During its fifth annual awards ceremony, 25 Most Remarkable Teens in San Diego County were recognized by the San Diego County Public Defender's Office, KPBS reported.
The 25 teenagers stood out from a pool of more than 155 nominees following a review of supplemental materials and virtual interviews by a Public Defender's Office panel. The 25 Most Remarkable Teens in San Diego County are the cream of the crop, as these students are not only talented but also driven to succeed and overcome adversity. They are also passionate about civic projects or issues.
Public Defender Randy Mize said that San Diego youth act as innovators, activists, trailblazers, and leaders throughout the county. He added that these 25 teens led the way to a successful future by demonstrating courage, spirit, and tenacity and making creative and smart solutions for their lives and their community.
Teens presented awards at San Diego Central Library
According to the County News Center, the Most Remarkable Teen program recognizes the young people of San Diego ages 13 to 19 for both their contributions and efforts in 25 categories, including arts and culture, technology, civic involvement, environmental advocacy, courage to overcome adversity, entrepreneurship, and other outstanding accomplishments. All teen students who were interviewed by the panel received a certificate of recognition for the honor of being considered.
The awards event was held in partnership with the San Diego Public Library at the Shiley Special Events Suite at the City of San Diego Central Library on Thursday, November 10. Elected officials presented the awards to the teens, including President Pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, and Councilmembers Raul Campillo, Marni von Wilpert, and Joe LaCava.
Who are the 25 Most Remarkable Teens for 2022?
Mayor Todd Gloria opened the awards night with welcoming remarks congratulating the 25 teenagers for their exemplary accomplishments and efforts, according to the Del Mar Times.
The 25 Most Remarkable Teens for 2022 are 17-year-old Del Norte High School senior Ellen Xu, who received the Public Defender's Award of Excellence; 17-year-old Morse High School senior Kaizer Jones, who received the Personal Determination award; 16-year-old West Hills High School student Katie Tran, who received the Campus Leadership award; 16-year-old The Cambridge School junior Kyle Tianshi, who received the Inventor award; 16-year-old Canyon Crest Academy junior Keala Minna-Choe, who received the Civic Engagement award; and 18-year-old Olympian High School graduate and University of Southern California freshman Lucia Perez Valles, who received the Social Conscience award.
Other winners are 19-year-old Madison High School graduate Andres Garcia, who won the Courage to Overcome Adversity; 18-year-old Madison High School graduate Charlee Miller, who won the award for Creativity: Art; 16-year-old Scripps Ranch High School junior Vedant Nahar, who won the Most Enterprising award; 15-year-old The Bishop's School junior Renee Wang, who won the Innovation award; 17-year-old Hoover High School senior Angel Martinez, who received the Commitment to Personal Excellence award; 18-year-old Classical Academy High School senior Evan Noseworthy, who won the award for Entrepreneur; and 16-year-old Bonita Vista High School junior Nicolette Luna, who won the award for Journalism.
Also taking home honors are 16-year-old Scripps Ranch High School senior Lea Nepomuceno, who received the award for Social Justice; 17-year-old Canyon Crest Academy senior Sofie Muneer, who won the Public Health: Women award; 16-year-old San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts sophomore Roberto Cone, who won the award for Performing Arts: Musical Theatre; 17-year-old Preuss School senior Jasmine Matthews, who won the award for Perseverance; 17-year-old High Tech High School, North County senior Livia Iacobelli, who received the award for Community Service; and 17-year-old Westview High School senior Roshan Shah, who won the award for Public Health: Innovation.
Rounding up the list of awardees are 15-year-old Francis Parker School junior Ella Kim, who won the award for Writing; 17-year-old San Pasqual Academy senior Alurah Chappell, who received an award for Courage to Overcome: Family Situation; 13-year-old Pacific Beach Middle School student Makena Stumpo, who won an award for Performing Arts: Music; 17-year-old Crawford High School senior Leslie Pagel, who received an award in the category of LGBTQIA+ Activist; 16-year-old Poway High School junior Reed Ganzer, who won a distinction in the Technology: Robotics category; and 16-year-old San Pasqual High School junior Naeem Miller, who received the award for Environmental Activist.
