Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Holt Adoptee Graduates!
It is with great joy we present the digital 2024 adoptee yearbook and send each graduate a printed keepsake. You are all special members of the extended Holt family and we wish all of you the best on your new chapter.
On This Page:
High School Graduates
Arianna Seo-yeon Lee
[South Korea]
IRVINE, CA — Arianna was a member of the Mission to Promote Adoption of Kids (MPAK), an organization founded by a Korean adoptee. She attended the COSMOS summer program in microbiology and played bass guitar in a youth group band. Arianna plans to study neuroscience in college and intends to become a doctor.
Ashley Richter
[China]
SACRAMENTO, CA — Ashley attended a performing and fine arts academy, where she focused on dance and music. She plans to attend American River Junior College and major in speech and language pathology.
Braden Hardin
[South Korea]
LYONS, NE — Braden was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the cross country, football, basketball and track teams. He was also involved in band and theater productions. Braden will attend Doane University, where he will study elementary education and sports coaching and play on the school’s football team.
Caelyn Haines
[China]
ANDALE, KS — Caelyn was a member of her school’s volleyball team, student council, choir and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plans to become a licensed daycare provider after graduation.
Cameron Unrau
[South Korea]
OMAHA, NE — Cameron was a two-time DECA national qualifier and played on his school’s football and golf teams. He will head to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study business administration.
Catherine Mei Sullivan
[China]
DALLAS, TX — Mei was a member of several honor societies and the recipient of the Joanne Wasoff Smith scholarship. She was a varsity lacrosse captain and the captain of the women’s basketball team. Mei will attend the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, where she will major in architecture.
Chang-An Nicholson
[Taiwan]
PITMAN, NJ — Chang-An played basketball, tennis and baseball in high school, and received a People’s Choice award in his senior year. He will attend Rowan College of South Jersey and begin his studies as a liberal arts major.
Chloe Schunke
[South Korea]
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Chloe was in the National Honor Society and active in her school’s multicultural club. She competed on the varsity volleyball team for four years and captained the team her senior year. She will attend Lehigh University to major in architecture.
Crista Chenoweth
[China]
PELLA, IA — Crista was a member of the National Honor Society and played varsity tennis in high school. She also played flute and was a color guard in her school’s state-championship winning marching band. In addition, Crista was part of a team of students who won the Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge. She will attend Iowa State University and major in apparel, merchandising and design.
Daniel Meckes
[China]
DES PLAINES, IL — Daniel participated in technical theater for the fine arts department, the high school improv team and the school news show. He was also a roadie for the marching band. In addition, Daniel was nominated for a student Emmy award by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He will attend Oakton Community College before transferring to a university to study film.
Edie Balster
[China]
BLACK EARTH, WI — Edie was a gymnast for all four years of high school and joined her team at state-level competitions each year. During the summer, Edie helped coach at a recreational gymnastics program, inspiring dozens of young gymnasts. She will head to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this fall and major in exercise sports science.
Elijah Ozbu
[South Korea]
COTTAGE GROVE, OR — Elijah is a recent high school graduate who plans to attend community college and/or seek employment.
Elisabeth Van Cleef
[China]
ALEDO, TX — Libby participated in the award-winning Bearcat Regiment as a varsity member and was captain of the color guard. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. Libby plans to attend Weatherford College for two years before transferring overseas to complete her degree.
Ella Tovo-Hurt
[China]
AUSTIN, TX — Ella was in her school’s orchestra and a color guard member of the marching band. She also enjoyed horseback riding. Ella plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she will major in animal science and minor in biology and equine studies.
Emily Fulton
[China]
ROGERS, AR — Emily received both her high school degree and an associate degree from Northwest Arkansas Community College. She also competed at the state level in tennis during her senior year. Emily plans to attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence as a pre-med student and major in biochemistry.
Felicity Chin
[South Korea]
PORTLAND, OR — Felicity received an honors diploma from the Summit Learning Charter school and Portland Community College. Her next stop is Willamette University.
Grace Neilitz
[China]
WAUSAU, WI — Grace was a member of the National Honor Society and involved in the math, forensics and speech clubs. She will attend Mount Mary University to study history and international relations and hopes to become a lawyer.
Isabelle Batayola
[Philippines]
KENNEWICK, WA — Isabelle played on her high school’s bowling and tennis teams. She was also active in her church youth group. Isabelle will attend Washington State University, where she will study interior design.
Isabelle Morrow
[South Korea]
INDEPENDENCE, MO — Isabelle was a member of her school’s National Honor Society, cross country and track teams, choir, Youth Advisory Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plans to study veterinary medicine at Metropolitan Community College and the University of Missouri-Columbia.
