Author: Allison Dodson

Julius Rodriguez is a third-year student at the University of Central Florida, pursuing a dual major in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience. Beyond the academic realm, his heart belongs to the natural world. His bedroom serves as a lush haven for 42 diverse plant species, and he shares his life with Peaches, his beloved 2-year-old African spurred tortoise. Julius’s free time is dedicated to exploring the psychological avenues to inspire environmental consciousness and foster a deeper connection between people and the environment.

Michaela Schneidewend is a junior at Lourdes Academy, where she’s a current Chem Club leader and a member of the International Club. She volunteers frequently at the local animal shelters, helping to socialize the animals and making them adoptable. She loves kayaking, plants, photography, and camping. She participated in WYSE in 2023 and is happy to be back as a member of the Youth Advisory Board!

Jade Lutz is a current senior at Panther Valley High School where she serves as a Chief Editor for her school’s newspaper and yearbook. She is also a key member of her school’s Volunteering Club, Student Advisory Board, and Student Council. When not working hard in her education, she enjoys spending time with her friends, reading, blogging, and enjoying nature. She plans to pursue degrees in Environmental Science and become a Secondary Educator. She was a part of the 2023 WYSE and is thrilled to return on the Youth Advisory Board. She is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

Samantha Schmidt is a junior at Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Indiana. She is apart of the Best Buddies program at her school and loves to volunteer at the school library as well. In her spare time she is usually working, reading, doing homework, or hanging out with her friends. She intends to go to college after high school to major in Environmental Biochemistry! Samantha attended WYSE in the Summer of 2023 and is super excited to be apart of the Youth Advisory Board in 2024!

Ryan Nescio is a 17 year old junior at Haverford highschool with strong interests in environmental policy, wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine. He has grown up in the Philly suburbs spending a lot of his time navigating in and out of wildlife spaces from the centers of mega cities to national forest. That’s where he found his love for all parts of the natural world. Ryan attended WYSE in the summer of 2023 with the intention of learning how to make a difference, and how he could find his own place in this field. WYSE helped him make life-long friendships, professional connections and amazing memories, but most importantly, it’s where he found his spark.

Maddie Weller is a senior at Avon High School in Avon, Ohio. She is Vice President of both of her school’s community volunteer clubs and on the executive board of SAVE (environment) club. She plays on her school’s Varsity volleyball team and for a local volleyball club. In her free time, Maddie enjoys reading, exploring local coffee shops, and practicing photography. Maddie participated in WYSE 2023 and is so excited to be a member of the 2024 Advisory Board!

Gabby is a senior at Oshkosh West  High School In Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At school, Gabby is a part of many clubs and holds multiple officer positions such as Captain of the Drumline and an Officer for the Rotary club. Beyond school, Gabby has a passion for the government and finds herself volunteering for the parks department and watching the news to keep up with different political dilemmas surrounding the environment. She plans to work in the justice system as an environmental protection lawyer or as a congressional aide for a senator. Gabby went to WYSE in 2023 and is excited to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board this year!

Maria Allen is currently a senior at East Central High School. Although she was born and raised in North Carolina, she moved to Texas during the summer of 2022. At school, Maria is actively involved in various activities, such as playing volleyball, being a member of NSHSS, and being the president of the National Honor Society at her school. Outside of her academics, Maria has passions for swimming, hiking, art, and architecture. During the summer of 2023, Maria attended WSYE and is thrilled to be a member of the Youth Advisory Board.

Emma is a senior at Mars Area High School that hopes to attend college to major in marine sciences.  She is a competitive dancer and participates in the musicals at her school.  When not in her activities, Emma enjoys being outside, reading, and being with her friends.  Emma was a WYSE participant in 2023 and had such a wonderful time.  She is extremely grateful to be on the Youth Advisory Board for WYSE 2024.

Melina is currently a senior at Osbourn Park High School. She plans on pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. Melina often spends her free time volunteering with the special needs kids at her school. She is also an avid plant parent.