Author: Allison Dodson

Emily Kolankiewicz is a senior at Bangor Area High School in Bangor, Pennsylvania. She is involved in a number of activities at her school, including National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Class Cabinet, Student Government, and stage crew, and she also manages her school’s wrestling team. In the future, she plans on pursuing a degree in marine biology with a concentration in conservation and sustainability, and minoring in environmental science and Spanish. Emily is grateful for the opportunity WYSE has given her, and she is excited to see what she can help accomplish in the future!

Danielle Buckley is in her junior year of high school. She has loved animals ever since she was little and always knew she wanted a career that would let her work with and protect endangered species. She is the president of her school’s environmental club and is a member of both Science and Art Honor Societies. When she goes to college, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation and Photography, as well as a doctorate in Zoology. Her goal is to work for National Geographic so she can travel the world while studying animals and teaching other people about their importance.

Rielle Jones-Teske has loved animals and nature for as long as she can remember. Soon, her passion will be channeled into a career in either the field of environmental conservation and diplomacy or animal behavior. She hopes to learn how to work internationally to conserve our precious environment. In high school, Rielle has been very involved in student government, varsity sports, theater, literary and academic clubs, and Amnesty International.

Jesse Cross is the current head of his school’s environmental club and community service board. He is an SCA alumnus who is interested in the implementation of Environmental Policy. In college. Jesse plans to double major in environmental studies and economics to pursue this interest. He is incredibly passionate about preserving the environment and ensuring that it remains in tact for years to come. His experience at WYSE is one he will treasure for many years, and he cannot wait to help make sure that WYSE is as great as possible for the next summer’s students.

Emily Vajo is a senior at my high school in central Maryland. She is involved in her school’s environmental programs and classes. She is the secretary of the Green Team and is currently working on getting her school “Green School Certified” by the Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education. Outside of school, Emily enjoys going to dance classes and attending competitions and shows with her team. She likes traveling to National Parks and taking photos and has recently taken trips to Yellowstone, Acadia, and Hawaii Volcano National Park. She plans on attending college for environmental studies or sustainability in the fall. Emily loves the environment and is excited to pursue her interest in conservation efforts.

Jacob Dalen is a current senior at Peotone High School in Peotone, IL. After high school, he plans to pursue a career in animal sciences and eventually in veterinary medicine. During the school year, he participates in National Honor Society, SkillsUSA, and BoyScouts of America as well as the King Conservation Science Scholars Program through Brookfield Zoo. He has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. From a young age, he has had a passion for protecting the environment, and he cannot wait to inspire others to take action in their communities through WYSE.

Noor Khalil is a senior at the American School of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Animal rights and protecting the environment have always been her passion. A world traveler and supporter of cultural understanding and dialogue, Noor attended WYSE 2017, an experience which has affected her deeply.

Noor enjoys reading, singing, playing the piano, and classical ballet. She has been an avid ballet dancer since childhood. She is also extremely fond of psychology and hopes to major in it someday. At her school, she is an officer of the Kids For Wish Kids club which helps sick children. In 2016, Noor had the amazing opportunity to travel to remote areas of Thailand to help treat villagers, cook and distribute meals.