Mary is a 2018 graduate of Fargo North High School in Fargo, North Dakota, and has gained experience through YouthWorks, McDonald’s, and the Legacy Children’s Foundation. A core value that directs her life is growth, as she believes every challenge, whether success, failure, or uncertainty is an opportunity to learn, improve, and become better than she was yesterday; this value also supports her commitment to improving her health and deepening her faith, reminding her that meaningful progress takes time and effort. Mary’s most influential mentor is Mary Jean Dehne, who has known her since elementary school and consistently saw her value, strength, and potential long before she recognized it herself, shaping the leader and person she is becoming through high expectations and deep care. Mary hopes to leave a positive mark on the world by investing in people, especially young people, helping them see their worth, voice, and potential, and by being remembered for her kindness, compassion, and respect for others regardless of background or circumstances.
