ALUMNI PROFILES

MICHAELLA MOORE ’12, MARSHALL SCHOLAR

An honors graduate of Howard University, Michaella has received a prestigious Marshall Scholarship, which will allow her to pursue her master’s degree in the field of medical anthropology at the University of London starting this fall. She will then return to the United States to enter medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Michaella’s ultimate goal is to practice medicine while also working in the areas of health policy and advocacy to reduce global disparities in health and healthcare. She notes that Independence helped her become “a versatile and creative learner,” and she still fondly remembers experiences including Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, and Mini-Society.

ANDREW CERCENA ’13, START-UP STAR

For Andrew, a University of Delaware senior, entrepreneurship is much more than his field of study; it’s a way of life. His ventures to date have ranged from Wilmingo, a golf cart taxi service in downtown Wilmington, to Snoop, a service connecting college applicants with college students ready to share unbiased insights on school selection. Now, Andrew is exploring a new start-up that would serve professionals in the wealth management field—a project with real career possibilities, he notes. Andrew says his entrepreneurial mindset traces at least as far back as middle school. “Even then, I knew I didn’t want to follow a typical career path. Independence helped me gain the strong sense of ambition and confidence I needed.”

JUSTIN XU ’17, PPE PROVIDER

A senior at the Charter School of Wilmington, Justin has always been interested in STEM and especially 3D printing. When COVID-19 struck and many healthcare workers found themselves facing a shortage of protective equipment, he saw a wonderful way to put his talents to work. Justin began 3D printing face shields, with help from volunteers across the state, ultimately providing 300 shields to nurses and others in need. The highlight of the experience? The day staff at an area nursing home shouted their enthusiastic thanks across a parking lot as Justin made a drop-off.

PAIGE KENTON ’16, SCHOLAR AND ATHLETE

A first-year student at the University of Pennsylvania, Paige is interested in studying neuroscience and was recruited to play for the Quakers’ NCAA Division I women’s soccer program. But balancing excellence in athletics and academics is nothing new for Paige. Her soccer credits include designation as the Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Padua Academy, while her academic distinctions include being nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Even more meaningful, however, was the chance she had to be a high school intern in the lab of UPenn professor Angela Duckworth, a noted psychologist and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Genius grant. Paige’s favorite aspect of her time at Independence? “The teachers! They were still some of the best I’ve ever had, and I remember every one.”