​​The Youth and Education Office hosted the 2024 Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader (OPYL) Awards on May 3, at the Phoenix Country Club. This annual event celebrates high school students who have gone above and beyond to serve their community and make a positive impact on society.
This year 16 students, who either live in Phoenix or attend Phoenix schools, received an award certificate, $1,000 cash prize, and recognized for their community service. Two overall citywide winners were awarded an additional $2,000 and received special recognition for their exceptional commitment to serve the community.
Students apply for the award by submitting a nomination form, essay, recommendation letter, and participate in an interview panel. For those interested in future opportunities to be considered for this award, please email the Youth and Education Office at mailbox.youth@phoenix.gov.
District Winners
*Citywide winners are in bold
|
District
|
Student Name
|
High School
|
|
1
|
Brendan Salisbury
|
Barry Goldwater High School
|
1
|
Elena Murrietta |
Sandra Day O'Connor High School |
| 2 |
Eeshaan Varshith Malladi |
Paradise Valley High School |
| 2 |
Joelle Wecklein |
Pinnacle High School |
| 3 |
Sophia Henao-Piña |
Sunnyslope High School |
| 4 |
Riya Mehta |
Xavier College Preparatory |
| 4 |
Maryam Al Qaderi |
Xavier College Preparatory |
| 5 |
Lilly Vera |
Apollo High School |
| 5 |
Vivianna Salais |
Asu Preparatory Academy |
|
6
|
Sneha Jiju
|
BASIS Ahwatukee
|
| 6 |
Cailinn Allen |
Mountain Pointe High School |
| 7 |
Taylor Price |
Bioscience High School |
7
|
Charles Mada |
Betty H. Fairfax High School |
| 8 |
Arionna Smith |
Bioscience High School |
| 8 |
Iris Sihashath |
Paragon Science Academy |
Honorable Winner
|
Sarah Bendok |
Phoenix Country Day School​
|
