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MISSOULA – A talented group of first-year students will arrive at the 91ÊÓƵ this fall as Provost’s Honors Scholars and Dean’s Leadership Scholars. The scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for incoming students in UM’s Davidson Honors College. 

Provost’s Honors Scholars are awarded to students around the nation based on academic performance, public service, leadership, personal qualities and potential for future impact. Based on the same criteria, Dean’s Leadership Scholars are recognized for academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and potential.

The student scholars hail from across Montana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, New York, Washington, California and more. They will study diverse fields that range from forestry and physics to finance, pharmacy, the arts and more.

DHC Dean Tim Nichols said this year’s incoming students are accomplished scholars, athletes, artists, scientists and leaders in their schools and communities.

“The academic and co-curricular achievements of this class are exceptional,” Nichols said. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the Davidson Honors College, where they will be surrounded by other talented, motivated students for an elevated, enriched and enlivened UM education.” 

The class of 2025 Provost’s Honors Scholars are: 

California 

Cayesh Hendrickson-Sperry of Berkeley, California, is interested in studying forestry, fire science and paramedicine. He is an EMT student, as well as an avid backpacker and steward of the land, working with the Tilden Little Farm and Junior Rangers programs. Hendrickson-Sperry loves trail maintenance, working on his grandpa’s ranch, and helping others. He wants to have a career in public service where he can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

Idaho 

Errol Fleischmann of Idaho Falls, Idaho, plans to study environmental science and sustainability. He grew up enjoying the outdoors with his family of dedicated rafters, campers, skiers and fishermen. Fleischmann has been involved with the Idaho Conservation Corps and leading his local Spanish Honor Society. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, excursions with family and friends, music and any activity in the Rockies. 

Kentucky 

Riley Newberry of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, will major in environmental science and sustainability with a pre-law minor, aiming to become an environmental lawyer. She is excited to travel across the country to connect with students who share her love of learning and passion for nature. Newberry is graduating top of her class and is an active member of Beta and the National Honor Society. She enjoys hiking, camping, biking and any activity that connects her with nature. She is eager to embrace her experience as a DHC student to further research and advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Kansas 

David Wolfe of Hays, Kansas, plans to major in wildlife biology. He has worked with animals since he was 11. He shadowed upper management zoo staff, gained field experience in Alaska and will study wild wolves in Germany this summer. Wolfe’s hobbies include hiking, music, history, esports and volunteering. He has always striven to work in the animal world. He aspires to be a wildlife veterinarian, game warden, wildlife biologist or zoo director. 

Montana 

Coby Conger of Bozeman plans to major in physics and hopes to work for NASA. He competed in cross-country all four years of high school, earning “Most Outstanding Teammate” in 2022. He is vice president of Rotary Interact, is a founding member of the Climbing Club and has a 3.95 GPA. Conger’s academic interests include big-picture thinking, creative problem-solving and creating lasting change. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, rock climbing and distance running. He also likes to spend time in the garage building things. 

Gus Cox of Kalispell plans to study exercise science and become a physical therapist. Cox wants to share the amazing experience he has had with exercise and help others live their fullest life without pain or injury. He grew up in nature, exploring all that his small town had to offer. Cox was Academic All-State, lettered in speech and debate, and won the Last Best Bouldering Series (Montana’s state climbing competition). Cox is now an extremely active student athlete, competing in parkour and rock climbing with daily weight training. He also is involved in multiple International Baccalaureate classes in school.  

Hollis Elliott of Helena plans to become a music producer or music technician, continuing to dedicate her life to music – specifically the cello. She also loves to sing and make her own music. She is a dedicated student who takes a special interest in English and French classes. Elliott also is involved in youth leadership, the worship team and technological positions within her church. She enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.  

Ryan Heng of Missoula is a curious young man who has long harbored an interest in how beliefs and values shape decisions. He plans to study economics. Heng participated in a wide variety of extracurriculars at Hellgate High School and co-captained the Hellgate debate team for two years. His hobbies include Ping-Pong, tennis and card games. His driving motivation is to live a compassionate and helpful life to the people around him. 

