William knows firsthand that growth happens only when you step out of your comfort zone, get a bit uncomfortable, and accept a challenge. That is exactly what he did when he chose to transform his school’s campus for his Eagle Scout Project. Rather than settle for a modest or routine renovation, William went big and chose a 1,200 square foot courtyard right in the center of campus. Over the course of several months, William contributed more than 100 volunteer hours and oversaw dozens of volunteers who put in 450 service hours. He led the planning and surveying of the land and the removal of vegetation, along with the installation of artificial turf and multiple shade sales suspended from steel posts. William also helped secure significant corporate and private donations for the project, which was valued at about $35,000. 

The end result is an area of campus that now serves as a gathering space for students, teachers and faculty. What was once a source of daily complaints and blight, is now a favorite lunch spot, outdoor classroom, and highlight of campus tours. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder that when you go all in on and seize opportunities, you and the people around you will grow tremendously. 

Long before his Eagle Scout Project, William developed a love for the outdoors and inspiring others to explore the world around them.  At just 14 years old he was elected to serve as Crew Leader for a 10-day, 120-mile high-adventure trek through Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the National Honor Society of Scouting, and used his leadership role to help develop new systems for identifying, categorizing, and planning large-scale service projects at Scouting camps across Arizona.

Beyond scouting, William volunteers with Feed My Starving Children and as a golf coach at a nonprofit youth golf organization called Pops and Jr. Golf Program.  He is a member of his school’s German Club, Engineering Club, Math Club and Robotics, and earned Academic Excellence awards in all subjects.  He received the Silver Congressional Award from the U.S. Congress for completing goals in four areas: voluntary service,  personal development, fitness, and planning and completing a multi-day expedition.  

William is currently pursuing his private pilot license, and plans to study engineering and entrepreneurship in college. 

Umar is an activist citizen interested in addressing the intersectionality of equity and sustainable research with the ongoing health crisis through the means of education.

He has conducted extensive machine learning and health equity research, earning a coveted spot into the highly selective ASU SCENE research program. There, he conducted AI-driven research exploring disparities in healthcare access across Arizona, later developing an innovative machine learning model to predict and prevent school gun violence. Grounded in a belief that impactful research should be accessible to all, Umar published his work as open access and co-founded NorthStar Research Labs, an initiative dedicated to advancing equitable, community-centered solutions through technology and public policy.

At school, Umar serves as class president at BASIS Scottsdale, where he leads initiatives that strengthen the student community and has helped raise over $35,000 for educational causes. His leadership extends globally as 1 of 40 Mona Foundation international ambassadors, advocating for girls’ education and organizing fundraisers that have supported schooling for underserved students. In his community, he volunteers with HonorHealth and serves on the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Teen Council, combining hands-on healthcare experience with meaningful outreach that has raised significant funds and awareness for pediatric care.

He believes teens should get involved to see how systems work because they are going to be the future leaders. In his 17 years, he’s learned your voice matters, no matter your age and the importance of community. He’s seen firsthand how Gen Z involvement can foster empathy and stronger connections. 

Galvanized by a deep commitment to addressing systemic inequities and protecting vulnerable communities, Umar has also engaged directly in public policy, working with local government leaders to expand access to college resources and presenting research on health equity at statewide conferences. As a lead author on a policy paper presented to the United Nations addressing disability and assistive technology, he continues to amplify underrepresented voices on a global stage. Through his academic, research, and service experiences, Umar remains dedicated to pursuing a career in public policy and healthcare, where he aims to advance equitable systems that improve lives at both the community and systemic level.

Srinidhi Pallerla knows firsthand that sometimes the hardest, most challenging moments of our lives, can help inspire something great. Her younger brother was born in 2020 at just 24 weeks along and weighing less than one pound. He spent months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and it was there that Srinidhi witnessed the power of community support and volunteers.  From custom-sized clothing and toys, to financial resources and encouragement, she saw the ways volunteers impacted these NICU families’ lives. It didn’t take long before she set out to make a difference too. 

She started with a bake sale at her middle school and raised $800 over three days for the NICU. Then in 2023, she founded Steps to Impact, an organization dedicated to helping address community needs. To date, Steps to Impact has raised more than $4,000 in support of NICU families, nursing homes, Title 1 schools, and for local first responders. It is also expanding internationally with chapters now in Texas, Maine, India and Singapore.

In addition to her love of service, Srinidhi also fell in love with medicine during her time in the hospital. She started emailing doctors and labs at just 14 years old, asking questions and researching volunteer or internship opportunities. As a result, she secured a Junior Ambassador role at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Inspired by her own experiences, she then founded MedConnect in 2024 at her high school to expose other students to hands-on medical initiatives and potential careers in the healthcare fields. The club has grown to more than 170 students in the past two years and dedicated more than 120 hours of volunteer service at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

Srinidhi also combines her love of medicine with her love for learning through award-winning biomedical research. She is set to present her work with the University of New England focused on neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopment disorders at the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Her project focused on the gut-brain axis and neurological disorders took first place for biochemistry at her high school’s science fair, and will soon compete at the state level. Her findings will also be published in the Journal of Pharmaceuticals and Experimental Therapeutics by the end of April, 2026.