James Batayola
[China]
KENNEWICK, WA — James was active in his school’s Key Club and church youth group. His interests include gaming, running and biking. James plans to attend Seattle University to study criminal justice.
Jayden Waggoner
[China]
SALEM, OR — Jayden was on the track team for all four years of high school. She was also a peer mentor, a preschool teacher, a member of the band and a hospital volunteer. Jayden plans to attend Oregon State University to study psychology and become a children’s therapist.
Jayna Cole
[China]
PITTSBURGH, PA — Jayna played slow pitch softball as a varsity athlete, played the cello in her school’s orchestra and was involved in the Interact Club, German Club and German Honor Society. She is headed to Chathum University, where she will enroll in a five-year program to receive both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology.
Jazmyne Rose-Noel Rees
[China]
ROSCOMMON, MI — Jazmyne was her class valedictorian, a winner of the 2024 Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs award, and a member of her school’s choir, musical theater program and varsity soccer team. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University, where she will major in psychology.
Jesse Listopad
[Thailand]
DES PLAINES, IL — Jesse graduated in the top 5% of his class and was inducted into his school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He was on the varsity diving team for three years and on the men’s gymnastics team for one year, finishing fourth in the state on pommel horse. Jesse will attend Springfield College, where he will major in psychology and compete as a NCAA gymnast.
Jinji Davee
[China]
SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Jinji graduated from a Mandarin immersion program and received the California State Seal of Biliteracy on her high school diploma. She also earned the Girl Scouts of America Gold award for her project combatting Asian hate. Jinji is headed to the Nolan School of Business at Cornell University to major in hospitality management.
Jolene Hernandez
[China]
WHITTIER, CA — Jolene was an honors student who received the Distinguished Scholar award. She was also on her school’s track team. Jolene will attend the University of California, Riverside to study biology and pursue a career as a physician assistant.
Joseph Purcell
[South Korea]
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Joseph bowled on the Special Olympics team and volunteered at the YMCA during high school. His favorite classes were music, gym and sign language. Upon graduation, Joseph will attend an adult program and continue to volunteer at the YMCA.
Kaden Emanuel
[South Korea]
CELEBRATION, FL — Kaden took classes at Valencia College while in high school and will soon receive his associate degree. He is also currently enrolled in the AeroStar Training Services flight school. Kaden hopes to continue his studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and work as a private pilot for a large corporation.
Kaden Oren
[South Korea]
HAVILAND, KS — Kaden was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in Scholars Bowl and forensic competitions. He plans to attend Barclay College to major in psychology and family studies, and hopes to become a family and marriage therapist.
Kailani Marson
[Thailand]
COLLEGE PLACE, WA — Kailani played violin in the school orchestra, winning the National School Orchestra award in her senior year. She was part of the drama department for four years and editor of the student newspaper. Kailani plans to attend college after graduation and major in English.
Lauren Frey
[South Korea]
MODESTO, CA — Lauren was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in mock trial and martial arts competitions. She also took part in the Police Department Explorer program. Lauren will finish two associate degrees at Modesto Junior College, pursue EMT and paramedic certifications and then apply to the Police Academy.
Lillian Cottingham
[China]
WILMETTE, IL — Lilly was named the National Strength and Conditioning Association Athlete of the Year for Multi-Sport Athletes, earning the designation for Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. She also received the Norman Frey Senior award for Excellence in English Writing. Lilly plans to attend Lake Forest College and major in education.
Lilly Belton
[South Korea]
WICHITA, KS — Lilly is a recent high school graduate who plans to pursue entrepreneurship.
Maggie Murphy
[China]
MILWAUKEE, WI — Maggie was a member of the National Honor Society and a STEM Scholar. She was a goalie for her school’s field hockey team and participated in a number of sports and social clubs as well as the Campus Ministry Council. She will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall.
Matthew Basilio
[Philippines]
GARDENA, CA — Matthew participated in his school’s Student Leadership Council, speech and debate club and in the performing arts. He was also on the varsity volleyball, soccer and basketball teams. He plans to enroll at a junior college then transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree in business.
Megan Benham
[China]
BENTON, AK — Megan was a color guard in her school’s marching band, sang in choir and was a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas, where she hopes to pursue a degree in the health sciences and become a color guard in the marching band.
Melissa Yasui
[China]
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — Melissa was the class valedictorian, a member of the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation, and co-captain of her school’s soccer team. While in high school, she wrote and self-published a children’s book. Melissa plans to attend Northeastern University to major in political science and international affairs.
Molly Grace Williams
[South Korea]
LOUDON, TN — Molly Grace was involved in the American Sign Language Club, Interact Club and Key Club, and was a CASA of the Tennessee Valley volunteer while in high school. She plans to attend Maryville College and major in hospitality and regional identity.