Violet Hickes of Lolo is interested in education, English and marketing. She is an ambitious, creative person who believes her greatest achievements lie not in her distinguished academic record, but in her friendships and experiences that she has cultivated. Hickes is most interested in a college education focused on learning and experiencing as much as she can, while simultaneously leading her into an occupation where she can improve lives in her community. An avid college and professional football fan, Hickes is persistent and will strive to excel at any academic goal in her sights. She wants to explore travel, volunteering in classrooms and marketing work during her time at the DHC. 

Chris Jenemann of Helena plans to study computer science. He hopes to land an internship with a cybersecurity or software engineering firm sometime during his college career. He also is deeply interested in environmental issues and wants to expand his understanding of environmental policy and issues through classes and research at UM. Jenemann runs track and cross-country for his high school and local track club. He is an avid outdoor recreationist, filling his free time with activities like snowboarding, climbing and backpacking. 

Sami Jones of Bozeman plans to study wildlife biology with hopes of researching ways to better conserve and protect the planet. In school, she is a dedicated student and is involved in various music programs, such as playing clarinet in the Bozeman High School Wind Ensemble. Outside of school, Jones enjoys spending time climbing, skiing, fishing and hiking. 

Mercedes Lamb of Sidney would like to study music and math education. A passion for learning drives her, and she hopes to become an educator herself with a focus on music and math. Lamb has been involved with music for most of her life and recently discovered her passion for mathematics. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, baking, golfing, puzzles, playing cards and watching movies. Lamb loves visiting Fort Peck in the summer, exploring nature and traveling.  

Danica Luehr of Kalispell plans to study art and hopes to teach art at the university level. Luehr has a wide range of academic interests, centering around the arts and the humanities. Her interest in these areas is reflected in her active participation in her school’s theatre program, art club, French club and National Honor Society chapter. In her free time, Luehr enjoys being creative in many forms, including drawing, collage and silversmithing. She also loves to read, sing and explore Montana landscapes. 

Lydia Maney of Missoula plans to study criminology as part of a pre-law track. She is a dedicated legislative debater, medical transcriptionist and member of Amnesty International. Upon graduating, Maney will obtain the AP Capstone diploma as the culmination of her academic accomplishments. She spends her free time playing the drum set and piano in a small ensemble, when she’s not on the rugby pitch. Eventually, Maney hopes to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney.

Margaret McDonald of Helena plans to study biology in pursuit of a career in orthopedics. She is captain of the Helena High School cross-country team and has participated in distance running for seven years. McDonald is an active member in the Helena High chapter of NHS, HOSA, Outdoors Club, Key Club and Spanish Club. She also volunteers at a local elementary school. She loves to throw pottery, hike, ski, float, bike, backpack, camp and climb all across Montana. McDonald is excited to continue her education at UM.

Simon Montecillo of Missoula plans to pursue a degree in music. He was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Idaho before settling in Montana. For his extra-curricular activities at Sentinel High School, he actively participates in Jazz Band and the Percussion Ensemble, as well as the Spartan Ambassador Program and LEGO League. Montecillo participated in the Thespian Festival and has worked both as a technician and actor. He also occasionally writes and records original music. 

Margot Muszkiewicz of Helena plans to pursue degrees in biology and Spanish and ultimately become a pediatrician. She enjoys school and believes in the power of education. Muszkiewicz runs for her high school track and cross-country teams. In her free time, you can find her reading, baking, spending time with friends and family or spending time in the outdoors. She values connection and communication with those around her. Muszkiewicz wishes to continue connecting and helping others, especially children, wherever her life takes her.

Caitlin Nelson of Corvallis plans to study environmental science and sustainability. She was captain of her high school soccer team and played softball. She has conducted vegetation studies in the Great Bear Wilderness and wolverine studies in the Bitterroots. Nelson interned at the MPG Ranch to learn about conservation efforts. Time spent outdoors and throwing pottery has allowed her to find joy in the little things in life.  

Molly Ogan of Butte will study English teaching and creative writing. She is a lifelong lover of language and learning who is deeply committed to bringing meaningful education and opportunities to the youth of her hometown. When she’s not working in “Montana's Best Used Bookstore,” playing in the symphony, disc-jockeying or teaching violin, you can find Ogan writing poems and sipping a hot London fog in her favorite café – if she’s not up a mountain.

