Four outstanding Worcester County Public Schools students have been recognized as part of the Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s prestigious “18 Under 18” cohort, celebrating exceptional young leaders who are making a meaningful impact through innovation, service and academic excellence.
The honorees include:
Kirby Bounds — Stephen Decatur High School
Kirby Bounds, 17, is recognized for her leadership in emergency services and community involvement as Cadet Lieutenant and President of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department Cadets. She maintains a 4.15 weighted GPA, has earned her Maryland Firefighter certification, and has completed more than 600 service hours, earning the Gold Level Presidential Service Award. Bounds plans to attend Hood College to study biology while continuing her service as a future educator and paramedic.
Gannon Eastlack — Stephen Decatur High School
Gannon Eastlack, 17, is recognized for his leadership in mental health advocacy and student involvement, serving as Participating Treasurer for the Morgan’s Message Chapter and contributing to several school organizations. A two-time Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient, he mentors youth athletes and has maintained straight A’s throughout middle and high school as an AP Scholar and dual-enrollment student. Eastlack plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Saish Gupta — Berlin Intermediate School
Saish Gupta, 10, is recognized for his innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, becoming the youngest person in Maryland to earn an adult Ham Radio license at age seven. He explores STEM through 3D design and robotics, co-runs a 3D printing business, and has led workshops for younger students while also earning top honors in 4-H public speaking. Gupta is also actively involved in community service, volunteering with several local and national organizations.
Carly Watts — Stephen Decatur High School
Carly Watts, 15, is recognized for her commitment to inclusive mentorship and community service, supporting athletes of varying abilities through Top Soccer and serving as a camp counselor. She ranks in the 98th percentile nationwide on the PSAT 9 and has held leadership roles including President of the Builders Club and Vice President of the National Junior Honor Society. Watts also showcases her creativity through the arts, recently earning the lead role in her school play.
These four WCPS students, along with other student leaders from across the region, will be honored at the Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore ‘18 Under 18’ Awards Ceremony on May 18, 2026. Full press releases for each student are available in the documents below.
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through volunteer-led programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness, Junior Achievement equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to build successful futures. To learn more, please visit www.easternshoreja.org.
Documents / Downloads
JA 18U18 Bounds Press Release
JA 18U18 Eastlack Press Release
JA 18U18 Gupta Press Release
JA 18U18 Watts Press Release