Graduating senior at North Dallas High School, Carol B. stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol ready to present her original app, MealSphere. Nervous but determined, she leaned on the steady support of her family, friends, and instructors who had encouraged her every step of the way. “MealSphere was inspired by my family’s passion for traveling and food,” she said. “We often had trouble finding authentic restaurants or stores where we could find ingredients to recreate special plates at home. This led me to realize there was a need for a single platform to help fellow food lovers and…

The moment Ashanti H., a senior at W.T. White High School, stepped onto the training grounds of Borussia Dortmund’s women’s soccer team in Germany, she quickly picked up the club motto, “echte Liebe (“true love” in German).”  To Die Borussen fans, those words capture their passion for their team. For Ashanti, they hold a different meaning. Her love for soccer has been a guiding force throughout her life and shapes her aspirations for the future. Born in Richardson, she began playing soccer from a young age, inspired by her family’s love for sports.  “I’ve played soccer since I was little,” she said. “My…

At just 4-foot-11 and 95 pounds, Alexa R. might be underestimated at first glance, but her opponents quickly learn otherwise.  Over four years, she built a record-breaking wrestling career at Hillcrest High School. Known as ‘Mighty Mouse’ to her teammates, Alexa is a three-time district champion, two-time regional champion, four-time state qualifier, and holds the school’s all-time win record of 181 across both the boys’ and girls’ teams. Her journey began unexpectedly. While searching for basketball workouts, Alexa and her friend stumbled into the wrestling room. “He was too scared to go in alone, so he dragged me with him,”…