The Best and The Brightest of 2026
They’re not waiting until they’re adults to make a difference in the world. Meet the Junior Achievement 2026 18 Under 18 recipients.
These remarkable students have distinguished themselves through their creativity, resilience, and passion for making a positive impact. Instead of waiting for doors to open, they build their own. Instead of stepping back from obstacles, they rise to meet them.
The JA 18 Under 18 Awards honors Arizona’s most impressive young leaders each year. Recipients are celebrated at a spring awards ceremony, highlighted in local media, and awarded prizes such as cash, gift cards, and other recognitions that support their continued growth.
Join us in discovering their inspiring stories and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of this year’s honorees.
2026 JA 18 Under 18 Recipients
Abby Herrera
Age 18
Ironwood High School
Glendale
Anastasia Bradley
Age 18
Sahuaro High School
Tucson
Ikeoluwa Esan
Age 17
Hamilton High School
Chandler
Josephine Hoskins
Age 16
Maricopa High School
Maricopa
Nolan Takeuchi
Age 17
BASIS Flagstaff
Flagstaff
Srinidhi Pallerla
Age 16
Arizona College Preparatory High School
Chandler
Adam Shamoun
Age 16
Brophy College Prep
Paradise Valley
Anayareni Antunez-Pino
Age 18
Rio Rico High School
Rio Rico
Ira Bagga
Age 17
Arizona College Preparatory High School
Chandler
Jyotsna Subramanian
Age 16
Paradise Valley High School
Scottsdale
Sallie Choi
Age 17
Globe High School
Globe
Umar Amer
Age 17
BASIS Scottsdale
Paradise Valley
Aditya Tyagi
Age 18
Chaparral High School
Scottsdale
Brooke Mandelbaum
Age 18
Chaparral High School
Scottsdale
Iraj Shroff
Age 16
BASIS Chandler
Chandler
Lesira Kpea
Age 18
Buckeye Union High School
Buckeye
Sarayu Padala
Age 16
Desert Vista High School
Laveen
William Steenken
Age 16
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Phoenix
VIEW OUR 2025 CEREMONY VIDEO
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Dr. Heidi Jannenga