Nathaniel Morin
[South Korea]
PADUCAH, KY — Nathaniel is a recent high school graduate who plans to attend Western Kentucky University to study nursing.
Noah Kubaitis
[South Korea]
CHAGRIN FALLS, OH — Noah was involved in youth ministry programs in high school, including Student Impact and World Changers mission trips. In addition to receiving a high school diploma, Noah graduated from a career center with several certifications in automotive collision and repair. His next stop is Ohio Technical College, where he hopes to obtain platinum certifications in these fields.
Paige Henze
[China]
ANKENY, IA — Paige was a High School Ambassador and on her school’s dance and tennis teams. She plans to attend Iowa State University, where she will major in marketing.
Parker Dilworth
[South Korea]
WILMINGTON, DE — Parker was a member of the National Honor Society and selected as his school’s top drafting and design student. He plans to attend the University of Delaware, where he will major in mechanical engineering.
Ryder Nakamura
[South Korea]
LAS VEGAS, NV — Ryder earned an advanced honors diploma and received a Superintendent’s Medallion. He swam for seven years with the Sandpipers of Nevada competitive swim club and for four years on his school’s varsity swim team. Ryder will attend the University of Nevada to major in neuroscience and plans to go to medical school.
Shen Viola
[China]
EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Shen was a member of his high school robotics team, which won several local and district championships. He plans to study engineering at Rutgers University.
Sybella Gene Zhi Xue Coulson
[China]
DUMFRIES, VA — Sybella was a member of several honor societies, Model UN and the Asian Student Union. She was also the coxswain for the boys’ varsity crew team throughout high school. Sybella plans to attend James Madison University and major in intelligence analysis and international relations.
Teegan Sauter
[South Korea]
INDIANOLA, IA — Teegan was on the honor roll and varsity tennis team for all four years of high school. He was also a recipient of the Silver Cord service award. Teegan plans to attend Simpson College and major in biochemistry.
Ty Miller
[China]
LINCOLN, CA — Ty was an honors athlete, the 2024 psychology/
sociology student of the year and a Live like Soy scholarship recipient. He plans to study chemistry at Sierra College for two years then transfer to a university.
Yo Shen Cupp
[China]
MALIBU, CA — Yo Shen plans to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union to become an electrician.
Zachary Skalbeck
[Thailand]
RICHMOND, VA — Zach played varsity soccer for two years in high school and also played clarinet in the marching band. He received all-district band honors as a member of the woodwind ensemble all four years of high school. Zach plans to attend North Carolina State University and major in business.
Zeb Hinze
[Ethiopia]
RUNNELLS, IA — Zeb was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was also on his school’s football, basketball and track teams. Zeb will attend the College of the Ozarks and major in criminal justice.
College Graduates
Allison Tubbs
[South Korea]
DELMAR, IA — Allison is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where she majored in psychology and obtained an industrial organizational work psychology certificate. She was a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and played clarinet in the concert band. She intends to pursue a position in human resources.
Brodeur Emanuel
[South Korea]
CELEBRATION, FL — Brody graduated from the University of South Florida with a master’s degree in social work. His goal is to help others be their best!
Caleb Han
[South Korea]
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Caleb is a graduate of Colorado College with a major in business, economics and society. He plans to seek employment in a field related to his major.
Caroline Riechel
[India]
JOHNS CREEK, GA — Caroline graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in media arts. While in college, she was a community volunteer, rode on an equestrian club team and was active in film clubs. Caroline is pursuing work as a digital media and marketing coordinator after graduation.
Claire Worthington
[China]
MENIFEE, CA — Claire graduated cum laude from California Baptist University, where she majored in mechanical engineering and was a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. After graduation, Claire plans to work in the aerospace engineering industry and become an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Elise Young
[China]
EASTON, MD — Elise attended the University of Maryland, where she was a psychology major. She was a member of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academic Excellence Society, a suicide and crisis lifeline counselor, and active in opioid overdose prevention in mental and health advocacy. Elise intends to pursue a PhD in psychology.
Ella Chaisson
[South Korea]
BURBANK, CA — Ella graduated cum laude with a degree in kinesiology from Westmont College. During college, she held 10 individual school records in women’s swimming and received the scholar-athlete Golden Eagle Award in 2024. She now plans to attend graduate school for prosthetics and orthotics.
Emmanuel Russo
[Philippines]
WALLA WALLA, WA — Emmanuel earned his bachelor’s degree in behavioral science -sociology from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2020. He recently completed his nursing degree at Walla Walla Community College and is now employed as a medical-surgical registered nurse.
