Bryant Hunter is heading to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study chemical engineering after graduating from Shadow Creek High School. Throughout high school, he actively participated in academic clubs like Seaperch Robotics during his junior and senior years, where he competed in district competitions by piloting underwater rovers through obstacle courses. As treasurer in 12th grade, Bryant helped the president manage funds and collect money for materials. He also joined the Technology Students Association his senior year, where he piloted drones through obstacle courses similar to his Seaperch experience.
Beyond academics, Bryant committed himself to service through organizations like his high school’s Interact Club and the Top Teens of America Houston Chapter. Through Interact Club, he volunteered for community activities, including park cleanups and shifts at the Houston Food Bank. Top Teens of America, a youth development program emphasizing service and leadership, gave Bryant opportunities to participate in community beautification projects, monthly meetings, and a presentation ball.
Bryant also played on Shadow Creek’s baseball team for three years and earned membership in the National Honor Society for two years. He maintained a 3.8 unweighted GPA and 6.55 weighted GPA throughout high school. The College Board recognized him through their National African American Program and awarded him both the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and the AP Capstone Diploma.
FOSSI: What moment or experience sparked your love for STEM?
The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a STEM career happened in fifth grade during my first Seaperch (underwater robotics) Tournament. We’d spent countless after-school hours assembling and piloting our rover at a local pool. After months of preparation, we finally competed at the district competition held at a high school. I was chosen as the designated driver for our first obstacle course run.
Controlling that rover during the actual competition became one of the most thrilling moments of my time in the club. I felt incredible satisfaction commanding something I’d helped build from scratch. The competition was so exciting that I started picturing myself doing similar work as a career.
FOSSI: Who inspires you, and what have they taught you about what’s possible?
The people who have inspired me most are my parents. I look up to my father because I’ve watched him work tirelessly my entire life to care for our family. Seeing him sacrifice to provide for me drives my determination to succeed. I want to make him proud.
My mother inspires me through everything she’s overcome. When I was about seven, doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer. She was teaching at the time and continued working with her students while going through chemotherapy treatments. After a year-long battle, she beat the cancer and it went into remission. Watching my mom fight through that struggle taught me that with God’s help, anything is possible. If she could defeat cancer while still teaching her students, I know I can succeed at whatever I choose to pursue.
FOSSI: What are some surprising or unique facts about you?
One unique thing about me is that I used to play both piano and French horn. The summer after sixth grade, I traveled to London with my family to perform. During that trip, we also visited Rome and France. Another surprising fact is that I tore my ACL in eighth grade and broke my thumb in ninth grade—both baseball injuries. I also love reading comic books and playing basketball with my friends.
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