The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national awards program that recognizes colleges and universities for their commitment to encouraging students to become informed citizens who actively participate in elections and get involved in their communities. ALL IN also singles out exceptional students across the nation for it's annual Student Voting Honor Roll-and this year, TLU's Michela McLean was one of 232 to achieve that status.

McLean, a sophomore majoring in political science and communications, insists on sharing the achievement with others. "This success truly belongs to my entire team," she says. "From the advisors and mentors at MOVE-Texas to the TLU MOVE-Texas E-Board officers, advisors, and members, this nomination is a collective triumph!"

McLean knew the 2024 election season would be a consequential one. "In our experience as young voters in America, this election was one of the most fiercely contested and controversial. I recognized the need for a space where information and access were our guiding principles. I am still in awe of this moment."

McLean viewed her part in mobilizing and educating college voters as a privilege and an opportunity to be of service. "Growing up, my mother ran a non-profit that supported our local community, which instilled in me a strong desire to help. My favorite motto is, 'If you can, you should.' Since I can help people, I feel compelled to do so."

Those values inspired McLean to work tirelessly alongside other volunteers to encourage her fellow students and the wider community to get informed and engage in democracy-and the group made the process far more pleasant than it might have been. "I believe that providing opportunities for everyone should be a priority for all," she says. "A small team from a modest private school worked diligently to make a difference. We offered food on election day, knowing the lines would be long, provided games for children so their parents could register, and supplied registration forms in Spanish along with translators. Ultimately, I hope the right person reads this and that accessibility becomes the standard, not the exception."