Celebrating Bellevue Youth Link's 19th anniversary of providing nationally-recognized programs and services to Bellevue teens, Youth Link sought nominations of children and teens for their positive influence in the community. Youth Link teen members have selected winners from more than 40 nominations for the 2009 Community Leadership Awards.

The following youth and teens will be honored at the annual CLA celebration at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at City Hall. A pre-ceremony dessert reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

Most Inspirational - Boy: Niko Tokuno, Issaquah Middle School 
Most Inspirational - Girl: Rachel Jiang, Newport High School
Athlete: William Minice, Sammamish High School
Scholar - Boy: Jason Lai, University of Washington Early Admission Program
Scholar - Girl: Emily Zhang, Odle Middle School
Warming Hearts - Boy: Colin Suter, Clyde Hill Elementary
Warming Hearts - Girl: Alanna Reeves, Clyde Hill Elementary
Diversity Champion: Nadya Ali, Sammamish High School
Environmental Champion: Zane Zook, Odle Middle School
Youth Volunteer - Boy: Edgar Almanza, Sammamish High/Latino HEAT
Youth Volunteer - Girl: Lauren Matzelle, Home School/Jubilee Reach Center
Elementary School Student: Reagan Teegarden, Woodridge Elementary
Middle School Student: Ricky Adams, Tillicum Middle School
High School Student: Jila Dabestani, Newport High School
Norm Maleng Award: To Be Announced

Youth Link will recognize all nominees in the evening's program as well as its own volunteers. The annual Community Leadership Awards celebration is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and requires an RSVP. RSVP by Monday, May 26 to the Bellevue Youth Link office at 425-452-2846. 

Return to News Release Index