Tiger Twelve 2024: These High-Achieving Students Say Attending 海角社区 Made All the Difference

April 29, 2024

Each spring, 海角社区 recognizes 12 outstanding seniors as the Tiger Twelve. These individuals, in keeping with the university's Commitment to Community, contribute positively to the life of the campus, surrounding community, and society and demonstrate commitment to intellectual achievements, inclusive excellence, leadership on campus, and service.

group photo of the 2024 Tiger Twelve

Tiger Twelve honorees, from left, Colin M. Raby, Ryan Castell贸n, Kennedy Hayden Carter, Myrissa Eisworth, Tay J. Moore, Anna Catherine Strong, Chloe Madyson Guillory Hawkins, Ella Jane Otken, Sybil Pun, Rachel Lee Wall, Matthew Delatte, and Zachary Randall Bonser

We asked these impressive students how 海角社区 has helped them succeed. They had a lot to say.

Zachary Randall Bonser


Zachary Randall Bonser portraitMajor: Agricultural and Extension Education
College: College of Agriculture
Hometown: Tyrone, Georgia

鈥淓ven from the time I was a prospective student, 海角社区 took personal interest in me and my success. From professional conferences and studying abroad to playing Frisbee on the Parade Ground, the opportunities I鈥檝e been afforded have changed my life immeasurably; for that, I will always be grateful.鈥

Future Plans:  鈥淚'll be moving to Des Moines, Iowa, to begin my role in the Early Career Development Program at Corteva Agriscience, a company prioritizing sustainability and people in agriculture. Through the program, I鈥檒l rotate through several aspects of the company, including research and development, marketing, communications and education, and data analytics. Along with that, I鈥檝e already received confirmation that I can return to 海角社区 and recruit my fellow ag Tigers!鈥 

Kennedy Hayden Carter


Kennedy Hayden Carter portrait

Major: Mass Communication
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana

鈥淒uring my time at 海角社区, I have had the privilege of working with incredible organizations, advisors, administrators, and friends who have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Future Plans: 鈥淎s I begin my next journey as a Leadership Development Consultant for my national sorority, Kappa Delta, I'm excited to use what I've learned from this university to empower others on their leadership and developmental journeys.鈥

Ryan Castell贸n

Ryan Castell贸n portraitMajor: Mass Communication
Minors: Business Administration, Political Science
College: Manship School of Mass Communication
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

鈥満=巧缜 has given me such an incredible support system these past four years, and it鈥檚 these people 鈥 my professors, advisors, and friends 鈥 who gave me the tools I needed to learn, grow, and thrive.

鈥淔rom leading in Student Government and Student Philanthropy Council to overseeing major service projects and initiatives, the opportunities I鈥檝e had here at 海角社区 have truly laid the foundation for my future, and I鈥檓 so grateful to have had the chance to give back to the university I love so dearly.鈥

Future Plans: Beginning in the fall, I will pursue my master鈥檚 degree in business administration with the 海角社区 Flores MBA Program, after which I hope to begin a career in management consulting and use my skills to help more organizations thrive.鈥

Matthew Delatte

Matthew Delatte portraitMajor: Political Communication
Minor: Political Science
College: Manship School of Mass Communication
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Thibodaux, Louisiana

鈥満=巧缜 has surrounded me with a community of passionate students, dedicated mentors, and a supportive staff that has continuously inspired and challenged me to make a difference. Their encouragement has allowed me to pursue my passions and fueled my success.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation, I plan to apply to law school and begin in the fall of 2025. In the meantime, I will be working full time and publishing my first book.鈥

Myrissa Eisworth

Myrissa Eisworth portraitMajor: Dual Degree in Sociology and Anthropology
Minor: French
College: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

鈥満=巧缜 has provided me with a supportive community of professors, advisors, and peers that has continually uplifted and empowered me to succeed in all the ways I needed to.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation, I will be pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology at 海角社区 and continuing my research on rape culture under Dr. Heather Rackin.鈥

Chloe Madyson Guillory Hawkins

Chloe Madyson Guillory Hawkins portraitMajor: Electrical Engineering
Minors: Computer & Robotics Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Hometown: Haughton, Louisiana

鈥満=巧缜 has introduced me to countless new individuals who have helped me grow as an individual, leader, and person while also providing me with countless opportunities to grow my network, develop my skills as a leader, and help others.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation I will be working as a testing engineer in Sunnyvale California for Northrop Grumman. I also plan on attending OTS and being a reserve officer in the United States Air Force.鈥

Tay J. Moore

Tay J. Moore portraitMajor: Dual Degree in Political Science and Music
Colleges: College of Humanities & Social Sciences
College of Music & Dramatic Arts
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Ringgold, Louisiana

鈥淚 am so grateful for the many opportunities, friendships, and mentors that God has allowed me to have at 海角社区.

