MCLEAN, VA — The McLean Citizens Association presented six local teenagers with Teen Character Awards on Saturday, during the 28th annual ceremony at McLean Day.
The presentation took place at 1:30 p.m. at Lewinsville Park on Chain Bridge Road.
Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) and U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11th) presented the awards. They were assisted by MCA Education and Youth Committee Chair Doug Taylor and MCA President Camille White-Partain.
The award honors teenagers who demonstrate outstanding character, according to the organizers. The recognition is designed for youth who have, on their own and without compensation, helped in their neighborhood or community, serving as an example to others.
MCA provided the following information about each of the six awardees.
Sarah, along with fellow awardee Grace Yuan, co-founded Pieces of Illumination, a student organization to help children and seniors with autism. She organizes weekly visits to Pediatric Therapy Studio to coordinate about 7-8 students who engage directly with children through play, social interaction, and supportive activities such as games and coloring. She has helped organize multiple donation drives, providing dozens of puzzles that help the children have fun while practicing fine motor and problem-solving skills. She has expanded the program to 8 autism centers, 3 senior centers, and 4 high-need schools. Sarah’s work consistently reflects empathy, responsibility, and a strong commitment to service. She demonstrates genuine care by encouraging those with autism, supporting them through challenges and celebrating their successes. She has also been a leader in introducing over 100 girls to competitive math, opening their eyes to future opportunities.
Last summer Nathan was a volunteer percussion instructor and facilitator at Northern Virginia’s largest summer band camp for rising 4th through 9th grade students. He provided assistance to students and staff by providing thoughtful feedback and musical insight for young musicians. As a percussionist, Nathan carried the additional responsibility of helping manage equipment. A wide variety and large number of instruments are required in specific set ups across multiple locations, and Nathan helped ensure that those details were carefully managed while also caring for the maintenance of the instruments so that future generations of students can enjoy the same resources he does. He never left a rehearsal without checking to ensure that everything was taken care of, no matter how long the day had been. Also, for the past three school years he volunteered for the elementary school Honor Band where his enthusiasm for percussion is positively infectious and is reflected in the feedback and admiration he received from instructors and colleagues alike.
Years ago, Micah’s brother began a local initiative at Cora Kelly ES, a Title 1 school in Alexandria, through the global organization, ‘Shoes That Fit’. Then, two years ago, Micah took over leading this program, which helps to coordinate the purchase of new shoes for over 40 students at Cora Kelly. Micah fundraises, organizes and shops for the students twice a school year. One of the most unique and thoughtful parts of Micah’s campaign is that he requests the students’ shoe size and preferred shoe color. The sneakers arrive in brand new boxes with the student’s name printed on the front, helping to make these low-income students feel special and valued. In addition, while his brother was still running Shoes That Fit, Micah started ‘Got Sneakers’, which he has also continued to run. With Got Sneakers, Micah collects used sneakers through Facebook, friends, and going door-to-door, and then donates them if still usable or sends them to a recycling program.
Luca has been swimming for eight years. Two years ago, he decided he wanted to make swimming more inclusive and accessible. He researched opportunities and discovered Fairfax County Park Authority’s Adapted Aquatics Program which offers specialized classes for individuals with disabilities. Luca provides assistance to instructors by working one-on-one with swimmers, guiding them through activities tailored to their abilities. He provides step-by-step guidance, often breaking down instruction into simple steps so each swimmer can succeed. He also offers physical support when needed, helping swimmers maintain balance, proper positioning, and safety in the water. Luca uses demonstrations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement to help swimmers understand and retain new skills. By helping create an environment where every swimmer feels safe and capable, Luca is actively contributing to a community where differences are accepted, respected, and valued.
For the past year Luke served as the head basketball coach for a fourth-grade basketball team with McLean Youth Basketball. He scheduled practices, communicated with team members’ parents, coordinated practices and provided essential basketball training and skills development to the players. Luke coached players with a variety of skill levels and personalities, setting a positive tone for the team and consistently encouraging his players with support and guidance. He worked hard to ensure that each player felt included and respected, regardless of skill level. He demonstrated patience in managing the challenge of keeping a group of young boys focused during practices and games. He also showed kindness and understanding when players were disappointed with themselves after a missed shot or turnover. He consistently celebrated effort just as much as success.
Brendan has led a community-driven effort to recover over 200 used musical instruments donated from community members, restore them, and place them with students and music programs in need all around the country. What started as an Eagle Scout project has now grown into establishment of a nonprofit, “Tune Up for Tomorrow” to ensure the work will continue. He recruited more than 20 volunteers who have now invested over 160 hours of community service. He established repair stations and led the repairs himself while teaching others the techniques he learned through study and practice. His compassion for children who lack access to music is a conviction that came from his heart, reflected in his sustained commitment to expanding access for others.
Grace, along with fellow awardee Sarah Li, co-founded Pieces of Illumination, a student organization to help children and seniors with autism. She has also been very active with the Chinese American Parents Association of Northern Virginia (CAPA NOVA). She served as a student planner for their Community Fair, helping design the event layout, coordinate student volunteers, and engage participating organizations. Grace also contributed as the student emcee for the CAPA NOVA Annual Year-End Celebration, where she represented the student community, introduced guest speakers, and helped ensure a smooth, welcoming program for all families. She has devoted many hours to supporting younger students through CAPA NOVA’s after-school and summer enrichment programs. Her reliability and thoughtful leadershiphighlight her trustworthiness, while her initiative and sustained involvement reflect a deep sense of citizenship. She models collaborative leadership while maintaining a clear personal dedication to improving the well-being of others.
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