5 Missouri Students Making The Show-Me State Proud

Missouri is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Missouri students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Sophia Gagnepain (Eureka) — Sophia Gagnepain, a 2024 graduate of Eureka High School, was awarded the Metro West Firefighters Community Outreach Annual Scholarship for her commitment to service and strong personal values. In her winning essay, Sophia reflected on the moral compass instilled by her family and her desire to serve her community with kindness and compassion—values she will carry into a future career in medicine. Now a student at Dartmouth College, Sophia is pursuing a pre-medical track with studies in biological sciences and Spanish while competing on Dartmouth’s Division I women’s volleyball team. Her high school accolades include Missouri First Team All-District, AVCA All-Region, and Academic All-State honors. Read more here.

Brianna Stith (Wildwood) — Brianna Stith, a Wildwood native and 2024 graduate of Licking High School, was named a second-place winner in Missouri’s Project 21 Scholarship competition for her creative and impactful poster titled “Help Stop Underage Gambling.” One of only four students across the state selected for this honor, Brianna received a $1,500 scholarship to support her studies at Indiana University, where she now studies Management and Entrepreneurship. Her project tackled the dangers of underage gambling, emphasizing the need for stronger awareness and education among teens. Through her work, she joined the Missouri Gaming Association’s mission to reduce illegal youth gambling and promote informed decision-making among her peers. Read more here.

Katie Klein (Kirkwood) — A standout senior at Kirkwood High School, Katie Klein has been named both a 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, placing her among the nation’s top academic achievers. But Katie’s excellence extends beyond the classroom—this fall, she placed 23rd at the Missouri state cross country meet, clocking a personal-best time of 18:46 on the Gans Creek course. The milestone capped four years of dedication, grit and goal-setting. “I was ecstatic it was over and that I had done what I wanted to do,” she said in an article on The Kirkwood Call after breaking the 19-minute barrier. Whether in racing spikes or with pen in hand, Katie is always chasing new limits. Read more here.

Elana Noor Hadi (Springfield) — When Elana Noor Hadi stumbled across the U.S. Senate Youth Program while searching for scholarships, she had no idea it would lead to a front-row seat at the State of the Union and a handshake with President Joe Biden. The Central High School senior—a straight-A student, student body president, and active leader of clubs including Civics and Constitution, FBLA and Key Club—was one of just two Missouri students selected for the prestigious program. Passionate about American history and politics, Elana impressed during her interview in Jefferson City and earned the $10,000 scholarship. Beyond academics, Elana was a tennis player, band member, robotics teammate, tutor and intern for the Arab-American Business and Professional Association during her high school tenure, proving that she is a well-rounded leader with big dreams and the drive to match. Read more here.

Anastasia Jensen (North Kansas City) — A 2024 graduate of North Kansas City High School, Anastasia Jensen stood out as both a scholar and a performer, earning the Cummings Family Scholarship and making a lasting impression through her involvement in orchestra, theatre, colorguard, HOSA, National Honor Society and the Women’s Empowerment Club. Known for her positive attitude and musicianship as a violinist in the Symphonic Orchestra, Anastasia now brings her dedication and passion for science to Northwest Missouri State University, where she plans to major in Biology on a pre-dental track. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Missouri. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!