Srinidhi’s humility shines through in her leadership. She knows that in order to be a strong leader, you also have to be a good listener, a good organizer, and a good team player. These are lessons she shared during her TEDx talk on leadership, titled Passion, Purpose, and Progress, and qualities she plans to use while pursuing her dream of attending medical school, and specializing in gynecology, perinatology, or neonatology.

Sarayu Padala doesn’t just hope things happen, she makes them happen. A self-professed “JA Kid” from Kindergarten through eighth grade, Sarayu learned at an early age how entrepreneurship, leadership and service intersect. She continues to build on that foundation by working to improve systems, not just ideas.

During the COVID pandemic in 2020, Sarayu had an eye-opening realization– the cost of eyecare, and healthcare in general, were pricing people out of the ability to access care. She was just 12 years old when she first got the idea to start a nonprofit organization geared toward making glasses more accessible, and while the journey was filled with road blocks and closed doors, she and her brother officially launched Lens for a Lens in 2022. Their efforts did not stop there. Sarayu partnered with Lions Club International and connected Sync Visual Media’s creative revenue to strengthen systems that already worked rather than duplicating or developing new ones. For Sarayu, leadership is not about dominating a room, but about making the room work better. 

Since 2022, the organization has helped direct more than $200,000 for eye care services, distributed more than 2,700 eyeglass frames, coordinated more than 8,000 volunteer hours and impacted eight countries. 

In addition to Lens for a Lens, a central part of Sarayu’s community work is through the Chief Science Officer (CSO) program, where she helped expand access to STEM education, leadership development, and real-world exposure for students across the nation. She has traveled to conferences and spoken with Fortune 500 executives, educators, and senior decision makers, advocating for stronger STEM pathways for students from Title 1 schools.  She has also taken that message to high-tech conferences across the country, including in Chicago, where she has spoken on equity in STEM education.

Whether in a high-pressure, public-facing setting or a quieter, more personal conversation, Sarayu is intentional about building trust, understanding group dynamics, and communicating in a way that moves people forward. It is that ability to identify and understand what lies beneath the surface that fuels her desire to pursue a career in quantitative finance. 

Sallie’s entrepreneurial spirit is rooted in compassion, creativity, and an instinct to act when she sees a need. At just 11 years old, she transformed concern into action after learning about the Australian bushfires by founding Koalaty Boutique, a small business selling handmade accessories through a local coffee shop and at arts festivals. Originally created to support koala rescue efforts, Sallie quickly adapted when the pandemic shifted community needs. She redirected all proceeds to assist local families and charities, demonstrating both resilience and awareness of changing circumstances. Through her initiative, Koalaty Boutique has raised $20,000, proving that even a youth-led venture can make a measurable financial and social impact. Just as importantly, Sallie has infused the business with her love of art, using creativity not only as a means of expression but as a vehicle for giving back.

Her ability to take ideas to the next level is also evident in her cultural and educational initiatives. As a lead teacher with Monsoon Youth’s outreach program, Sallie has spent three years teaching art and storytelling workshops in elementary schools and on the nearby Apache Reservation. After listening to concerns about the decline of Apache language use among youth, she independently envisioned and initiated the creation of an Apache alphabet coloring book. By collaborating with local Apache artists, classmates, and younger students, she turned the project into a community-driven effort. With Monsoon Youth’s support, the book, along with a second activity book highlighting the Globe community, is set for distribution this summer. 

Sallie’s leadership extends deeply into both her school and broader community. As Student Council Secretary, she plays a central role in organizing events and representing the student body in presentations to school leadership. Additionally, she was selected to the Governor’s Youth Commission and the Arizona Youth Arts Council, where she was further entrusted with serving on a grant selection committee—an uncommon responsibility for someone her age. She has also done research with the University of Arizona and installed the solar-powered hydroponics system on the Reservation with Growing Green. 

Sallie exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and leadership not through a single achievement, but through a pattern of action: she identifies needs, mobilizes people, and creates solutions that blend creativity with purpose.

