First Lady Hosts Special Guests for State of the Union Address
During President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union Address, First Lady Melania Trump will feature two young women in the First Lady Box. This initiative is part of her Be Best campaign, which aims to empower youth through education and technology.
One guest will be Sierra Burns, a 24-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina. She is an advocate for foster youth, having experienced the challenges of the system herself. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in advocacy and social policy, she actively advocates for improved resources for other youths.
The other guest will be 10-year-old Everest Neblaumont from Austin, Texas. She is a standout student at the Alpha School, known for its AI-driven personalized learning approach. Everest is not just academically talented; she also belongs to the International History Bowl championship team and is a three-time Texas state champion in history.
“Sierra and Everest embody my ongoing mission to uplift America’s foster youth and expand opportunities for the next generation through education and technology,” the First Lady remarked. “I’m proud to have them join us in this historic event. They represent young people from across America, and their personal experiences reflect the goals of my Growing Our Best Futures initiative.”
Sierra Burns has taken on a significant role as a public advocate for reform in the foster care system, which aligns perfectly with the First Lady’s focus on child protection and well-being. As a participant in the Melania Trump Foster Youth Independence Program, Sierra is a testament to its effectiveness in helping youth transition to independent living.
A graduate of Winthrop University, she is now studying at Furman University while working as a referral specialist at Prisma Health. Sierra’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and driving meaningful change is evident in her work.
Through their stories, both Sierra and Everest highlight the critical issues that the First Lady has championed throughout her time in this role.
