The red carpet was rolled out for 158 of Marin’s youth leaders and adult allies at a celebration and recognition ceremony on Wednesday evening, June 1, at the San Rafael Community Center. The event included music, speeches, a slide show, dinner, Certificates of Appreciation from Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), and Certificates of Recognition from the office of Mark Leno, Senator, 3rd District. Youth related issues addressed this year included: educational equity; nutrition and fitness in schools; underage and binge drinking; improved transportation options; raised awareness around environmental practices, access to reproductive and mental health services, and youth homelessness.
Susan Adams, Board of Supervisors, District 1, praised the youth for their commitment and volunteerism to better their community. Carol Misseldine environmental activist and wife of recently deceased Supervisor Charles McGlashan, 3rd District, reminded the youth that their small local efforts have led to county-wide environmental initiatives, using the example of plastic bag bans, and encouraged them to continue with their leadership efforts. Misseldine was presented with an honorary award in memory of the support and encouragement Supervisor McGlashan provided to many Marin youth.
A special farewell was presented to Maureen Sedonean, Youth Leadership Institute’s outgoing Founder, President and CEO of 20 years, who closed the event by encouraging youth to always start from a place of hope in pursuing their varied causes. She ended her inspirational talk with these words: “The three most important tools you have to be a successful change maker are 1) your heads – your great minds, 2) your heart, which is your passion and 3): your feet, with which you take action”. Youth Leadership Institute honored the following individuals and organizations for their commitment and passion in addressing the varied issues and challenges facing today’s youth.
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Marin County Youth Commission – Allison Kang, Camila Flowerman, Gracelyn Newhouse, Scarlett Costello, Casey O’Brian, Christian Maltez, Kaushik Patange, Kirsta McKee, Dennis Villalobos, Erin Van Gessel, Indigo Johnson, Italo Robinson, Jupiter Collins, Kamilka Teklela, Max Norman, Megan Kallstrom, Melissa Mukul, Randy Sanchez, Sander Lutz, Shaun Moncada, Christopher Urguhart, Joelle Appenrodt, Jennifer Chavez, Courtney Jacobson, William Orwig, Angel Singh and William Swain, with the support of adult ally, Maria Reyes.
San Rafael High School Avid – Brenda Ayala, Angel Baten, Agustin BricenoAlfredo Calderon, Daniel Argueta Posadas, Edward Corena, Leslie Cruz Sanchez, Luis Javier Diaz-Reyes, Luisa Concepcion Gonzalez, Ary Grijalva, Ruth Itzun, Madal Jimenez, Luis Ku Pech, Marisol Magana, Bryan Mazariegos, Cindy Mazariegos, Kevin Mazariegos, Madeline Perez, Leydy Requena, Claudia Reyes, Sofia Romero, Licienne Sanchez and Gilberto Voquero Jr., with the support of adult allies Dr. Lilia Chavez, Evan Boris and Kerry Bryant.
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Next Generation Scholars – Aamir Azam, Eric Zeped, Ivan Shaw, Josue Ramirez, Max Salant, Miguel Avila, Peter Hasgan, Sasha Perigo, Ashley Heiser, Carol Lee, Duras Ruggles, Emily Kuelmria, Henri Boucher, Indigo Mutha, Jordan Mutha, Kayla Gaulden, Kayla Kaufman, Kiana Souza, Levi Mims, Tossa Hayward, Lisa France, Molly Baer, Rachel Becker, Sam Stecklow, Shannon Hare, Violet Stewart, Wylie Gab, and Aya Kawawa-Beaudan, with the support of adult ally, Sally Matsuishi.
Novato Wellness Center Peer Educators – Ryan Paddack, Maura Espinoza, Taylor Marechal, Shaun Moncada, Daisy Rodriguez, Amy Sigala and Serina Wesonga, with the support of adult ally Kara Vernor. This group won the Friday Night Live Chapter Award in the area of Community Engagement.
Novato Youth Center After School Program’s Middle School Group – Cindi Rodas, Elizabeth Schoenbaum, Kayla Lewis, Leandra Ellerin, Leilani Cisneros, Nrithya Anukonda, Natalie Mansergh, Roberto Gomes and Taylor Pewitt, with the support of adult ally Annette Knipe.
LIFT/Levantate’s for Teens - Ruby James and Laura Schrier, with the support of adult ally Richard Waxman.
Building a Master Foundation for Food – Alexandra Iskindir, Ileen Zakiyan, Katherine Dominiko, Kevin Amaya-Jaimes and Melanie Jackson, with the support of adult allies Hetty Chin and Brianna Georgi.
Be The Influence – Alex Kaye, Jerri Cohen, Marie Kadoyama, Olivia Jones and Zoe Davis, with the support of adult ally Monica Oliva-Jimenez.
E3: Education, Excellence & Equity – Ernesto Garcia, Courtney Jacobson and Dilsy Mendez.
Marin County Youth Court, YMCA – Ben Cook, Marc Karlson and Ron Maelli, with the support of adult ally Don Carney.
San Marin High School Health Club – Alison Kang, Frank Hernandez, Jessica Aragon, Janet Chong, Kaushik Patange and Shaun Moncada, with the support of adult ally Maria Torres.
Novato High School Friday Night Live –Ali Hoffmann, Richy Ramirez and Sarah Cooper, Samantha Bohlke, David Dixon, Lara Garay, Amanda Grimm, Jayme Hobbs, Rose Jarjoura, Alanna LoVetri, Ani Mack, Caitlin O’Malley and Brienna Perez, with the support of adult ally Mark Neimman.
E.L. Academy of Novato High School – Ana Guevara, Jose Beltran Amaya, Vanessa Matilde Cardona, Jose Garcia Castillo, Ivan Colin, Gelber Colop, Jaime Fernandez, Lindari Jimenez, Sasan Mahinpourian, Diana Pineda, Josue Perez, Michael Ponce, Joselin Rivas, Gonzalo Romero, Edgar Morquecho, Perla Ramirez, Norman Suarez Reyes, Edson Rodarte, Joaquin Sosa, EdyssonTermonfils, Erika Velasco, Mayra Velasco, and Ana BenitezVictoriano, with the support of adult allies Dr. Lilia Chavez, Lynzie Brodham and Laura Roberts.
