| Your passport to global affairs |
NCWA Scholars Attend Prestigious International Relations Programs At Universities in North America and Abroad |
Each year, the Naples Council on World Affairs invites the most promising high school juniors in our area with an interest in world events to apply for scholarships to prestigious one- and two-week study programs in the U.S. and other countries. Each year, the number of applications grows, and the number of NCWA members willing to support the development of our future leaders grows along with it. NCWA is proud of the investment of our organization and its members in the leaders of tomorrow. We invite you to look over these pages providing information about the students who will attend these programs and the content of the programs they will attend. |
Please review the background of the 21 NCWA Scholars who will attend the selected programs in the summer of 2026. Go to the subsequent pages on U.S. and International programs to learn about what they will study. We invite you to get involved, either by participating in organizing these programs or donating to funds that support them. Contact program chairs for more information: Judy Baker, International Scholarships, jebstar2@gmail.com, and Martha Williams, U.S./North American Scholarships, mwilliams@wnmn.org. 2026 NCWA SCHOLARS – STUDENT PROFILES Oxford Academia – Oxford University, United Kingdom Bennett Bozman Bennett is an outstanding scholar with top grades and a class rank of 5 out of 394. A top Academic WorldQuest competitor—placing 11th nationally as a freshman and 4th as a sophomore—he also excels in Model UN, Debate, Scholar Bowl, Mu Alpha Theta, and student government. Bennett’s passion for diplomacy was sparked through NCWA’s WorldQuest program and strengthened through Model UN research and public speaking. He hopes to pursue a future in the Foreign Service. Recipient of the Peter and Suzanne Berry Scholarship. Aarohee Dabas Aarohee is an accomplished scholar-leader with a class rank of 4 out of 387, more than 400 volunteer hours, and an award-winning record in Model UN. She serves as executive vice president of student government, president of Best Buddies, and cultural coordinator for the Indian Association of Naples, while also exceling in robotics, programming and community service. Aarohee’s passion for global dialogue and cultural understanding inspires her goal of studying international relations. A Putney-Patrice Cromwell Scholar. Zoe Saladin Zoe ranks first of 409 students at FMHS. She is an AP Scholar and earned the National Recognition Award and earned regional honors in Science Olympiad. She co-founded the nonprofit Power of Possibilities, raising $15,000 through large-scale community events supporting children battling cancer, and she serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of her class. She is a state-qualifying varsity swimmer and has a deep passion for environmental science and sustainability. A Putney-Patrice Cromwell Scholar. Austen Summy Austen is an exceptional scholar and civic leader and ranks first in his class out of 404. He is a standout in Youth in Government—where he has earned statewide awards and will serve as a presiding officer. Austen is also deeply engaged in public policy through Mock Trial, Teen Court, debate, and extensive volunteer work. He has founded multiple student organizations, works in a law office, and has published civic-focused environmental articles as part of Keep Lee County Beautiful’s Youth Advisory Council. A Putney-Patrice Cromwell Scholar. Lavya Patel Lavya is an accomplished student leader who ranks second in his class of 387, with significant experience in law, economics and global affairs. He serves as president of DECA, undersecretary in Model UN, and an intern both for a Collier County Circuit Judge—where he conducts legal research and observes judicial decision-making—and for a financial algorithmic trader, where he analyzes markets and develops trading models. Lavya aspires to apply his analytical, public speaking and problem-solving skills, interest in political economics and international diplomacy to his future career. A Putney-Patrice Cromwell Scholar. Germany Cultural & International Relations Program Braxton Cabrera Braxton is an extraordinary scholar and leader with stellar grades, a class rank of 1 out of 387, and more than 1,500 volunteer hours. A nationally recognized Model UN delegate, Braxton has earned numerous awards and leadership roles at MUN conferences. He is also a standout debater, award-winning performer with The Naples Players, and an active community volunteer. Braxton’s passion for diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding—shaped through three years of Model UN and leadership in service organizations—drives his goal of becoming a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Luke Brown Luke is an exceptional scholar-athlete and student leader with top grades and a class rank of 6 out of 394. A two-time Academic WorldQuest District Champion and national 4th place finisher, Luke also excels in leadership club DECA, Mock Trial, Debate, and varsity tennis, earning numerous district and state honors. As a three-term class president, club founder and active volunteer, he is known for his leadership, public speaking skills and commitment to collaboration. Luke’s passion for international cooperation and cultural understanding makes him an outstanding recipient of the Experiment in International Living Germany and the EU scholarship. Recipient of the Mark and Yone Schwab Scholarship. Tufts University: France International Relations Program Isabella Peck Isabella Peck, a junior at North Fort Myers High School and dual-enrollment student at Florida SouthWestern State College, is a National Merit Scholar and a Model UN leader and recipient of multiple awards at SWFLMUN, SHARKMUN (Gulf Coast High School), and VikingMUN (Bishop Verot High School) and serves on her school’s MUN Executive Board. She balances rigorous academics with deep involvement in marching band, orchestra and volunteer service as an ER assistant at Lee Memorial Hospital. Isabella’s accomplishments demonstrate a passion for diplomacy, global politics and European history. Recipient of the Vivian Patterson Scholarship. Costa Rica:Global Sustainability Micaela “Mica” Fallon Mica ranks second in her class of 394 and is a driven student leader with a strong commitment to sustainability, service and cultural connection. An Eagle Scout and Gold Award Scout, she is the founder of the ARHS Science Olympiad Club and has led major community projects, including building a firefighter workout facility and creating environmental education spaces in local parks. Mica has earned more than 450 volunteer hours through Scout and is also a varsity athlete in pole vault, volleyball and weightlifting. Inspired by her Peruvian heritage and a desire to reconnect with her family’s language, Mica is an outstanding recipient of the Experiment in International Living Costa Rica scholarship. Harvard University Chan C-CHANGE