Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Holt Adoptee Graduates!
It is with great joy that we present the digital 2025 adoptee yearbook and send each graduate a printed keepsake. You are all special members of the extended Holt family and we wish each of you good luck in your new chapter.
On This Page:
High School Graduates
Adam Ogilvie
[South Korea]
AUBURN, CA — Adam graduated high school with several academic honors. He will attend a year-long biblical studies program before studying to become a real estate broker.
Adyson Hensley
[South Korea]
PORTERVILLE, CA — Adyson was her class valedictorian and a member of several clubs, including the rocketry and art clubs. She was also on the varsity volleyball team, which she captained for two years. Adyson will attend Chapman University as a student in the accelerated pre-pharmacy program.
Amanda Scheuermann
[South Korea]
PLANO, TX — Amanda was a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. She was also on the student council and a cheerleader. Her next stop is Baylor University, where she will be an informatics cybersecurity major.
Amelia Kramer
[China]
LAKE OSWEGO, OR — Amelia was a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society as well as the AAPI club. She was also in the a cappella choir and played soccer. Amelia will head to Oregon State University to study biology with a pre-veterinary option.
Anika Armstrong
[China]
TIFFIN, OH — Anika graduated high school with high honors and is heading to Wright State University to major in accounting.
Anthony Le DePrince IV
[Vietnam]
MAGNOLIA, NJ — Anthony attended a performing arts academy, where he focused on vocal and theater performance. He was a member of the National Honor Society and his school’s first robotics team. During high school, Anthony completed classes to become a certified EMT. He will head to St. Joseph’s University to study nursing.
Callie Lonowski
[China]
BREA, CA — Callie was the recipient of multiple art awards in high school and is proficient in sketching and working with colored pencils and acrylic paint. Callie plans to prepare for a health care profession in college.
Chengli Payton
[China]
MADISON, NJ — Chengli was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Spanish Honor Society and a co-leader of the Diversity Student Union. She wrote for and edited her school newspaper and played the clarinet and piano. Chengli will attend the University of Connecticut, where she will double major in linguistics and speech, language and hearing sciences.
Cynthia Oren
[South Korea]
HAVILAND, KS — Cynthia participated in band and forensics during her freshman year of high school. She then transitioned to an online school in her sophomore year. Cynthia plans to enroll in the Formations Institute and study to become a licensed esthetician.
Dana de la Cruz
[South Korea]
LAKE STEVENS, WA — Dana was an honors student who played saxophone in her school’s band. She also was a distance runner on the cross country and track teams for all four years. Dana’s next stop is the University of Washington.
Dannette Bond
[Vietnam]
BEDFORD, TX — Dannette was a member of the National Honor Society and held leadership roles in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and American Sign Language club. She will attend the University of Texas at Arlington and pursue a degree in early childhood-6th grade ESL.
Elia Oldenburg
[Vietnam]
ROCHESTER, MN — Elia was an honors student who performed with the Circus Manduhai for four years and with the Circus Juventas for 15 years. She will attend the University of Minnesota to major in neuroscience and eventually go into a medical field.
Grace Ipson
[China]
SOUTH PASADENA, CA — Grace completed her school’s four-year biomedical sciences program, played on the girls volleyball team and was a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union. She will attend the University of California, Riverside, where she will major in environmental science.
Grace Oberlies
[China]
OMAHA, NE — Grace was a high school honors student. She played both golf and tennis and was involved with a youth group. Grace will attend St. Mary’s College in Indiana to study education.
Ha-neul Odil
[South Korea]
HILLSBORO, OR — Ha-neul is a recent high school graduate who plans to work before pursuing a career in the computer sciences.
Hannah Porter
[South Korea]
OAKLAND, MD — Hannah was an honors student who enjoyed running track and cheerleading. She plans to attend Waynesburg University, where she will run track and study to become an athletic trainer.
Jaden Franks
[China]
RICHWOOD, NJ — Jaden was the vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Council. He also was a member of the wind ensemble and the varsity cross country and track and field teams. Jaden will attend the University of Pennsylvania to earn a degree in nursing.