Fox Rowland of Helena hopes to study sustainable agriculture and communities, as well as French. He learned to love nature in his hometown, where he explored the wilderness running, skiing, mountain biking and climbing. For almost half his life, Rowland has played the cello, and it is a big part of who he is today. Seeing the problems of the world firsthand inspired him to help others. These problems include poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation. He would like to combat these issues by helping communities become more connected through local, biodiverse food farms. 

Rafe Rusche of Columbia Falls is interested in history, music and political science. Academically, he’s interested in the actions and expressions of humanity, so his future could hold anything from a law career to one in music. Most of his time is spent in his activities, whether as a soccer captain, senior class president or president of his school’s mental health awareness club. Rusche loves staying out of his comfort zone, which is why he’s performed in a school musical, started CrossFit, hiked the alpine peaks of Glacier and joined the swim team during his high school career. 

Paul Sellers of Missoula plans to study international law to fight for environmental protections. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and lived in Maryland, Utah and Georgia. He spent much of his early years enjoying beach days and south Texas summers before moving to Montana. In high school, Sellers participated in speech and debate and other competitions like Model United Nations, which required in-depth study of global issues. He is motivated by his love for the ocean, his school years studying world affairs and the pressing threats to our environment. 

Avery Stephens of Missoula is interested in biochemistry, food science and business administration. As a school captain for Speech & Debate, a Business Professionals of America state officer and the founder of Sentinel’s World Affairs club, Stephens has been busy during his high school years. Outside of school, he loves baking and wildlife photography. Additionally, he enjoys discussing chemistry and politics.  

Henry Sund of Helena is interested in chemistry and environmental science. He enjoys challenging himself in course material in school, as well as with athletic ventures outside of school. Additionally, he enjoys running, skiing, hiking and generally any activity that involves nature and being outdoors. Sund recently set the Helena High School record for the 1600-meter race. He wishes to pursue a career involved with the preservation of the environment and aiding the world as best as he can. 

Anaiya Tupeck of Missoula plans to study biology to work as a geneticist to cure genetic diseases. She loves to dance and has been dancing for fun and competitively for the past 16 years. Tupeck is a member of the Big Sky Dance Team, as well as the co-president of National Honor Society and a Link Crew and Health Science Academy Ambassador. She has a passion for music and hopes to learn many instruments. She also hopes to travel abroad to become fluent in multiple languages. 

New York 

Joseph Biernat of Red Hook, New York, is passionate about studying biological sciences. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and improve public health surrounding obesity and longevity. His deep love for running and fitness helps him stay active, especially outdoors. As a leader, Biernat is the varsity captain of three sports, keeping his teammates motivated. Alongside athletics, he volunteers as a youth basketball coach, is a summer camp counselor and is a mentor for incoming freshmen at his school.  

Oregon 

Tess Larson of Portland, Oregon, is interested in the intersection between the environment and Native American Studies because of their great love of the outdoors and the conservation of nature. Larson is captivated by maps, nature, adventure and people, and their ambition is strong to do just about everything, go everywhere and meet everyone. Larson loves to play music, act and work as an Outdoor School counselor.

Lucy Zimmerman of Portland, Oregon, plans to study terrestrial wildlife biology, focusing on the human impact on animals and ecosystems. She loves to hike, ski, paint and listen to music. Zimmerman plays flute for her school wind ensemble, is a rower for her local crew team and serves as media editor for her school’s magazine. She has researched biocontrol beetle impacts in Montana and conducted conservation studies in Yellowstone National Park.

Pennsylvania 

Juliet Fitzpatrick of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, plans to earn a degree in sports and exercise science or kinesiology with the goal of earning a doctorate in physical therapy. Her love for sports fuels her passion to pursue athletic rehabilitation and injury management as a career. Fitzpatrick is passionate about sports, art, music, and her friends and family. She stays active and involved year-round in soccer, wrestling and track. She holds a board member position for the National Honor and National Art Honor Societies and is in student council and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Virginia

David Jackson Skipper of Charlottesville, Virginia, plans to study wildlife biology. He loves to bird-watch, hike, draw, play video games and read. He also is a multisport athlete in swimming, cross-country and track. When not at school-related events, Skipper can be found volunteering at the local nature reserve, counting at the hawk watch or serving as an Uber driver for his younger brother. He wishes to pursue a career in conservation that allows him to be outdoors. 