Nolan Takeuchi is a dedicated student leader and changemaker with a passion for environmental sustainability and community service. A longtime volunteer with the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC), Nolan has spent more than seven years supporting efforts to address food insecurity, while also working to expand opportunities for youth involvement within the organization. He not only recognized the value of engaging young people in meaningful leadership roles, but also developed a proposal to increase youth representation at the board level and create pathways for deeper impact. Nolan also helped develop and launch a nonprofit management course for high school students through the W.A. Franke School of Business at Northern Arizona University. He designed the curriculum, pitched the idea, and led outreach efforts to recruit participants, ultimately building a 10-week program that introduced students to college-level concepts and equipped them with practical tools to engage more effectively in community service. There were several challenges in getting the course up and running, and times when Nolan wasn’t sure it would happen, however his persistence and strategic outreach led to a successful launch and lasting impact on participating students.

In addition to his work in nonprofit leadership, Nolan is deeply involved in student and civic life. He serves as vice president on his school’s Student Life and Leadership Committee, where he helps foster a sense of community and connection among students. As president of the National Honor Society, he leads initiatives that help classmates engage in service and demonstrate school spirit. He also founded his school’s first business and investing club, creating opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Nolan has played an active role in advancing conservation and sustainability initiatives through his work with the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission. He helped the Conservation and Sustainability Workgroup reach more than 23,000 Arizonans, ensuring that youth voices are included in conversations that shape their communities and future.

Nolan’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in his hands-on environmental work. He has contributed more than 200 hours at the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, where he helps recycle food waste from the Flagstaff Family Food Center into compost, supporting a more sustainable local ecosystem. His efforts demonstrate a commitment not only to service, but to creating tangible, long-term environmental impact. An Eagle Scout and Arizona Scout of the Year for 2026, Nolan has been recognized for his leadership, initiative, and commitment to making a difference. 

Looking ahead, he plans to study business and engineering after high school, with the goal of developing innovative, technical solutions that address real-world challenges and create lasting, positive change.

Lesira is a dynamic student leader whose experiences across business, advocacy, and the arts have shaped her passion for sustainability and community impact. As an active member and National Western Regional Vice President of FBLA, she developed strong skills in public speaking, collaboration, and strategic thinking, eventually growing into leadership roles that emphasized mentorship and inclusion. Her confidence as a speaker was not built overnight; through competitions, presentations, and leading initiatives like her regional mentorship network, she learned how to communicate with clarity, inspire action, and create spaces where others felt heard.

When her school’s primary fundraiser was defunded, Lesira refused to let financial barriers limit opportunity. She became a campus barista to “fuel her FBLA dreams, literally,” helping launch Buckeye’s Brews and Blends, a student-run coffee cart designed to support FBLA and other CTSOs. What began as a simple idea quickly evolved into a fully operational business. Lesira collaborated with peers to pitch the concept, secure sponsorship for equipment, and organize operations at school events. She played a key role in managing pricing, inventory, and sales while learning to lead under pressure during high-demand rushes. Through trial and error, she and her team refined their systems, ultimately transforming the cart into a sustainable and reliable funding source. Beyond revenue, the coffee cart became a hub of connection on campus, reinforcing her belief that entrepreneurship is not just about profit, but about service and community.

Outside of business, Lesira’s work with her local city council on air quality issues became a turning point in her life. Witnessing how environmental policy directly affected underserved communities sparked a deep sense of purpose. Rather than remaining on the sidelines, she organized a student-led environmental town hall to educate and mobilize her peers. By translating complex policy into personal impact and inviting diverse voices into the conversation, she helped foster a sense of shared responsibility. Her efforts culminated in students showing up to advocate at a city council meeting, demonstrating the power of collective action. This experience solidified her passion for sustainability and environmental policy, showing her that leadership can drive meaningful change.

Lesira’s unique strengths lie in her ability to blend analytical thinking with creativity and empathy. As a spoken word poet inspired by storytelling and rhythm, she brings a powerful voice to everything she does, using language to connect, advocate, and lead. Whether she is running a business, mentoring peers, or addressing environmental challenges, she approaches each opportunity with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to uplifting others.

She plans to study chemical engineering with a minor in public policy.  

Jyotsna Subramanian is an innovative leader who channels her passion for science into science and social impact. When she realized that more than one billion tons of food are wasted each year, Jyotsna and three of her classmates took action. They designed a concept for a biodegradable smart food packaging system. The packaging would be embedded with sensors and color-changing pH indicators that visually signal when food has spoiled, helping reduce waste at its source. Jyotsna played a central role in bringing the concept to life, writing a 50-page business plan with her teammates which won 1st at the SkillsUSA Arizona State Conference, and 4th at SkillsUSA Nationals.

In addition to her work in STEM, Jyotsna is a dedicated leader across multiple organizations. She serves as Arizona State Vice President for SkillsUSA, the nation’s largest career and technical student organization, where she helps support more than 17,000 students preparing for careers in healthcare, engineering, business, technology, and the skilled trades. She also holds leadership roles as Assistant Governor for Interact District 5495, a high school program of Rotary International, and as President of her school’s Model United Nations Club. As a member of the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission, she has taken her advocacy to the national level, traveling to Washington, D.C., to speak with lawmakers about the importance of continued funding for Career and Technical Education programs so students can explore their interests and future career paths.

