Author: Allison Dodson

Edgar is a senior at Warren Township High School. He is involved in a variety of clubs and activities, including the National Art Honor Society, his school’s marching, jazz, and concert bands, the international club, and the environmental club, where he often volunteers and participates in clean-ups. After attending WYSE in 2025, Edgar became deeply fascinated with not just the program but with studying life itself, inspiring him to pursue Biology in college. He is very excited to be part of the Youth Advisory Board and hopes to contribute well to the 2026 WYSE experience, along with providing input and ideas that will make all future delegates have an even more fun and memorable experience than last year.

Chloe Levesque is a Senior at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who attended the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment in 2025. Chloe is an active leader in her school as she serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Lead Photographer of The Yearbook, Senior Class President and Captain of the defending champion Battle of the Books team. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, reading and photography. Chloe manages her own photography instagram account where she posts photos of school events and nature. She loves all types of plants, especially cacti and succulents. Chloe practices a vegetarian lifestyle in order to help support animal welfare and sustainability of the environment. Chloe is extremely grateful and excited to serve on the Youth Advisory Board to ensure future delegates have an unforgettable WYSE experience.

Carter Bilodeau is a 2025 WYSE alumnus from Vermont who attends Bellows Free Academy and participates in the Early College program at CCV. He plans to pursue a degree in marine biology with the long-term goal of teaching at the collegiate level. Carter has a strong interest in aquatic ecosystems and maintains multiple aquariums featuring coral species, along with a self-designed aquaponics system. Outside of his scientific interests, he enjoys hiking and reading. Carter is honored to join the Youth Advisory Board for WYSE and looks forward to contributing his passion for science and education.

Carly Theaker is a senior at Oak Park High School in Oak Park, California. At WYSE 2025, Carly was in the teal group and had an amazing time at George Mason. She loves spending time with her friends and going on fun adventures. When she’s not studying or doing homework, Carly enjoys reading, going on hikes and playing soccer. You can catch her rewatching The Nightmare Before Christmas at any point in the year and humming along to every Noah Kahan song. 

Brandon Gertz is a rising senior from Los Angeles, California. He is passionate about environmental science and hopes to pursue a career in this field. At school, he founded the Climate and Ecology Club, is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, serves as a peer tutor, and plays lead tenor saxophone in studio jazz band. Outside of school, Brandon is a UC Certified Climate Steward and manages a community jazz group called the Trailblazers Jazz Ensemble sharing his love of jazz at senior living homes. He loves hiking, mountain biking, and camping. He is excited to be joining the board to make this next year’s WYSE the best one yet!

Bailey Murray is a 16 year old senior who attends Reach Cyber Charter School! She was born and raised in Kingston Pennsylvania and is a WYSE 2025 alumni. In her free time she likes to volunteer in her community and hangout with animals. She is an active participant in clubs at her school such as book club, yearbook, key club, FBLA, NHS, and many more. She plan to go to college and become a conservation advocate!

Ashley is graduating high school in 2026 and will be studying biology in college. She hopes to become an animal caretaker and conservationist, channeling her passion for the environment. She attended WYSE 2025 and especially liked the zoo trip and keeper panel. You can usually find her training or volunteering at her tae kwon do school, reading a science textbook, or admiring her very handsome cat.

Arella Gonzalez is a 2026 at Oak Hills High School graduate from Oak Hills, California. She is engaged with academics and sports. She is a Pole Vault captain and a lab tech for Oak Hills High School Science Department. In WYSE 2025, she learned the value of taking opportunities no matter how unsure they relate to your future, and is so thrilled to participate in the Youth Advisory Board.

Annaliesa Jimenez is a distinguished honors junior at Pottsville Area High School in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. A proud native of Pottsville, she is an active member of her school’s Quiz Team and the sorority Alpha Iota Delta. With a lifelong passion for biological sciences and environmental conservation, Annaliesa has participated in several prestigious programs, including the 2024 WorldStrides Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue Center program, the 2024 Congress of Future Medical Leaders, and the 2025 WYSE program. She is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and the Society of Torch and Laurel. Annaliesaaspires to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and make a healthy, positive impact on a planet that’s coughing, wheezing, and in dire need of care.