鈥淚n the past four years, I have been exposed to academic rigor, transformative service-learning experiences, and a plethora of diverse perspectives that have enriched my understanding of the issues facing society and strengthened my commitment to personal development. What began as a young kid growing up in rural Ringgold, Louisiana, has simply intensified at 海角社区: a life-long pursuit of getting in 鈥榞ood trouble.鈥欌

Future Plans: 鈥淔ollowing graduation, I will be moving to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Harry S. Truman Foundation's Summer Institute as an intern with Levine Music. In the fall, I will begin working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Office of Rural Health Policy as a Truman-Albright Fellow. After my 鈥榖ridge year(s)鈥 filled with work and travel, I plan to enroll in graduate/law school. As the famous hymn says: 鈥榃here He leads me, I will follow.鈥欌

Ella Jane Otken

Ella Jane Otken portraitMajor: Biological Sciences
Minors: Political Science and Leadership Development
College: College of Science
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Denham Springs, Louisiana

鈥淚 will forever be grateful to 海角社区 for providing me with countless opportunities to further my leadership skills, excel academically and professionally, and serve the community that has been my home for the past four years.

鈥淎s an 海角社区 Tiger, my invaluable experiences in student organizations, undergraduate research, and academics have allowed me to advocate, lead, and serve 海角社区 and the Greater Baton Rouge area, molding me into the individual and leader I am today.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淯pon graduation, I will be attending 海角社区 Health Shreveport Physician Assistant School as a member of the Class of 2026.鈥

Sybil Pun

Sybil Pun portraitMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Aerospace Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Hometown: Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

鈥満=巧缜 has helped me by providing me with every opportunity to succeed and prosper. From study abroad, research, on campus and off campus jobs, networking, internships, and building lifelong friendships, 海角社区 has made that happen.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淚 plan to be a production support technical engineer for Shell.鈥

Colin M. Raby

Colin M. Raby portraitMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Aerospace Engineering and Economics
College: College of Engineering
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

鈥淢y time at 海角社区 has been fruitful as every step on the Long Purple Line has enriched my individual endeavors and allowed me to significantly contribute to our campus community.

鈥淚 have enjoyed getting involved with the many opportunities this large campus provides, from serving our student body in 海角社区 Student Government to reviving 海角社区 Silver Wings to my work with the Cadets of the Ole War School and as a Residential Assistant to ODK, RHA, ASME, SPM, BYX, Bengal Bots, Tiger Brawlers, developing AI systems, and many others not listed here.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation, I will move to Washington, D.C., to work with House of Representatives committees focused on creating and hearing AI, data, and legislation on innovative emerging technologies. After this, my next step may be with NASA, the U.S. Space Force, or the private sector, where I plan to use what I have learned at 海角社区 to build a better world for us and those who follow.鈥

Anna Catherine Strong

Anna Catherine Strong portraitMajor: Dual Degree in Political Science and Screen Arts
College: Humanities and Social Sciences
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Madison, Mississippi

鈥満=巧缜 helped me to succeed by granting me a community that inspired me to pursue my passions across campus. The mentorship I received from the faculty and staff fostered an environment where I could learn, grow, and challenge myself.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation, I plan to move to Washington, D.C., and I will be pursuing a master's degree in public policy.鈥

Rachel Lee Wall

Rachel Lee Wall portraitMajor: Kinesiology
Minor: Biological Sciences
College of Human Sciences and Education
Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College
Hometown: Summerland Key, Florida

鈥満=巧缜 has given me tremendous and unique opportunities in leadership, academics, research, and service to grow into the confident person I am today.

鈥淔rom learning anatomy hands-on in the cadaver dissection lab to helping found the EMS Club on campus, 海角社区 has encouraged me to meet challenges head-on, empowering me to flourish as an undergraduate and soon, as a graduate student.鈥

Future Plans: 鈥淎fter graduation, I will be moving home to the Florida Keys to work in the hospital emergency department, gaining more direct patient hours and traveling abroad while applying to physician assistant graduate schools.鈥

Next Steps

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