2 Utah students rise to top in National Leadership Fellowship

HERRIMAN  — Out of thousands of applicants across the country, just 20 high school students were named to the Bill of Rights Institute’s (BRI) Student Fellowship —and for the first time, two of them are from Utah. This year’s Utah honorees are Nivetha Karthikeyan of Providence Hall High School and Vitalia Sun of The Waterford School. The six‑month fellowship focuses on civil discourse, leadership skills, historical study, and service projects — culminating in a week‑long capstone in Philadelphia.

Teacher nomination

Providence Hall History teacher Stephan Seabury, who nominated Karthikeyan, said he immediately recognized her thoughtfulness and commitment to constructive dialogue. “The reason I nominated Nivetha is because of her demeanor — she really thinks about things,” Seabury said. “She asks questions and stays focused on finding solutions.” Karthikeyan says she wants to use the fellowship as a catalyst for open, unbiased civic conversations among her peers. “Interacting with different viewpoints from an unbiased perspective is essential,” she said. “A lot of my peers are passionate about media literacy — learning to see every side of the spectrum.” When she received the acceptance email, Karthikeyan said she was “overjoyed,” sharing the news with Seabury as the honor began to sink in.

National context

Rachel Davison Humphries, the Bill of Rights Institute’s senior director of civic learning, says students chosen for the fellowship bring both curiosity and a commitment to civic life. “Each year, our Student Fellows bring their own backgrounds, beliefs and eagerness to learn about citizenship and leadership together,” she said. “I’m looking forward to this year’s Fellows showing the same commitment to collaboration and civil discourse that represents the best of the Fellowship and of civic life in America.” She notes that BRI has worked extensively with Utah educators — hosting workshops, student-led civic project fairs, and programs in partnership with Utah Valley University’s Center for Constitutional Studies. Humphries emphasized the importance of the program today: “At a time when civic knowledge and trust are under real strain, the Institute’s mission to teach young people to become informed and responsible citizens is necessary and vital.”

What the fellowship teaches

Now in its fifth year, the Bill Of Rights Fellowship immerses teens in:

• Studying historical primary sources
• Discussing concepts like free speech and civic virtue
• Developing leadership principles
• Creating charitable or entrepreneurial service projects

Students come from rural and urban communities, public and private schools, and many already serve as leaders and volunteers where they live. For Utah, this year represents a milestone:

• 2026: 2 students
• 2025: 1 student
• 2024: 1 student
• 2022–2023: None

The Philadelphia capstone

The fellowship concludes with an intensive week in Philadelphia, where students visit historic sites including Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center,The National Liberty Museum Karthikeyan says she is especially excited—Pennsylvania was the first state she lived in after moving to the U.S. from India.

Looking ahead

Humphries hopes fellows leave with confidence and purpose. “My hope is that they leave with confidence in their ability to shape the future of America, and the skills to participate thoughtfully and constructively in civic life—long after the fellowship ends.” BRI President and CEO David Bobb echoed that mission. “At the Bill of Rights Institute, we equip students to become principled, productive citizens. Our Student Fellowship Program provides some of our most gifted young people an opportunity to explore our nation’s principles and civic virtues and gain the skills to positively shape its future.” Karthikeyan says she isn’t sure whether she’ll one day run for office, but she is considering a career in law, using the skills she gains to serve her community.

Other reading: Student journalism bill stalls at Utah Legislature over ‘serious concerns’

This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.

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