91ÊÓƵ

MISSOULA – The Davidson Honors College at the 91ÊÓƵ recently announced recipients of the 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholarship, the University’s most prestigious academic recognition for incoming students.

The 24 Presidential Leadership Scholars were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across North America and represent the pinnacle of academic excellence, leadership and service to the community.

They will enroll in UM’s Davidson Honors College alongside their chosen undergraduate disciplines. The scholars will contribute to interdisciplinary scholarly and creative innovation at UM, garner personal and professional development opportunities, and enhance their leadership skills.

“These scholars chose to attend the 91ÊÓƵ because of the institution’s academic reputation and the enhanced opportunities and support offered through our engaging honors community,” said Tim Nichols, the DHC dean. “We are thrilled to welcome these leaders to Missoula and UM, where they will learn, grow and make meaningful progress toward their career and life goals. They will be well positioned for future success and will strengthen UM’s vibrant campus community.”

The Presidential Leadership Scholarship is a four-year scholarship for incoming UM students. Students’ applications and interviews are reviewed by a committee of honors faculty, students, alumni and campus partners. Student recipients are recognized for their meritorious academic achievements, demonstrated leadership skills and professional potential.

“This fall’s diverse and dynamic class of Presidential Leadership Scholars includes future scientists, physicians, veterinarians, environmentalists, musicians, journalists and lawyers,” Nichols said. “They are valedictorians and varsity athletes, student council officers and all-state musicians. They already have and will continue to make a difference in their communities.”

The Presidential Leadership Scholars will enroll at UM in the fall and represent 10 states, including 12 students from Montana. The scholars are supported by many generous donors to UM and its Davidson Honors College.

A full listing of the 2025 UM Presidential Leadership Scholars follows:  

Alaska 

Mari Jordan of Eagle River, Alaska, is an aspiring physician and dog lover. Jordan loves outdoor sports like snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking and kayaking. She has a passion for drawing and painting. Jordan never goes a day without opening a book and listens to as many fantasy audiobooks as she can.  

Paxson Williams of Kodiak, Alaska, plans to major in music. He is a runner, swimmer, skier, snowboarder, dedicated student and musician. The oldest of three brothers and a lifelong Alaskan, Williams feels lucky to have been born in Missoula, and Montana has remained a home away from home throughout his life. Williams is a varsity athlete in cross-country, swimming and track and plays saxophone in jazz and pep bands. He looks forward to learning opportunities, playing music, snowy winters and living in a big city in the Lower 48.

California 

Maeve Kristian of Truckee, California, is a scholar, environmentalist, skier and student journalist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature – from walking her dog to playing softball. Kristian wants to advance her education in the environmental field to work towards the pursuit of an outdoor-based career that allows her to live in a beautiful place, help her local community and have financial flexibility. 

Colorado 

Maddigan Ward of Windsor, Colorado, has always had a passion for learning and animals. She aspires to become a veterinarian and conservationist. Ward is interested in the sciences, specifically anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry. She participates in clubs such as Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America. She is also a manager for the Windsor Boys Varsity Basketball team and was captain of her FFA Vet Science Competition team for three years. Outside of school, she participates in figure skating, skiing, hiking, reading and volunteers for various organizations.

Idaho

Iris Baxter of Pocatello, Idaho, is a dancer, actor, writer, activist and singer-songwriter. Homeschooled for their early education, Baxter learned from avid reading and writing, regional and global family travels, and annual expeditions into Idaho’s wilderness. During the pandemic, Baxter read 55 novels and wrote three of their own in a year. Baxter starred in numerous high school theatre productions and served as president of the drama department, a Sources of Strength peer leader and National Honor Society scholar. A dedicated activist for inclusivity and ballet dancer of 14 years, Baxter is excited to continue their journey at UM. 

