2021 HATCH Big Sky Bios (Students)

My name is Maria Silva and I am seventeen years old. I'm a high school senior from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. I am especially passionate about environmental research and am doing my best to make the world a better place!

Olivia Bulis is a speaker, leader, advocate, and student from Bozeman, Montana. Olivia has spoken alongside UN leaders on urban planning and economic development, is advising City of Bozeman on their Equity Indicators Project, is on a multitude of advisory boards, and is a sex educator and domestic violence prevention educator in public schools throughout Montana. Recently, Olivia was named a 25 under 25 awardee for Montana, and is a part of a class action lawsuit against the State of Montana in response to the passing of bills intended to suppress the youth vote.

My name is Ruby Jenni. I am a senior in high school and am on a pre-professional dance track. I have danced ballet and contemporary since I was three and have so far loved every other style I have gotten into the studio with. I have traveled all over the world to perform and train. I love collaborating with people who are passionate about the things they do, be they dancers or not.

Maya is a senior at Bangor High in Bangor, Maine. She is a devoted STEM student, whose passion lies in helping females reach their potentials and beyond! Her dream is to make our education system accessible, learner-centered, and equitable!

My name is Logan Barker and I live in Big Sky, Montana. I am a sophomore in high school and I enjoy to outdoors and the preforming arts. I focus on my studies most of the time but I also am very passionate about my Ballet career. I love the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. I love rafting, hiking, camping, etc. I hope I can one day make a career out of my dancing passion. I hold my friends and family very close to me as I think it is important to have a good support system in your life. I take inspiration from those around me and I am so exited to take part in this new experience.

Hello, my name is Gabrielle Benson. I am 16 years old and I’m from Columbus, MS. I’m really excited to be a part of this trip and I hope to make some new friends while we are there.

My name is Anieyah Westbrook. I’m 16 years old. I love reading and music. I read about everyday with music in the background.

Hi, I am Raquel, I am from Camdenton Missouri. I am a senior in high school and am interested in Microbiology research.

I am a science research student who is particularly interested in all things chemistry. I am extremely self-motivated and always striving for perfection. I always try to think of what comes next in my life as well as in my research. I hope to get a Ph.D. in biochemistry and work on the medical side of a laboratory.

Hi my name is Lauren, i’m 16, I love reading.

Hi I’m Alivia , a 17 year old junior student from Columbus MS. I’m the second oldest out of a family of six. Other then go to school all day, I play volleyball for my school, work a part time job at Tj Maxx ,and in my spare time braid hair which is one of my favorite hobbies.

Dimitri is 16 year old dancer from Missoula MT who has had the opportunity to dance in Italy and China. I am going to be a junior in high school. I am interested in learning more about fashion, dance, programing.

I live in Big Sky Montana and love to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer with my family, friends, and dogs. I am a very active person yet still enjoy having chill days creating inside. I enjoy reading articles about sustainability and hope to help in taking steps towards a more sustainable future.

I am a very involved and active high schooler and community member. Having spoken on local forums and panels, my passion for change and justice is a huge factor in my life. A big part of that is my role as president and founder of Project X^2 at Gallatin High School, a club aimed to spread awareness and education of inequalities and many current societal issues. Aside from that, classical piano is one of my many hobbies along with tennis and designing clothes. Currently, I am working on research in the microbiology department at Montana State University since I am very interested in biology.