With a strong foundation as a longtime Moondance student, Carter, 20, is excited to step into his first summer as a leader. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he is a rising junior at Sewanee: The University of the South, studying finance. His experience on four trips, including California, the Pacific Northwest, Chamonix, and a Mystery Trip through Albania, Montenegro, and Greece, has given him a deep appreciation for Moondance culture and a connection-driven environment. On campus, he serves on the Sewanee Fire Department, adding real-world responsibility and calm under pressure to his leadership background. Additionally, he has worked closely with middle school students as a cotillion instructor and spent summers mentoring high schoolers through hands-on group work and responsibility. Grounded and observant, he leads with a calm confidence that helps students feel comfortable and fully engage with the experience around them.

Ryan, 21, from Memphis, TN, steps into his first summer as a Moondance Trip Leader as an incoming senior at Centre College. He brings three years of experience coaching summer lacrosse and providing private lessons for high school athletes. At Centre, Ryan is a student athlete on the lacrosse team, building on a foundation that began as a captain of his high school team. His leadership experience also includes three years in the Student Government Association, along with mentoring students ranging from rising 8th graders to high school seniors. Ryan is excited to help create a summer that is high-energy, memorable, and full of strong connections among students.

Annie, 22, is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia from Raleigh, North Carolina, who brings an energetic, relationship-driven approach to her first summer as a Moondance leader. She first experienced Moondance as a student on Northern Lights, where the emphasis on connection and shared experience left a lasting impact on her. In high school, she served as captain of both her volleyball and lacrosse teams, where she focused on building team morale, modeling respect, and keeping energy high through challenges. Outside of athletics, Annie has spent time mentoring younger children through summer camps and youth programs, including work with Young Life, where she supported students through formative middle and high school years. Known for balancing enthusiasm with empathy, she leads in a way that helps students feel comfortable, connected, and encouraged to step confidently into new experiences. We can’t wait to see her become a great leader and role model for her students!