Washington 

Toby Meier of Spokane, Washington, is interested in environmental science and sustainability. Meier is a four-year honor roll student and AP scholar with distinction, and he possesses the seal of bi-literacy for the Spanish language. He is a three-year varsity athlete in cross-country and track and captain of a cross-country team that has won two league titles, a district title and state championship under his leadership. He received the Spokane County Excellence in Emergency Medical Services award, as well as the Chase Youth award, for aiding in saving the life of his coach.

The class of 2025 Dean’s Leadership Scholars are: 

Colorado 

Alpine Griffin of Fort Collins, Colorado, loves animals and the environment and is excited to study terrestrial wildlife biology. She hopes to contribute to the field of wildlife conservation and use her knowledge to educate people about the environment. She has spent hundreds of hours volunteering at summer camps and research stations run by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, where she enjoys helping people connect with nature. Griffin backpacks, rock climbs and skis in her free time, and lately she has been teaching herself how to play guitar and telemark ski. 

Daniel Wight of Conifer, Colorado, plans to study history and archaeology. He hopes to become a professor or museum worker, researching and spreading love for his interests. Wight likes music, reading, browsing Google Earth and Wikipedia, and going on adventures with friends. An avid backpacker, skier, cyclist and runner, he owes his love of the outdoors to the inspiring beauty of the American West. Growing up visiting museums, his love of natural history developed, including interests in biology, geology and environmental science. He is always curious about the way people lived in the past. 

Noah Reske of Thornton, Colorado, intends to study forestry and art so he can work to advocate for the preservation of the natural world, build an outdoors career and paint the landscapes and ideas he encounters in his everyday life. Currently, Reske spends most of his time painting, skiing or helping to manage his school’s technical theatre program and the school band. Reske also enjoys learning and spends plenty of time reading and working to know more about his interests and develop his skills and expertise as a leader in programs at school. 

Idaho 

Ryan Gonzales of Nampa, Idaho, plans to study computer science. A high school senior at Nampa Christian High School, he was born in Modesto, California, and has been interested in robotics since elementary school. He participates in his school’s competition robotics team, where he holds a leadership position. Gonzales is the lead programmer on his team and, as a result, his favorite subject is math. Apart from academics, he loves the outdoors and explores nature’s beauty through dirt bike riding. In the future, Gonzales wants to hold an active role in the computer science field, where he can innovate a better future. 

Montana 

Meika Arensmeyer of Helena has academic interests in occupational therapy and furthering her musical abilities. She has many interests that often involve art, whether it be painting or learning a new instrument. She enjoys sharing these interests with her peers, even leading her school’s jazz club as president. Arensmeyer was an All-State trombonist, received a perfect ACT score and has competed in state-level math contests. Her professional goals are to expand the crossover between music and occupational therapy to help more people in myriad new and innovative ways. 

Ryan Beagle of Libby is interested in pre-medical sciences. He wants to become a pediatrician and believes UM is a great place to further his education in science and medicine. Beagle is a captain for the football, basketball and tennis teams at Libby High School. He also is student body president and has been a mentor at football and basketball camps. Most recently he was an intern with the Northwest Community Health Center. He enjoys golfing and playing guitar.

Asher Boze of Scobey plans to study computer science. He also is passionate about theatre, having been introduced to musical theatre by the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Inspired by those experiences, he volunteered as an actor at the Fort Peck Summer Theatre and attended All-State Choir. Boze was vice president of the student body for his high school and attended the M Journalism camp. He taught himself guitar and has played at local venues around Scobey. He also learned to code last year and got second place in the Business Professionals of America divisional competition for coding. 

Jacob Hansen of Deer Lodge plans to study business administration with a focus in finance. He committed himself to serving his community by conducting a food drive for his local food bank and organizing and hosting blood drives for the Red Cross. Ha was vice president of the National Honor Society, attended the National Catholic Youth conference and traveled to Washington, D.C., and New York City through the Close-Up organization. His favorite activities are golfing, running, and going on adventures with his friends.