Marcella Bills of Pocatello, Idaho, plans to enter a career that allows her to contribute to environmental preservation and sustainability. The outdoors are a key part of her life. Spending time in the mountains, floating rivers and backpacking, Bills developed a deep connection to the natural world. This sparked her academic interest in natural resource conservation. Outside of academics, she enjoys downhill skiing, jamming on her bass and mountain biking. With a desire to make a positive impact on the environment and her community, Bills is focused on completing her bachelor’s degree and pursuing graduate school.  

Maine 

Hewitt Sykes of South Portland, Maine, aspires to become a physician assistant after graduating from UM. When he’s not working or in the classroom, you can find Sykes hunting, fishing or hanging out with friends. He enjoys science and math. His favorite class in high school was anatomy. Since he took that class, he has wanted to study something in the health sciences. He would ultimately love to settle in Missoula. 

Michigan 

Caleb Dral of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, plans to study microbiology and hopes to work as a lab tech, perhaps in epidemiology. He enjoys national parks, camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing and the outdoors. Dral found a passion for wildlife, ecology and the environment. His academic interests have mostly followed his love of nature, focusing on biology. Although he joined many clubs, his extracurricular activities have focused on volunteering at the zoo and science-related clubs.   

Minnesota 

Ani McQuillen of Minneapolis is excited to pursue a social science major at UM. McQuillen brings a passion for equity and diversity to her pursuits, including leadership roles in the Minnesota Urban Debate League and her club mountain bike team, NCYD. She is an avid endurance athlete, serving as captain for her Nordic ski and mountain bike teams. When she is not skiing or biking, she can be found playing shows with her all-girl punk band, competing in policy debate or reading a good book. McQuillen will graduate high school with a Bilingual International Baccalaureate diploma. 

Montana 

Xander Bergman of Laurel is an aspiring STEM major with an extra passion for music. He has been involved in his high school’s student council, pep band, band board, Tri-M chapter, National Honor Society, We the People team and Outdoors Club. At a science expo, his research project won “Best Use of the Scientific Method.” In college, he hopes to conduct research and continue to learn and give back to the community.

Ryder Burling of Columbia Falls plans to study environmental science and wildlife biology, building on her experience from working as a bird conservation intern and a native plant nursery intern in Glacier National Park. Burling dedicates much of her time to volunteering as a camp counselor and maintaining the little free libraries she built. During high school, she stayed involved as a member of Conservation Crew, the National Honor Society and Believe Blue. Burling is an avid reader, with a passion for cameras and photography. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor recreation such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking and camping.  

Cherish Dzenga of Dillon is originally from Zimbabwe and moved to the United States at the age of 14. Dzenga has a strong passion for science – particularly chemistry – and aims to become a pharmacist. She has been actively involved in HOSA, a health-based organization, and the Environmental and Conservation Club. She is now an active member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, as well as Key Club, where she participates in community service. Outside of her academic and extracurricular activities, Dzenga enjoys reading mystery novels and cooking any type of food, including gourmet meals and intricate desserts. 

Margarett Ewing of Billings has a passion for science and wants to be an asset in the medical community. Ewing also loves history and has a great appreciation for cultural diversity. She has enjoyed her time as a Billings Clinic volunteer, Billings United TOTs soccer coach, student council representative, and advocate for children with Type I diabetes. She plays soccer for Billings Senior. Studying abroad is a goal in college, as her open-minded spirit yearns for travel. When not in the classroom, she explores the many outdoor activities Montana has to offer. 

Landon Gainan of Billings is heavily immersed in both academic and extracurricular worlds, focusing heavily on his love for science, literature, philosophy and music. In his free time, Gainan writes, performs and produces music. He is a notable multi-instrumentalist, playing double bass, electric bass and drum set in multiple different bands and orchestras. He loves gardening and cooking for family. He is also passionate about musical and academic teaching. Gainan is looking toward a career in law while nourishing his love for music as a creative escape. 

