Luke became vegan in fifth grade, wanting to do his part to contribute to creating an ethical environment for animals. In eighth grade, he researched feedlots and did a school presentation. During high school he founded a plant-based eating club. For six years, Luke volunteered at AMOR Healing kitchen. They cook vegan meals for those with critical health conditions. He also organized his school club’s participation in the annual vegan chili competition hosted by AMOR, feeding over 200 participants. Luke’s reference at AMOR said, “He understood that every vegetable chopped and every meal packaged carried meaning to someone in need.” Luke was part of a competition team that won first prize in the NASA Plant the Moon Challenge, where students conduct experiments to see how vegetables can grow in lunar and Martian soil simulants. The project helps NASA understand how crops can be grown on the moon and Mars. Luke will major in computer engineering, and wants to design technology that aligns innovation with ethics by reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable design.
The deadline for the VRG scholarship contest for high school seniors is February 20th of each. For details, and to see other winners, go to https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
To support VRG’s outreach to young people, donate at vrg.org/donate.