Huntsville would not be the great city it is without all of the moving parts and people who call it home. From rocket scientists, to entrepreneurs, to entertainers and teachers, everyone plays a necessary role in the vibrancy of our city, including our youth. These young people are blazing the trail to create a bright future for themselves and everyone who is fortunate enough to cross their paths.
Skylar Hurst 18 - New Century Technology High School
What inspired your interest in genetic counseling?
It started with Punnett Squares and I eventually focused deeper into Epigenetics—the study of changes in gene expression. Working with genes and the community, helping these two worlds collide is why I chose Genetic Counseling.
How did your internship at Hudson Alpha shape your view of science and your future career?
At HudsonAlpha, I learned how everything in science is deeply connected and ever-evolving. This shifted how I viewed Genetic Counseling and my future as a whole. HudsonAlpha taught me to move with purpose in every step I take.
How have you managed to balance both rigorous academics and competitive sports?
I’ve been a multi-sport student-athlete my whole life, which forced me to understand myself better. My dad once told me, “Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you respond.” I live by this, and truly, it’s how I’ve balanced my life.
How have the community organizations you've been involved with influenced you?
The Boys and Girls Club contributed greatly to shaping my character, morals, and lifestyle. Being the 2025 Youth of the Year has allowed me to collaborate on events for youth empowerment, and to represent the organization across the country. The Student Government Association has also made a lasting impact by sharpening my abilities in leadership, management, and community service.
What does leadership mean to you?
A leader is a continuous learner—someone who values change and improvement, and understands that even through failure, improvement will come. Real leadership moves with intentionality.
What are your hopes for how you’ll grow in your next chapter at Clark Atlanta University?
I hope to grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Not being a student-athlete for the first time will allow me to focus 100% and embrace even more diversity through academics.
Haddie Mac 11- Randolph School
What made you fall in love with acting?
I have been acting since I was 3 years old. As I got older I started to understand that acting was a way to be anyone I wanted to be and to slip my feet into the shoes of those who needed their stories told.
What was it like performing in front of audiences in different countries across Asia?
The International Broadway Tour visited 16 cities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. We learned that the very first ‘movie’ that most people share with their kids over there is The Sound of Music. Every night the audiences would fill the theaters and sing along with all of the songs and they would line up to meet with us after the show. It was really exciting to see how much our show meant to them.
Do you have any rituals or routines to prepare for a performance?
Music really helps me stay focused and positive. I like to dance and turn words into songs when I am trying to memorize a script for an upcoming audition or show.
What’s a standout experience that’s happened while on tour?
One of my favorite moments was when I played two different characters in a show. The first time my dad saw the show was my very first mid-show character swap and he had no idea what was going on…it was funny!
If you could play any character, who would it be and why?
Winnie Foster is a dream role and I am excited to announce that I will be performing as Winnie in this summers LMP’s production of Tuck Everlasting! Part of the excitement for me is learning about new characters and making sure I tell their story in a way that would make them proud.
What do you see for the future of your acting career?
My dream is to perform in a National Broadway Tour that has a stop in Huntsville! It would be so special to perform in a Broadway show in my hometown where all of my family and friends could see why I love performing so much.
Sydney Clary- Furman University
What motivated you to graduate high school early?
The disruption of COVID-19 certainly impacted the high school experience, and that led me to looking ahead to my next chapter. I felt ready to move on and start college, so graduating early felt like the right step. Randolph School absolutely gave me to confidence and academic readiness for the next step, and I fell in love with Furman University and Greenville, SC which is very similar to Huntsville.
How have your global experiences influenced your perspective on business and entrepreneurship?
My global experiences have exposed me to varying perspectives and styles in
business and entrepreneurship. The freedom to travel while studying abroad exposed me to so many cultures, foods, and commerce which sparked a lot of fresh ideas for me.
What was it like interning in London?
Being in an enormous, innovative city was exciting. It was inspiring to be part of an organization that actively supports people chasing their entrepreneurial dreams. I not only gained insight into how small businesses are built and sustained, but also got to see firsthand how meaningful and impactful proper support can be. I also appreciated the laid back work environment and the separation of work and personal life there versus in the US.
are very different worlds. what did you take away from your Disney and mergers & acquisitions internships?
At Disney it was fascinating to see how service, logistics, and guest experience are carefully orchestrated. Being part of such a massive corporation like Disney allowed me to observe how large-scale brand consistency, communication, and operations play out in real time. My mergers and acquisitions internship focused on finance, strategy, and company growth. Both experiences, although incredibly different, gave me a fuller picture of how companies function from the smallest daily decisions affecting the consumer to large-scale corporate integration.
What excites you most about entrepreneurship?
What excites me most about entrepreneurship is the opportunity to create something that could genuinely make a difference in how people live, work, or connect. It’s that mix of creativity, strategy, and impact that draws me in.
What advice would you give to other students who want to carve their own path in an unconventional way?
If you feel pulled toward a new challenge, go for it—even if it’s not the typical route. Trust your gut, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Sutton Gore
What is TALK?
