith, of Missoula, is interested in pursuing a double major in creative writing and marketing. Smith aspires to be a published author of fiction novels and poetry. Their academic interests consist of literature, history and the fine arts. Smith is an active member of their high school's band and theater departments as a trumpet player, an actor and the secretary of the drama club. Additionally, they volunteer to tutor other students and are tasked as teacher aides during their free periods. During their free time, you could find Smith sewing, creating jewelry and drawing. 

Noah Stone, of Seeley Lake, plans to study forestry with the goal of pursuing a career in conservation. A student-athlete, he has participated in football, basketball and golf while also engaging in a variety of school clubs. Outside of school, Stone enjoys traveling and learning about the world, and he is an avid outdoorsman who spends his free time skiing, biking, hunting and backpacking. His deep appreciation for wild places and strong sense of stewardship for the land have shaped his academic and professional aspirations. 

Lilian Tirrell, of Belgrade, plans to pursue studies in science and history, with interests in human biology, anatomy and European history. She has been involved with BPA, student council, the Belgrade Cantique Choir and the Belgrade Honor Society. She enjoys a wide range of activities outside the classroom, including hiking, knitting, reading and watching documentaries on topics such as astronomy and ancient South American civilizations. Tirrell is focused on continuing to develop her public speaking and collaboration skills during her time in college. She aspires to build a career as a dental hygienist. 

Oregon 

Gaby Byrne-Amaya, of Beaverton, Oregon, plans to study health sciences with the goal of pursuing a career in health care. He developed a strong interest in the field during high school and looks forward to continuing his studies at UM, which became his top choice after visiting campus and spending summers nearby with family in Kalispell. Byrne-Amaya participates in lacrosse and cross-country, and he enjoys following sports, reading about new developments in medicine and studying with friends. He is excited to begin his college experience and take advantage of new opportunities. 

Elissa Pelletier, of Portland, Oregon, plans to study environmental studies with the goal of improving relationships between people and the natural world and fostering more sustainable communities. An engaged student leader, she is involved in student leadership and the Positive Charge Club, and frequently volunteers at school events while supporting her peers. Pelletier looks forward to combining classroom learning with hands-on, real-world projects. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family, reading and rock climbing. 

Pennsylvania 

Logan Stauffer, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, plans to pursue studies that reflect his longstanding interests in math, science and anatomy, with the goal of continuing his family's five-generation pharmacy business. A dedicated student leader, he serves as student council president at Garden Spot High School and is involved in Health Council, National Honor Society and the EMT certification internship program. Stauffer also captains the varsity soccer team and participates in his school’s musical programs as a percussionist. Outside of school, he enjoys camping, fishing and skiing. 

Utah 

Tessa Faatz, of Heber, Utah, plans to study Spanish while minoring in violin performance, combining her interests in language, art and creativity. Raised in a small mountain town, she enjoys skiing, backpacking, cooking and reading. Faatz is actively involved in her community, creating podcasts, hosting supper clubs and working as a barista at a local cafe. While her long-term career goals are still evolving, she hopes to build a life centered on creativity, connection and community. 

Washington 

Gibson Waite, of Kennewick, Washington, is passionate about mathematics and theater, both of which have been central to his high school experience. He has been involved in theatrical productions and enjoys a wide range of activities, including board games, Dungeons & Dragons, hiking, biking and engaging in meaningful conversations. While he is still exploring his specific career path, Waite hopes to pursue a future in mathematics and continue his involvement in acting through community or local theater.

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Contact: Kaetlyn Cordingley, associate dean, UM Davidson Honors College, 406-243-2579, kaetlyn.cordingley@umontana.edu.