Erin Hanna Erin is an exceptional scholar ranking 8th in her class of 387. She is passionate about pediatric medicine, health equity and patient advocacy and hopes to become a doctor. She leads the 130-member marching band as the drum major, is an AP Scholar and is the co-founder of the Gateway to Medicine club, where she has created pathways for students to explore medical careers. She is a HOSA leader, where she placed second regionally in Patient Care Technician skills. Recipient of the Palay Family Scholarship. | Harvard University Chan C-Change, Continued: Benaiah Schuessler Benaiah is a dedicated scholar-athlete and emerging medical leader who ranks 20th of 394 and is a member of National Honor Society. He aspires to become a surgeon and health diplomat. He brings strong clinical preparation with certifications in medical protocols, along with hands-on experience from a selective pre-med program under physicians at Brown University and Orlando Health. A decorated Model UN delegate and student government treasurer, Benaiah is a founding member of several service clubs. Recipient of the Palay Family Scholarship. Tufts University: International Relations, Boston Aaron Bozman Aaron Bozman, is an AP Scholar and ranks ninth in his class of 394. He is president of his Academic WorldQuest’s award-winning local and national teams. He led his team to back-to-back district championships and impressive national finishes—11th in 2024 and 4th in 2025. Aaron is accomplished in Model UN, debate team, NHS, student government, Scholar Bowl and varsity baseball and serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Recipient of the John and Jinny Johnson Scholarship. Georgetown University: International Relations Academy Alexia Boby Alexia is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program and is an exceptional scholar-leader ranked third in her class of 404. She serves as president of DECA, secretary and regional vice president for HOSA, vice president of the Science National Honor Society and co-founder of the Power of Possibility initiative supporting pediatric cancer patients. Alexia is also a varsity athlete, marketing intern, chemistry tutor and dedicated community volunteer with Golisano Children’s Hospital and her church. She is inspired by her family’s immigration journey and her passion for policymaking, global systems and service. Recipient of the Jean and Bob Foster Scholarship. Zaara Rahman Zaara is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program and ranks in the top 3% of her class. She has a strong commitment to human rights, diplomacy, and civic engagement. An award-winning Model UN delegate and longtime participant in Youth in Government, Zaara has authored and passed legislation, collaborated with local leaders on community policy issues, and developed advanced debate and public speaking skills. She is in Theatre Club and an active volunteer within the Bengali community. Recipient of the Blackburn unnamed scholarship. Anna Fulmer Anna is a well-rounded scholar-athlete, student mentor and globally engaged young diplomat. A top academic performer with dual enrollment coursework at Ave Maria University, she captains her school’s Model UN team, earning MUN awards and mentoring younger delegates. She is a dual Ukrainian citizen, a talented pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall at age 10 and a committed athlete competing in cross country, swimming, soccer and track—with leadership roles including captain of Donahue’s first swim team. Anna also served as both a Florida House Messenger and Senate Page. Recipient of the Mo Winograd Scholarship. Juliana Dalao Juliana ranks third in her class of 387 and is an aspiring doctor. She is fluent in Arabic and is a first-generation American from Syria. She is a multi-year Model UN award winner and mentor and also serves on the Collier County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. With hands-on experience through cardiology office work and clinical shadowing, she is actively working toward fulfilling her dream as a doctor. Sahana Kanda Sahana is an accomplished scholar-leader with a strong interest in law, economics and global affairs and ambitions to become a corporate attorney. Her impressive academic and Model UN record—including Best Delegate at GatorMUN (University of Florida) and Outstanding at BOSMUN (Boston University)—has distinguished her as a skilled negotiator and analytical thinker. Sahana also excels in Mock Trial, Teen Court, DECA, student government, and Speech and Debate. She has interned at the 20th Judicial Circuit. Recipient of the Mark and Kathy Walchak Scholarship. Klea Kocani Klea is ranked seven out of 461 students at GGHS and is a driven student leader with a strong passion for global affairs, public service and community engagement. She is junior class president, president of Key Club, and a committee leader on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and has distinguished herself through thoughtful leadership, organization and initiative. Klea is also an active member of National Honor Society, student government, Debate and Champions for Learning, and has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to organizations including Meals of Hope, Empowerment Farms and the Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. Recipient of the Margolis and Friends Scholarship. Georgetown University: Alex Ewy Alex is an outstanding scholar-athlete and student leader ranked first in his class of 394, with an exceptional record across AP, science and math competitions. A multi-year Academic WorldQuest district champion whose team placed fourth nationally, Alex is also a decorated Model UN delegate, DECA state qualifier, Science Olympiad treasurer, and top performer in debate, Scholar Bowl and math competitions. Beyond the classroom, he is a varsity swimmer and soccer player, a certified lifeguard, a summer camp junior leader and an assistant dental technician with 400+ hours of professional experience. Recipient of the Ellen and Bob Haffa Scholarship. Yale University: Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) Talia Matten Talia is a high-ranking, globally minded scholar-athlete and committed community leader—volunteering as a coach for special-needs athletes, supporting STEM education at the IMAG History & Science Center and organizing service projects that uplift local elementary students and support animal rescue efforts. She is driven to build her school’s Model UN program and foster cross-cultural understanding. Recipient of the Yale Club of SWFL Scholarship. Carter Gurulé Carter is an accomplished scholar-theater performer with a class rank of 4/307. He is an award-winning Model UN participant and is involved in Youth in Government, where he received the state “Look Out” Award. He is a prolific performer at local theaters and has been awarded seven honors for his performances. Recipient of the Yale Club of SWFL Scholarship. |
| Naples Council on World Affairs Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239-649-3942 |