Aaron Heisel of Helena discovered an early interest in technology, film, photography and travel. For several years now, he has participated in his high school theatre program, acting in many shows, as well as doing backstage work. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and kayaking. Although he is not certain what profession he will enter, his goals include expressing creativity, originality and making a meaningful contribution to society. 

Caitlin King of Helena aspires to be a lawyer. She has lived in various places, fostering a deep love for learning. Her early interests in art evolved into a passion for debate and business, where she developed skills in speaking and strategy. This year, King focused on learning German and immersing herself in German culture. She aspires to contribute on a global scale, aiming to work with organizations like the UN to create positive change. With a drive for personal and professional success, she hopes to support her family and achieve lifelong education, making a meaningful impact in the world. 

Mira Murphy of Billings is an aspiring lawyer and plans to study political science. She was student body vice president and debate captain at her high school. Murphy competes in public forum and policy debates. She is principal clarinet and a four-time All-State musician and has performed in All-Northwest 2025 and the 2022 All-National Honor Orchestra. Last year, Murphy served as a U.S. Senate page for a semester. She is passionate about disability inclusion and politics. She founded her school’s pickleball club and is active in NHS and Interact. Murphy likes to experiment with cooking, baking and playing the piano.

Keira Patterson of Great Falls loves school and has found interest in mathematics, writing but mostly acting. She’s been in 11 plays at her high school – from understudy to lead actress and choreographing to co-directing. She even helped write one. Outside of theatre, Patterson is in the top choir at her school and is doing an independent study in art. At home, she writes novels in her spare time. Patterson hopes to begin her career with an internship at a large theatre or film set and start working in film acting or become  a screen writer or director. 

Abby Wheeler of Superior is interested in pursuing a degree in biology on a pre-medicine track. Wheeler hopes to become a physician. She interns at the Frenchtown Physical Therapy clinic and hopes to continue working with neuro-patients in the future. Both in and out of school, Wheeler is invested in playing music, and she plans to continue taking and teaching private lessons for oboe and piano, as well as play with school and community ensembles. She also loves language and plans on becoming fluent in French.  

Tessa Wilson of Kalispell is interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry and has always loved science and understanding how the world works. She has various interests, such as band, track and drawing. Wilson was a drum major for Flathead High School and was a first-chair clarinetist at All-State this year. She also ran varsity track.  

Tahvo Lattin of Philipsburg is interested in studying creative writing. He enjoys hiking, biking, camping and rafting. Even before he lived in Philipsburg, he enjoyed skiing immensely. Lattin loves the outdoors and learning about it. He has spent several summers doing work with the Youth Conservation Corps. Tahvo was captain of the football team and coaches flag football. He also has a good sense of humor and likes to write or tell stories. 

Washington 

Connor Loftsgaarden of Camas, Washington, plans to pursue academic study in wildlife biology, driven by his fascination with animals and the natural world. He aspires to earn a Ph.D. and contribute to the field through research and conservation efforts. He is also a dedicated runner, competing in both cross-country and track, and he has developed a strong interest in climbing and skiing. Growing up at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors.  

Claire Lyle of Cheney, Washington, plans to study to become a special education teacher. She also has a passion for English and has worked for her regional newspaper to hone her passion for writing. She also earned two bylines in The Seattle Times. At Lewis and Clark High School, she was a captain on the speech and debate team, an editor for the student newspaper, and a teammate on the Unified Basketball team. She also was involved in the Best Buddies Club and was a teaching assistant for the special education program, which inspired her career interest.

Wisconsin

Grace Golbach of Wausau, Wisconsin, is interested in environmental journalism and psychology. She fell in love with not only Montana’s beauty, but everywhere she traveled. She reads to understand the world and writes to understand herself. Golbach hopes to pursue journalism and use the degree while traveling the world. She dreams of working for National Geographic. She loves telling people’s stories and is ready to make a career out of learning different perspectives and cultures.

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Contact: Kaetlyn Cordingley, associate dean, UM Davidson Honors College, 406-243-2579, kaetlyn.cordingly@umontana.edu.