Jake Velure
[South Korea]
EUGENE, OR — Jake was a member of the National Honor Society, the pep band and a rock band, where he played drums and guitar. He was also on the track team. Jake will head to the University of Oregon to study environmental design.
Jaxson Carney
[South Korea]
COLBY, KS — Jaxson was a member of the football and wrestling teams. While in high school, he also attended a vocational-technical program, earning a certificate in welding. Jaxson currently works for Midwest Energy.
Jenna Won
[China]
ELK GROVE, CA — Jenna is a recent high school graduate who will attend California State University, Sacramento to major in social work.
Jommel Wing
[Philippines]
SAINT JOSEPH, MO — Jommel was an honors student who played varsity soccer for four years and was on the track team for two years. He was also a member of DECA and the Future Business Leaders of America. Jommel plans to major in business marketing at Missouri Western State University.
Joseph Swartzberg
[China]
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Joseph is a recent high school graduate who will attend Ave Maria University to study finance.
Josh Gonzales
[China]
CORONA, CA — Josh was an honors student who participated in his school’s marching band and Festival Winds band program. He was also on his school’s tennis team for all four years. Josh plans to attends a local community college, where he will major in nutrition and dietetics.
Josie Smith
[China]
OAK PARK, IL — Josie is a recent high school graduate who will attend Macalester College.
Jun-Ha Gelayder
[South Korea]
LEONIA, NJ — Jun-Ha was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and played on the varsity baseball team. He was also the captain and MVP of the varsity football team. Jun-Ha will major in mechanical engineering at Syracuse University.
Kaylee Amos
[South Korea]
SELAH, WA — Kaylee was a member of the drama and ASL clubs in high school. She also attended a summer college program in Japan, where she studied Japanese. Kaylee plans to major in international affairs at Eastern Washington University.
Lauren Mathis
[China]
LITTLE RIVER, SC — Lauren was a member of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society. She played piccolo in the marching band, performed with a flute choir and played saxophone in the jazz band. Lauren will attend the University of South Carolina honors college, where she will major in international business and play piccolo in the school’s marching band.
Linh Austin
[Vietnam]
SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI — Linh played for her school’s softball and basketball teams, and was a member of the robotics team and drama club. She will attend Wayne State University, where she will study to become a speech-language pathologist.
Lucy Bowers
[South Korea]
MERIDIAN, MS — Lucy was a member of the National Honor Society and the Dusty Social Service Club, where she served her local community. During high school, Lucy also showcased her horse at the Mississippi High School Rodeo Association and National Cutting Horse Association events. She will study radiological sciences at the University of South Alabama.
Lucy Formica
[China]
WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ — Lucy is a recent high school graduate.
Lydia Sanderson
[China]
BONDURANT, IA — Lydia participated in dance and aerobics throughout high school and was involved in many church activities. She will attend Iowa State University to major in business analytics.
Manel Conners
[Haiti]
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Manel played multiple sports in high school, including baseball and hockey. He will attend Albion College, where he will study business administration and marketing and continue to play baseball.
Markos Stark
[Ethiopia]
BETHEL PARK, PA — Markos played ice hockey in high school and was a member of DECA. He is headed off to college to study business management.
Matthew Gueniot
[South Korea]
SAN DIEGO, CA — Matthew has been training as an aerial acrobat for the past 10 years. He also enjoys volunteering at his local food pantry and is involved with his church youth group. Matthew will attend a program at the San Diego Circus Center, which will help him prepare for auditions and further training in the performing arts.
Max Hyman
[South Korea]
KEENE, NY — Max was a varsity athlete who played baseball and soccer for all four years of high school. He also spent four years as a competitive athlete with the New York Ski Educational Foundation. In his senior year, Max was accepted into the CV Tech medical program, where he discovered his passion for becoming a physician assistant. He will major in biology in college.
Maxwell Burns
[South Korea]
SPOKANE, WA — Max was on the varsity tennis, cross country and track teams. He was also on the Mt. Spokane ski race team. Max plans to work and attend community college.
