• Published May 16 2023

    Nineteen children and teens who have had a positive influence on the community have received Community Leadership Awards from Bellevue Youth Link this year. The following youth will be honored at a celebration on Wednesday, May 24, 6-8 p.m., at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE.  

    • Advocacy for Cultural & Heritage Pride: Yasmin Torres, Highland Middle School    
    • Advocacy for Education: Noah Cox-Tigre, Interlake High 
    • Advocacy for Family Support: Ashley Li, Cherry Crest Elementary
    • Advocacy for Inclusivity & Allyship: Amirah Haque, Bellevue High 
    • Advocacy for Social Justice – Group: SafeSpace, Interlake High       
    • Advocacy for Social Justice – Individual: Siddhant Nema, Odle Middle School
    • Advocacy for Sports & Recreation: Jorge David, Newport High 
    • Advocacy for Well Being: Kosha Upadhyay, Bellevue High 
    • Environmental Champion: Kylie Shulman, Newport High 
    • Excellence in Youth Arts: Lucas Pyle, Highland Middle School
    • Outstanding Creative & Innovative Thinker: Anthony Chen, International School
    • Outstanding Elementary School Student: Simar Grewal, Spiritridge Elementary
    • Outstanding Middle School Student: Mia Martinez, Highland Middle School    
    • Outstanding High School Student: Aya Million, Interlake High 
    • Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Sophia Manole, Newport High 
    • Unsung Hero: Angelinne Bustamante, Interlake High 

    Youth Link Program Awards:

    • “Norm Maleng” Social Justice: Sayana Isaac, Interlake High and Leila Pereira, Bellevue High
    • Phil Kushlan Award: Daniel Koo and Neo Hou, both International School    

    In addition to award winners, Youth Link will celebrate volunteers with the program. The 33rd annual Community Leadership Awards celebration is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited to award winners and their guests and requires an RSVP.  

    The event will start promptly at 6, the reception following 7:30-8. Please RSVP. For more information, please contact Patrick Alina, Bellevue Youth Link program coordinator, at 425-452-5254 or palina@bellevuewa.gov.