FRESHMAN COHORT

Integrity

Evie Brousseau

Caroline Parnell

Chase Patterson

Ashley Smith

Vivek Beeram

Evie Brousseau

Plan II/English
Pasadena Waldorf High School in Altadena, CA

I am from Altadena, California, and recently graduated from Pasadena Waldorf High School. I have many hobbies, such as knitting, sewing, and drawing. I also played violin and sang in my school’s orchestra and chorus for years. But my two main loves are language and nature. I love to read, write and debate vehemently about my most recent read. I’ve studied Chinese for four years, and I hope to one day master the language and share my translations of Chinese songs and poems. Having grown up hiking, camping, backpacking, and more, my love of nature drove me to help run a volunteer organization, the AltaPasa Green Circle, at my local farmer’s market that helps reduce single-use waste, rescuing thousands of plastic plates, cups, and utensils from the landfill each week. I was also involved in my highschool, playing on our volleyball and basketball teams, serving on student council, and representing my school as a student ambassador. I started a baking club my senior year despite my astounding lack of ability in the kitchen. I’m also excited about the exchange program I helped start, and I will never forget my own incredible experience in Chengdu, China. I will be majoring in Plan II and English at UT, and I couldn’t be more excited to get to know my professors, make new friends, and get involved on campus. I cannot wait to join the Dedman community.

Caroline Parnell

Plan II
Stratford High School in Houston, TX

I am a recent graduate of Stratford High School in Houston, Texas. During my high school years, I was a 4 year varsity letter and 3 year captain of my basketball team as well as a 3 year varsity soccer player. In addition, I played center back for Albion Hurricanes ECNL composite team, a travel soccer team based out of Houston. When I wasn’t playing sports, I was serving as president of the Academy of Science and Engineering and the Vice President of Philanthropy on my school’s Student Council Executive Board. At UT, I will be majoring in Plan II and Biochemistry with a potential minor in women and gender studies. I will be pursuing a pre-med track. I look forward to participating in research through Dean’s Scholars in the College of Natural Science and studying abroad. I am so excited to join the Dedman family. Hook ‘em!

Chase Patterson

Plan II/Government
Hyde Park High School in Georgetown, TX

I am a recent graduate of Hyde Park High School in Austin, Texas. In high school, I competed in Congressional debate through the Youth and Government Legislative program and Lincoln Douglass debate through TAPPS. I also served as First Recording Secretary and First Vice President of the community service organizations, Jack and Jill of America and Top Teens of America, respectively. Personally, I have a deep passion for writing with a preference for poetry, and I am currently in the process of teaching myself how to play the piano. At The University of Texas, the biggest thing I am looking forward to is diving into Austin’s live music scene, and, while I will be majoring in Plan II and Government, I intend to learn everything I possibly can about geopolitics and writing as a Dedman Distinguished Scholar.

Ashley Smith

Plan II/International Relations & Global Studies
Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX

I am a recent graduate of Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas. Over the past four years, I have devoted a large portion of my time to serving our community as a Student Council and NHS officer. I represented my school for Math & Science UIL competitions, led the girl’s cross country and track programs through successful seasons, and served on my district’s Superintendent Advisory Council. Outside of school, I worked towards earning the Silver Medal for the Congressional Award while spending my summers volunteering at St. Paul Children’s Services Clothes Closet & Food Pantry. I will be majoring in Plan II and International Relations & Global Studies with plans to specialize in African affairs as I explore the relationship between human rights and international security. I am thrilled to be joining the Dedman community this fall and am looking forward to all of the opportunities available at UT!

Vivek Beeram

Plan II/Neuroscience Honors
Saint Mary’s Hall High School in San Antonio, TX

I am a recent graduate of Saint Mary’s Hall High School in San Antonio, Texas as a Major General Daniel S. and Mrs. Ruth Taylor Campbell Scholar. During high school, I spent my time working on scientific research, investigating topics like machine learning to HIV. I used my experience in diverse scientific settings to start the Genetic Immunology project, which worked to correlate genetic identity and infectious susceptibility. I competed in Congressional and Extemporaneous debate on the local, state, and national NSDA circuit as the captain of my school’s debate team and traveled around the world as the president of the Model United Nations club. I served on the council of my volunteering organization, represented my class as the elected rep to my school’s Community Service Council, and helped build my community through my work as an Eagle Scout. I like traveling and reading science fiction in my free time. At UT, I plan to follow a pre-med track while exploring my academic interests in Plan II and Neuroscience Honors with a certificate in Applied Statistical Modelling. I feel honored to be invited to join the Dedman community, and I’m excited to see you on campus this fall.