Author: Allison Dodson

Harmony Tripp is a junior at Lewiston High School, in Lewiston Maine. Growing up in Maine she was constantly surrounded by luscious green trees and the wide open Ocean which, at a young age gave her a passion for nature. She studies hard at school in hopes to one day become a marine biologist, but in her free time she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and cheering sideline for her school’s football, soccer, and basketball teams. She was a 2023 WYSE delegate and is so excited to be on the advisory board to help plan a great 2024 WYSE experience.

Eva is from Oceanside, California, and is a high school senior. She swims, plays soccer, and loves spending time outdoors. Eva absolutely loved attending WYSE and currently has her own environmentally-focused club at school. She is super excited to work with WYSE to help set up next year’s program and is thrilled to be part of this amazing community!

Alexis Kelley is a junior at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Arizona. On campus, she is involved with the engineering program and several clubs, like Girl Up, Black Student Union, and AP Council. Outside of school, Alexis is a member of the Arizona Science Center’s Teen Advisory Board, volunteers with the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and interns with “Make Games; Save the Planet” at ASU. When not working as a Mathnasium part-time tutor, she enjoys reading, painting, and hiking. Alexis’ experience at WYSE 2023 reinforced her passion for the environment, and she is ecstatic to return as part of the Youth Advisory Board!

Addie McGarry is a junior at Athens High School in Athens, Ohio. She is involved in 4-H, community theater, Key Club, and tennis and is a summer camp counselor. She is passionate about the environment and plans to go into wildlife conservation. She attended WYSE in 2023 and is excited to continue participating in this incredible program.

Zoria Waller is a Senior at McLean Highschool and will be going to college next year. She is hoping to major in Marine Biology and specialize in Deep Sea Biology. Zoria fell in love with the ocean at a young age and has explored more of environmental science throughout high school. Zoria is an executive for the Marine Biology Club, in the Science National Honors Society, and in the National Honors Society. In her free time, she enjoys singing and is in the highest choir at her high school as well as in TRI-M Music Honors Society. Zoria attended WYSE in the summer of 2023 and cannot wait to be a Youth Advisory Member.

Robert Wilson is a senior at Carrollton High School in Carrollton, GA. His lifelong passion for wildlife led him to attend WYSE 2023. He is a long-term volunteer at Zoo Atlanta and an officer for several clubs at his high school. He enjoys soccer, hanging with friends, and his dog Patsy. Robert plans to pursue zoological medicine after high school. He is thrilled to serve as a member of the board for this upcoming WYSE.

Olivia is a junior at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, North Carolina. She is the secretary of the Pinecrest FFA Chapter and a member of the National Honor Society. At school, she enjoys playing with the goats, working in the greenhouse, taking care of the bunny, and participating in FFA competitions. When she’s not at school, Olivia enjoys working, reading, hanging out with friends and family, and taking walks. She was a National Youth Delegate at WYSE in the summer of 2023, and she’s incredibly excited to be a member of the Youth Advisory Board!

Giavanna Vassalluzzo is a senior at Camden County Technical School. She is also a sophomore in college at Camden County College getting her Associate’s Degree. She wishes to be a marine biologist and travel the world conducting research. Outside of school, she loves reading, playing video games, and hanging out with her friends. Gia was a part of WYSE 2023 silver group and can’t wait to return. 

Serrina Jones attended WYSE in 2023, and she loved her experience as it opened her eyes to all the possibilities life has to offer. Because of WYSE, she plans on going into environmental law protecting endangered species. Serrina enjoys learning about new things at every chance she gets.