Mia Lewis
[China]
ACWORTH, GA — Mia is a recent high school graduate who will attend Chattahoochee Technical College and then transfer to Kennesaw State University. She will major in social work.
Mia Shipman
[South Korea]
OVERLAND PARK, KS — Mia was a member of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. She was also a member of the Chinese Student Association. Mia will attend The Ohio State University to study fashion and retail sales.
Mia Snyder
[China]
MURRYSVILLE, PA — Mia has been a life-long athlete, playing soccer, softball and golf. In high school, Mia lettered in golf for three years and competed at the county level for four years. She plans to attend the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and major in criminal justice.
Michael Cormier
[South Korea]
WETHERSFIELD, CT — Michael was his school’s salutatorian and secretary of the National Honor Society. He will attend the honors program at the University of Connecticut and pursue studies in actuarial science.
Mikenna Kruit
[China]
ST. CHARLES, IL — Mikenna is a recent high school graduate who will take courses to become an esthetician.
Misganech Teahan
[Ethiopia]
GLENDALE, CA — Misganech graduated with top honors from high school. She has played on a semi-professional soccer team in Los Angeles and will play Division 1 soccer for Lehigh University. She plans to major in global studies and anthropology at Lehigh.
MyLinh Schell
[Vietnam]
ROSBURG, WA — MyLinh graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Clatsop Community College. She was captain of her volleyball team and volunteered at her church and in her local community. MyLinh will attend George Fox University, where she will study nursing.
Nathan Leonard
[Vietnam]
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Nathan was the student council president and a member of the National Honor Society. He earned his black belt in Danzan Ryu jujitsu and an excellence scholarship from the University of Arizona architecture department. Nathan will attend the University of Arizona and major in architecture.
Nathan Lillis
[South Korea]
KANSAS CITY, MO — Nathan played soccer, basketball, baseball and golf while in high school. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and president of the Diversity Club. Nathan will attend the University of Missouri to major in social work.
Nathan Richards
[China]
SACRAMENTO, CA — Nathan swam competitively and played water polo for his high school teams. He also played cello in the orchestra. Nathan will attend American River College, where he will explore engineering as a career option and compete for his college swim team.
Nina Bencivenga
[China]
MEDFORD LAKES, NJ — Nina was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the varsity softball and dance teams. She will attend Rutgers University and major in food science.
Olivia Becker
[China]
HOUSTON, TX — Olivia participated in marching band for all four years of high school and in choir for three years. She won awards for her participation in both band and choir and was named Most Valuable Person in choir twice. Olivia’s next stop is Taylor University in Indiana.
Qiu Li Tovo-Hurt
[China]
AUSTIN, TX — Qiu Li won various film awards in high school, including the grand prize in the Tribeca Festival’s RFK Human Rights “Speak Truth to Power” film competition. She also won the award for best student documentary at the 2024 Austin International Film Festival. Qiu Li plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and major in chemistry.
Quinn Alvarez
[Vietnam]
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ — Quinn, an honors student, was on the varsity fencing team for all four years of high school. He captained the team in his senior year. He will attend Lafayette College and major in biochemistry.
Rebecca Stahl
[China]
HURON, SD — Rebecca played soccer and was the track manager at her school. She also participated in band, worked on the yearbook and was a member of her church youth group. Rebecca will attend the University of Sioux Falls to major in forensic biology.
Samuel Tatarian
[Vietnam]
LACEY, WA — Samuel graduated with honors from high school. He was a member of the varsity wrestling and golf teams, and served on the Lacey City Youth Council. Samuel plans to attend community college before transferring to a four-year school.
Shay Ghattas
[China]
NORTH BEND, OR — Shay was a member of the National Honor Society and a competitive dancer. She also won several all-school awards. Shay will attend Southwestern Community College, then transfer to the Oregon Institute of Technology to study medical imaging.