TALK: Teens Activating the Language of Kindness is a mentorship program that empowers young girls to speak kindly to themselves, promoting mental wellness and preventing bullying. I created TALK so girls wouldn’t feel alone in facing challenges, as I often did growing up.
How do you approach building trust with the girls you work with?
Many mentors speak to kids from a place of authority, but I approach them as equals — like a friend. By connecting on their level, I broke down barriers and built trust, which allowed me to make an impact in their lives more quickly.
Is there a defining moment or experience within TALK that shaped your mission?
In TALK’s first year, a young girl facing a heartbreaking home life reminded me of the program’s impact. With her teachers, I helped give her a Christmas she wouldn’t have had — including a pair of Converse she’s worn every day since. It showed me how small acts can mean everything.
How do you plan to carry your passion for TALK into college and beyond?
TALK continues to grow with me. As I head to college, I’m expanding it to include a branch for women—focused on recognizing toxic environments that lead to issues like domestic violence and child abuse. My goal is for TALK to evolve with the world, never remaining stagnant.
What advice would you give to other teens who see a need in their community and want to make a difference?
Failure is tough, but it’s a necessary part of success. Take risks — they may feel scary now, but in the long run, they’re often the very things that move you forward.
Who has been your biggest mentor?
My biggest mentor is Alyssa Knight, who worked at my high school and showed me what it truly means to advocate for others. She admitted when she was wrong and learned from her mistakes. Her example taught me to never settle for what's expected, but to strive for the extraordinary.
Landon Broadway 18- DAR/University of Alabama in Huntsville
You made history at DAR with the all-time strikeout record—what does that achievement mean to you?
I have loved my time at DAR and the school means so much to me, so being able to achieve that accolade helps me to leave a legacy and a goal for future Patriots to strive to break.
What motivated you to stay so disciplined in balancing academics, multiple sports, and leadership roles?
I am naturally a motivated person, but it has been my relationship with Jesus that has helped me to become more motivated, especially later in high school. The moment I decided that I was working for the Lord and not for man or myself, it became easier to manage everything and have joy doing it.
As valedictorian, what message did you hope to leave with your classmates during your graduation speech?
I shared with my classmates how much they are loved by Jesus and that He is always there for them no matter what. I based my graduation speech on John 15:5. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in ME and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
What drew you to the UAH baseball program, and what are you most excited for at the collegiate level?
UAH is a strong baseball program with an excellent coaching staff. In addition, UAH is an excellent academic school and I know I will be prepared for my career with a degree from there. I am excited to meet new, like-minded people that I can grow with in every aspect of my life.
How has your experience with FCA shaped you on and off the field?
I was one of the FCA student leaders at DAR and this summer I served as an intern for summer camps. FCA has helped me be a better leader and become more confident in sharing with others about Jesus. FCA has also reminded me that sports are just something I do, not who I am.
Who has been your biggest mentor and what have they taught you?
My parents have been the biggest mentors for me. I have been blessed with two parents that love me and make sure I am always taken care of. The biggest thing they’ve taught me is the importance of having a relationship with God and to love others.
Adi Gowda 16- Randolph School
How did the idea of Donate Ur Meds first take shape?
I went with my mom to a clinic that provides medical care to uninsured patients and I noticed a big difference between the free clinic where they didn't always have access to drugs and my mom’s office in Huntsville Hospital. I often heard people ask about what to do with unused medication at her office, and I wondered, “What if we could take some of the extra medication and give it to those who need it”? It turns out people are very generous and want to contribute– they only need a way to do so.
How did you overcome the challenges of launching a non-profit at 16 years old?
I realized there are an insane amount of rules to follow, which taught me how much responsibility there is with such a mission. Transportation was another issue since I didn’t have my license yet. Relying on adults to help required a lot of planning and time-blocking!
What impact has Donate Ur Meds made so far in the community?
This year alone, about $70,000 worth of medications and medical supplies have been donated by Huntsville which impacts the environment and the community. In America, about $11 billion of unused prescriptions are wasted every year, and 70% of our waterways are contaminated with runoff from improperly disposed prescriptions. I recently talked with a teenager who has Type 1 Diabetes. She said that the medications and supplies that she can now access through the Free Clinic allowed her to continue with school and sports, and just be a teenager. That honestly makes me feel the best!
What has this journey taught you about healthcare access and the gaps that still exist?
Drug prices in the U.S are 2.78 times higher than other developed countries. Even those with insurance find it hard to afford quality healthcare, let alone those who cannot afford to buy insurance. The gap is easy to see but very hard to fix.
How do you balance running a nonprofit with school, extracurriculars, and being a teenager?
Donate Ur Meds is really a weekly commitment. I usually go to each clinic once a week to collect medicines and transport them to the free clinics that same day. It takes only a couple of hours, and it’s actually fun, so I consider it one of my best extracurriculars!
How can others get involved and support the mission?
My goal is to expand Donate Ur Meds across Alabama and for everyone to be able to afford medical care. I’d love to get more people involved with this mission to help make healthcare more equitable. People can email me through the link in donateurmeds.com and find out how they can help. The whole mission is successful only because of the generosity of our community.