Addison Barrack, University of South Carolina

Addison Barrack, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, is passionate about helping students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. As an elementary education major, Addison is acutely focused on educational issues that plague schools in Columbia, South Carolina, and the United States at large. During her sophomore year, Addison became the president of the Waverly After-School Program, a student run after-school program where volunteers tutor and mentor students at a transitional shelter and a community center. In this role, Addison volunteers directly once a week, and has also worked tirelessly to create a sustainable program that will impact both USC students and young people for years to come. Addison has promoted partnerships between the Waverly After-School Program and service-learning courses as well as other student organizations. Addison is also a dedicated member of the Access to Higher Education Initiative, a program that creates a college-going culture for middle school and high school students in local transitional shelters. Through her work with this initiative, Addison has mentored and guided a number of high school students in forming their views of college. Addison’s passion and ability to innovate make her an exceptional student leader.