Siddhartha Miller
[Thailand]
CEDAR GROVE, WI — Siddhartha was a member of the National Honor Society and various clubs, including the computer and culinary clubs. He was also awarded a brown belt in taekwondo and a scholarship from the Lighthouse Guild. Siddhartha will attend the Milwaukee Area Technical College to pursue studies in graphic design.
Sophie Nisonoff
[China]
EMERSON, NJ — Sophie was her class valedictorian and a member of the varsity softball and soccer teams. She was also a team captain for the Relay for Life cancer walk. Sophie will attend the University of Southern California, where she will pursue studies in biological sciences on a pre-med track.
Spencer Klein
[South Korea]
EAGLE, ID — Spencer is a high school graduate who excelled in track, joining the shot put and discus teams. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.
Susie Gentry
[China]
SALEM, OR — Susie was a member of HOSA – Future Health Professionals, the National Honor Society and her school’s Asian Club. She also competed on the track team. Susie’s next stop is the University of Michigan, where she will be a biology, health and society major.
Yenenesh Gray
[Ethiopia]
BEAVERTON, OR — Yenny was a member of the National Honor Society, a student body officer and on the varsity basketball and track teams. She will attend the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon to study business.
Zia DeWittie
[China]
LEWISBERRY, PA — Zia played on the girls’ varsity tennis team, was a member of Key Club and performed in her school’s musical. She will attend Lebanon Valley College to pursue a career in a STEM-related field.
Zion Redington
[China]
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Zion is a member of Team USA wheelchair rugby. He was the 2024 Paralympic Games silver medalist and the 2023 Parapan American Games gold medalist. Zion is also a public speaker. He will attend Auburn University to study business and finance.
Zoe Hinze
[Ethiopia]
RUNNELLS, IA — Zoe was the student body president and a member of the National Honor Society. She was on the basketball and track teams, and in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Zoe’s next stop is the College of the Ozarks, where she will be a pre-med student.
Zoe Teitler
[China]
VALLEY, NE — Zoe was on the Student Council, in Science Club and in band. She also was a cheerleader for four years. Zoe will attend the honors program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she will major in business administration.
College Graduates
Adelina Gill
[Russia]
SEATTLE, WA — Addie graduated magna cum laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she studied child development and business entrepreneurship. She also spent time abroad in Italy, taking courses in art and fashion design. Addie’s future plans may include a master’s degree in counseling or studies in a medical field.
Angel Jarvis
[China]
METTER, GA — Angel graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in accounting. She will pursue her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Georgia and intern with an accounting and financial advisory services firm.
Caroline Balagso
[China]
MORGAN HILL, CA — Caroline is a recent honors graduate of the University of California San Diego, where she majored in marine biology. In college, Caroline was involved in her school’s Dialogue for Peace initiative and was a La Jolla Seal Pup Patrol ambassador for the Sierra Club. Caroline plans to conduct research in marine biology after graduation and apply to graduate school in the future.
Carter Burns
[South Korea]
STEVENSVILLE, MD — Carter graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in exercise science. He will return to Salisbury to continue his studies and pursue a degree in nursing.
Charlotte Worthington
[China]
BUFFALO, NY — Charlotte graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in nursing. She will begin her career at Buffalo General Hospital in the cardiac unit.
Daniel Kipp
[South Korea]
MANSFIELD, MA — Daniel graduated from Plymouth State University with a degree in business and marketing.
Emily Rose Xiaokai Mayer
[China]
AUGUSTA, WI — Emily graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she studied elementary and middle school education. She was a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association and involved in the BIPOC Education Partnerships. Emily plans to teach middle school after graduation.
Emily Sichley
[China]
REDLANDS, CA — Emily graduated magna cum laude from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a degree in marketing. During college, Emily created her own website and business and plans to pursue a career in global marketing.
Emma Catholyn En Yun Sherman
[China]
HANFORD, CA — Emma graduated from the University of California, San Francisco with a master’s degree in genetic counseling. She is currently studying for her board exam and will pursue work in her field.
