Mattias Carney graduated from high school in May 2026 with a 4.0 GPA. Mattias views higher education as an important step toward a career dedicated to protecting and serving others—inspired in no small part by his grandfather who was a pilot in World War II and his father’s service as a firefighter-paramedic.

Seeking a path that combines leadership, service, and technical problem-solving, Mattias earned an appointed to the United States Air Force Academy. There, he plans to pursue a STEM-focused education with the goal of becoming a U.S. Air Force officer.

Rory Huck is double majoring in mathematics and data science at the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA. With has a challenging course load that includes calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and statistics and has been grader and teaching assistant for math and data science courses—while maintaining a 3.9 GPA and being recognized for inclusion on the Dean’s List every semester.

She plans to pursue a career as an actuary, applying her analytical skills to risk assessment and problem-solving.

Hannah Bergthold plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in education. She hopes to become a teacher and help students build confidence in their ability to learn and succeed.

This career path became clear to Hannah when she traveled to Italy with church members to teach conversational English to young children. “Being with the kids and going outside of my comfort zone by standing up and teaching was an amazing experience for me,” she wrote. “I truly enjoyed every moment of it … Helping with the kids helped me see how much I love to teach.”

Roof Hugger President Dale Nelson, a past MCA chair, describes Drew Sailors as a “hardworking and conscientious young man.” Drew is studying at Ivy Tech Community College and plans to get his degree in Agriculture Sales, Business, and Economics at Purdue University. Through organizations such as 4-H and FFA, he has gained leadership and hands-on experience, raising and selling his own poultry and dairy feeder steers. He also has metal construction industry experience, having helped with the Logan Stampings and Roof Hugger booth at METALCON and the International Roofing Expo.

Colton Burks plans to attend Ottawa University and study coaching and administration. He is interested in a career as a coach and teacher, combining his passion for athletics with mentorship. The way his father built business connections has inspired Colton: “Watching him showed me that relationships built on integrity and effort can open doors and changes lives … Just as my dad’s relationships opened doors and created opportunities for those around him, I want to  build a legacy in which the students I mentor feel empowered to reach their goals and give back to others,” he wrote.