Faith Cuimei Perry
[China]
HOUSTON, TX — Faith is a graduate of Tarleton State University, where she majored in general business administration. Her minor was in accounting. She currently works at MALK Organics in Houston as the procurement coordinator.
Harrison Robert
[South Korea]
EL SEGUNDO, CA — Harrison is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton. He received his degree in cinema and television arts.
Helen Kirby
[Thailand]
CORVALLIS, OR — Helen is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she majored in music therapy.
Jacqueline Faith Jarvis Graham
[China]
METTER, GA — Jackie graduated with honors from the South University School of Pharmacy. She will work for Walmart Neighborhood Market Pharmacies in southeast Georgia.
Jordan Chee
[China]
AGOURA HILLS, CA — Jordan graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior. While in college, Jordan attended her school’s
summer abroad microbiology laboratory program in Thailand. She now plans to travel through Asia, work in a doctor’s office in the U.S. and apply to graduate school.
Laura Nolan
[China]
CARMICHAEL, CA — Laura is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she majored in civil engineering and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. She works as a civil engineer, focusing on bridge design.
Lily Mesyk
[China]
WAUPACA, WI — Lily graduated summa cum laude from Bethel University with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. During college, she was selected to be a National Science Foundation undergraduate researcher at Iowa State University. Lily also went on mission trips to Belize and Honduras. She is now enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse to become a physician assistant.
Lily Walton
[China]
MILFORD, DE — Lily graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in material science and engineering. In college, Lily was the captain of an all-female esports team and participated in dance events. Her goal after graduation is to work in her field of study.
Luke Ferriby
[South Korea]
WEST HARTFORD, CT — Luke is a recent graduate of the Police Academy and now works as a police officer in Connecticut.
Margaret Alexander
[China]
MEMPHIS, TN — Maggie is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she majored in computer science and mathematics. She was a member of the Phi Sigma Rho sorority and on the executive board of the Vanderbilt University Community Garden. She plans to earn her PhD at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Margaret Sichley
[China]
REDLANDS, CA — Margaret is a graduate of California State University San Marcos, where she majored in biochemistry. After graduation, she plans to work in a medical or forensic lab.
Natalie Jun Bales, MD
[China]
MEDFORD, OR — Natalie received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Natalie is now enrolled in a seven-year residency in neurosurgery at the University of South Florida.
Ruchi Ladd
[India]
HASLETT, MI — Ruchi graduated summa cum laude from Thomas Jefferson University, where she majored in fashion design. During college, she was a member of the Rhythm and Motion Dance Company and the founder and president of her school’s Christian Cornerstone. Ruchi is currently a manager in training at a Buckle clothing store.
Ryan Doll
[South Korea]
REDDING, CA — Ryan graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in business administration. At college, he was in the Honor Society. His current plans are to work in project management in the tech industry.
Sage Albanese
[South Korea]
SAINT JAMES, NY — Sage is a graduate of Five Towns College, where she majored in mass communications with a focus on broadcasting and media. She currently works in special education at a local elementary school.
Shaelyn Diamond
[China]
BROOKFIELD, CT — Shaelyn graduated from Keuka College, where she majored in occupational therapy (OT). On campus, she was a student mentor and played on the ultimate frisbee team. She is currently enrolled in an OT master’s program, which she hopes to complete by spring 2025.
Simeon Fyksen
[China]
MARSHFIELD, WI — Simeon graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in finance. He will pursue a master’s degree in business from the same school and work as a teaching assistant on campus.
Sitara Busby
[India]
EDMONDS, WA — Sitara graduated cum laude from Whitworth University with a degree in sociology. She now works full time for the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Sophia Emanuel
[South Korea]
CELEBRATION, FL — Sophia graduated with a degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida and took additional courses in data analytics at George Washington University. Sophia hopes to work at Disney, Universal Studios or Lockheed Martin after graduation.
Stephanie MacFarland
[China]
TEQUESTA, FL — Stephanie completed her master’s degree in management from Eastern Nazarene College. She is also a regional soccer referee and licensed to referee men’s and women’s semi-professional and professional games around the U.S.
Sydney Liu Yi Tribou
[China]
ATLANTA, GA — Sydney is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, where she earned her degree in business administration and marketing. Sydney was a HOPE Scholar and a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in a sales or marketing position.
Tenley RuiXue Porcher
[China]
CHULUOTA, FL — Tenley graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Proficiency award. She plans to begin a small animal rotating internship at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Zane Cleghorn
[China]
KENT, WA — Zane graduated with honors from Montana State University, where he majored in geology. He was the president of the Chinese Culture Club and studied abroad in Taiwan. Zane will continue his research at the University of Massachusetts and pursue a master’s degree in geology.