Gabrielle Owen
[China]
LOS ANGELES, CA — Gabrielle is a recent graduate of the Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing. She danced all four years with the Pacific Islander Organization and was the event coordinator for the Azusa Coastal Cleanup Club. Her current goal is to land a nursing job in pediatrics, the ICU or medical-surgical nursing.
Jadery Leising
[China]
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — Jadery graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University, where she majored in child and adolescent development. She plans to obtain her master’s degree in marital and family therapy and to become a child therapist.
Joshua Jinsok Kraybill
[South Korea]
POTTSTOWN, PA — Joshua graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a major in pipe organ performance. He was the recipient of the Martha Bell Sanders Excellence scholarship and performed the recessional at his school’s graduation. After college, Joshua will enroll in intensive training courses to become a first responder.
Julia Fisher
[South Korea]
MEDFORD, NJ — Julia graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University, where she majored in arts and entertainment management. She was a member of Women in Music Drexel, a group dedicated to fostering equality in the music industry. Julia plans to pursue work in the music industry as an agent for up-and-coming talent.
Julia Purviance
[South Korea]
EL DORADO HILLS, CA — Julia graduated from the University of Guam, where she majored in psychology and received the Psychology Research Award for her senior thesis on interracial relationships. Julia plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Guam and focus her research on the psychological impact and experiences of international adoption.
Kim Bahti
[Vietnam]
TUCSON, AZ — Kim is a retired Marine Corps officer and student at Strayer University. Kim will earn an MBA in 2026.
Kira Schwartz
[China]
LOS ANGELES, CA — Kira graduated from Arizona State University with a major in criminology and criminal justice. While in college, Kira competed in gymnastics competitions both in the U.S. and abroad. Kira will join the 2025-2026 USA Gymnastics Senior National Team, competing in double mini trampoline events. She is also training to become a certified flight instructor.
Lillian Wen Mott
[China]
RANCHO SANTA FE, CA — Lillian graduated from Sacramento State University, where she was on the dean’s list. She majored in business and will pursue her studies in graduate school.
Lisa Bales
[China]
MEDFORD, OR — Lisa recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in psychology. She plans to continue her work as a clinical research coordinator at Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon, while also coaching soccer at her high school alma mater.
Liz Wilson
[China]
MORENO VALLEY, WI — Liz earned her PhD in psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Her next stop is Harvard University, where she will hold a post-doctoral position.
Malynn Cooper
[China]
JONESBORO, LA — Malynn attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she majored in communications studies. Malynn was a member of the Asian Student Union and a part of the LSU student government. After graduation, Malynn will work as an LSU admissions counselor and attend graduate school.
Nadia Post
[China]
FAYETTEVILLE, GA — Nadia graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in biomedical engineering. She held various positions in student government and volunteered at the Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta Children’s Shelter and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s NICU. Nadia plans to attend medical school to specialize in pediatric medicine.
Natalee Chin
[China]
ALAMEDA, CA — Natalee is an honors graduate of the University of California, San Diego, where she majored in sociology: international studies. She is headed to Pennsylvania State University to pursue a PhD in sociology and demography.
Noah Thompson Robert MacFarland
[China]
TEQUESTA, FL — Noah recently graduated from Florida Polytechnic University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a library liaison and active in FPU’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Noah was also a part of the rock climbing club.
RJ Beeson
[Thailand]
MERIDIAN, ID — RJ graduated summa cum laude from Boise State University, where he majored in business. He currently holds a managerial position at Amazon.
Ryan Eurich
[South Korea]
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Ryan is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in informatics. His next stop is the leadership development program at the RTX Corporation.
Samantha Robert
[South Korea]
EL SEGUNDO, CA — Samantha graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in economics.
Shali Rader
[China]
FRANKLIN, TN — Shali graduated cum laude from Mississippi State University with a major in psychology. She was the vice president of the Mississippi State Vietnamese Student Association and the co-president of the Mississippi State Chinese Culture Club. Shali also played ultimate frisbee on her college team.
Vaishnavi Ladd
[India]
BANGOR, ME — Vaishnavi graduated cum laude from the University of Maine, where she majored in zoology.