Dakota Harmon of Helena plans to major in English. Harmon is an imaginative, self-motivated student. In their free time, they enjoy writing for fun, playing cello in the high school orchestra and the All-State Orchestra, and hanging out with their cat, Woody. Harmon volunteers with the Wild About Cats Sanctuary and with their church’s youth group. Harmon also participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and National Science Olympiad. They hope to pursue a future in a creatively oriented area but are keeping an open mind.

Tobin Ide of Bozeman is interested in wildlife biology. He is an avid student, athlete and outdoor enthusiast. Fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by pristine mountains, he has found a genuine passion for the natural world through climbing, hiking and skiing. Ide has presented at the Montana State University Research Symposium and State Science Fair, and he volunteers with the Fork and Spoon “pay what you can” restaurant in Bozeman. His goal is to develop a dynamic career to make a tangible difference in the world for generations to come. 

Braden McGuirl of Missoula plans to study pre-physical therapy after graduating from Loyola Sacred Heart High School. He is a three-sport varsity athlete, playing football, basketball and track. McGuirl also is involved in his school community and is the student body vice-president. He serves as a peer leader at class retreats and is involved in fundraising and student recruitment efforts at Loyola. He volunteers his time helping to mentor and coach students at St. Joseph's School. His long-term professional goal is to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy and open his own practice.

Sarah Ratz of Missoula plans to major in wildlife biology and instrumental performance. From a young age, she was curious about how things work, which led to an interest in science. She enjoys playing music and can play the bassoon, guitar and clarinet. Ratz was section leader for the bassoon section of the wind ensemble. Outside of school, she plays in the Missoula Youth Symphony and the Hellgate pep band. She also works as a shift leader at the Higgins Avenue Dairy Queen. She participated in the 2024 Kermit and Kathleen Schwanke Honors Institute through the DHC.

Evey Sather of Billings is interested in psychology and art history. She is hardworking and prioritizes being successful in both school and her future career. Outside of these areas, Sather enjoys playing the French horn (All State, All Star, AA Band and Northern Musicians Abroad), spending time with friends and family, traveling, listening to music and many other activities. Sather received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and was a Senior High Advocate. She is looking forward to continuing her education and growing as a person at UM.

Evelynn Turner of Billings plans to major in biology and Spanish and study abroad. She has been president of her school’s Intercultural Exchange Club for three years, and she is her school’s National Honor Society Treasurer. She has been an active member of Key Club for the past two years, completing over 80 hours of volunteer work. Turner is also a part of her school’s cross-country and track teams. After college, she plans to conduct scientific research.

Charlee Unsworth of Missoula plans to study geoscience, blending her interest in science and the natural world. She has volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. She did a long-pack rafting trip with the Montana Wilderness School on the Dearborn River. Her main hobbies include hunting, fishing, backpacking, weightlifting and hiking.  

Nebraska 

John Mosier of Omaha, Nebraska, plans to study wildlife biology and fisheries. This year he is taking part in the Henry Doorly Zoo Academy, a unique and selective program providing students access to various courses focusing on the environment and wildlife in a hands-on learning cohort. Mosier is interested in assisting in environmental, wildlife and conservation research, field work and any other opportunities in this field. Mosier participated in freshman basketball, competed in state and national DECA competitions, and served as an intern in the technology support center. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta, Math Honor Society. In his free time, Mosier takes private lessons for bass and electric guitar. Along with his coursework, he is partaking in the Nebraska Wildlife Refuge Science Academy. In the future, he hopes to serve as a scientific researcher for the National Park Service or U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife. 

Washington  

Sophia Benedetti of Spokane Valley, Washington, plans to study laboratory science to guide her into a career in forensics. She is part of multiple clubs and activities with her school, including the tennis team, theater, Key Club, HOSA and National Honor Society. In her free time, you can find Benedetti playing tennis, hiking, reading, listening to music or volunteering. Science is her true passion, and she hopes to one day become a medical examiner and use that platform to advocate for better access to healthcare in rural communities. 

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