Three students from BU Wheelock’s 2020 graduating class are being inducted into the Scarlet Key Honor Society. Tali Costopoulos, Noelle Ballantine, and Hanna Gootee are being awarded Boston University’s highest honor for student leaders.

For almost 80 years, the Scarlet Key Society has inducted student-athletes, student government officials, and community service leaders. Honored students exhibit exceptional leadership among their peers and excel in involvement at both the University and school or college level as well as in their academic pursuits.

“Tali and Hanna are incredibly thoughtful and relational leaders who hve faced various challenges with a positive spirit, willingness to try new things, and a caring attitude toward others,” says Clinical Associate Professor Grace Kim.

Elizabeth Vassallo, BU Wheelock’s assistant director of undergraduate student services at BU Wheelock, knew Noelle Ballantine was going to be a student who made a lasting impact on those around her from the very beginning. “Noelle embodies what BU Wheelock is,” she says. “She is the biggest champion of change, inclusivity, and community.”

Noelle Ballantine

Noelle Ballantine graduates BU Wheelock with a bachelor’s degree in special education, concentrating in severe disabilities. She also has a minor in political science. During her time at 2 Silber Way, Ballantine served in many roles, including president of BU Wheelock Student Government and co-president of the Dean’s Hosts. She also served as a research assistant for faculty member Rob Martinelle.

“I wanted to be sure that I did everything I could to positively impact the community [at BU],” Ballantine says. “Being a Scarlet Key inductee is such a privilege, and I greatly look up to those who have been inducted before me (as well as this year’s other inductees)!”

Tali Costopoulos

Tali Costopoulos graduates BU Wheelock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development and a minor in communications media science. Costopoulos served as the events committee leader for the 2020 class gift campaign and as the program coordinator for transition to BU. She worked as a facilities supervisor at FitRec, wrote for Spoon University, and participated in HeForShe, Period, the Greek Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and the Asian Student Union.

 “Being a part of this incredible society of leaders, trailblazers, and influential alumni feels symbolic of my mission to continue making a positive impact wherever I go,” says Costopoulos.

Hanna Gootee

Hanna Gootee graduates BU Wheelock with a degree in psychology and human development, and youth justice and advocacy. During her time at BU Wheelock, she was president of the BU Women’s Club Hockey Team, a Dean’s Host, a resident assistant in the Community Service House, and a program manager in BU’s Community Service Center. She also taught rock climbing at FitRec.

“This induction means the world to me,” Gootee says. “It is an honor to have my accomplishments recognized and to know that the faculty and staff I have worked with over the past four years felt as though I deserved this.”