Beyond the classroom, Jyotsna is passionate about giving back to the communities that have supported her. She volunteers at a local hospital, the Scottsdale Public Library System, and contributes to global initiatives like the Crutches 4 Africa project. She is constantly seeking out ways to make a meaningful impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Jyotsna encourages her peers to take advantage of the many opportunities available during high school, from clubs and mentorship to hands-on learning experiences. She believes that exploring a wide range of interests is key to discovering one’s path, and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, initiative, and seeking out support when needed. Her experiences have shaped a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, reinforcing her belief that when students are empowered to use their creativity and determination, they can develop solutions with real-world impact.

Looking ahead, Jyotsna plans to study biomedical engineering on a pre-med track before attending medical school. 

Josephine Hoskins is a dynamic young leader, entrepreneur, and advocate whose passion for service and inclusion has made a lasting impact across Arizona and beyond. As the founder of Jojo’s Love, she’s dedicated to teaching youth compassion and respect, Josephine has transformed her vision into a powerful platform for change. Through Jojo’s Love, she has spoken in more than 50 classrooms, reaching over 1,300 students with lessons on empathy, inclusivity, and understanding individuals of all abilities. By combining storytelling, interactive worksheets, and hands-on activities, she empowers children in grades K–8 to build meaningful respect for others. Her upcoming coloring book will further expand this mission, helping young students better understand and connect with differently-abled peers.

Josephine’s platform goes beyond education—it actively gives back to the community. She has mobilized more than 100 peers to participate in service initiatives, including hosting inclusive events for children with life-threatening illnesses, feeding over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness on a weekly basis, packing more than 1,800 care packages for deployed soldiers, and supporting over 1,500 children facing food insecurity each year. Her work consistently reflects her commitment to creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Josephine demonstrates exceptional leadership both in school and in her community. At school, she serves as president of the yearbook club, where she has increased membership and fostered a more engaged team environment. She is also an active member of the drama club and the National Honor Society, all while taking college-level courses as a sophomore! 

Josephine serves on the Governor’s Youth Commission and is an officer on the City of Maricopa Youth Council, where she contributes to initiatives that support youth development and community growth. She is also deeply involved in restorative justice through Teen Court, where she helps hear and adjudicate cases involving teen offenders—demonstrating maturity, fairness, and a commitment to second chances. Through these roles, she is not only a voice for her peers but an active participant in shaping a stronger, more supportive community.

Josephine’s dedication to service is evident in the more than 500 hours she has volunteered over the past two years. Her involvement with STEM initiatives also highlights her passion for education, as she inspires younger students, especially girls, to explore careers in science and engineering.

She was also named Miss Arizona High School America 2025 and says she developed exceptional public speaking and leadership skills, using her platform to amplify her message of kindness and inclusion on a global stage.

Iraj Shroff exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit through his relentless drive to identify problems and create solutions that make a tangible social impact. His passion for innovation began early, evolving from building projects in elementary school to developing advanced technologies addressing the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Among his most notable innovations is the Natural Aqua Purifier, a low-cost water treatment system using natural coagulants. Motivated by experiences witnessing contaminated water in India with his family members and research on global water crises, Iraj spent over a year refining the system at a local Water Treatment Plant. Beyond technical achievement, he focused on deployment, training 450 students and community members in India and Kenya to produce and use the purifier sustainably. This project earned international recognition, including ISEF Finalist, Stockholm Junior Water Prize State Winner, and Future Innovators of the Year Honorable Mention.

Iraj also developed the Smart Medicine Dispensing System (SMDS) to address prescription non-adherence and overdose risks. After he saw his own mother having challenges with medication, he co-engineered the hardware, software, and mechanical design, presenting prototypes to healthcare professionals and initiating pilot testing.

As President of the Science Olympiad Team at BASIS Chandler, he leads strategy, preparation, and organization, helping his team achieve state victories and qualify for national competitions. Internationally, as a Chief Science Officer International Leadership Council member, Iraj has trained 400+ CSOs, organized workshops and innovation summits, and enabled students worldwide to launch STEM clubs, maker fairs, and community projects.

Iraj’s commitment to service extends beyond school. As NJHS President, he led 200 members to enjoy the act of service, organizing toy drives, park cleanups, teacher appreciation events, and fundraising for global initiatives like She’s the First. He has also contributed to sustainable classroom projects and clean water initiatives in India and Africa through the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Organization.

This bright young man has conducted research at the University of Pennsylvania, where he produced first-author work on AI-assisted cardiac imaging, accepted at an international conference. He hopes to pursue a career in environmental engineering, computer science or healthcare.