Staff Reports | Community Updates
Junior Achievement of Arizona announced the recipients of its annual 18 Under 18 awards, recognizing students from across the state for leadership and community involvement.
The program honors 18 students whose activities reflect academic achievement, extracurricular leadership and civic engagement, according to a press release. The students were recognized during an awards event April 16, 2026, at Junior Achievement’s office in Tempe.
“We are proud to recognize another outstanding group of young people,” Katherine Cecala, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arizona, said. “These students are excelling in every aspect of life. They are leaders at school and in athletics, the arts, and science—taking on activism, launching nonprofits, and conducting meaningful research. They are not only shaping their own futures but also making a lasting impact on their communities and inspiring others to do the same.”
2026 18 under 18 Winners:
Umar Amer
Age: 17 | Grade: 11 | School: BASIS Scottsdale | City: Scottsdale
Umar Amer is a researcher and youth advocate focused on AI and public health. Through ASU’s SCENE program, he works with EMIL Lab on machine learning models to predict school violence, contributing to NSF-funded research. A UN Human Rights Council speaker, student body president, and active volunteer, he plans a career in public policy and healthcare.
Anayareni Antunez-Pino
Age: 18 | Grade: 12 | School: Rio Rico High School | City: Rio Rico
Anayareni Antunez-Pino is a student leader dedicated to service and healthcare. As Interact Club VP, swim team captain, and NHS committee lead, she organizes campus initiatives and outreach. She volunteers with Rotary, interned in county emergency management, and served as a counselor at RYLA. With clinical shadowing experience, she plans to become a dental surgeon serving underserved communities.
Ira Bagga
Age: 17 | Grade: 11 | School: Arizona College Prep | City: Chandler
Ira Bagga blends research and advocacy to make science accessible. She has conducted neurological research and founded BreakingTheCycle, reaching 120K+ online and raising funds for PCOS awareness. A STEAM Society and Athena Project leader, she builds programs that connect science, art, and community impact.
Anastasia Bradley
Age: 12 | Grade: 12 | School: Sahuaro High School | City: Tucson
Anastasia Bradley is a student scientist and community leader driven by curiosity and service. She advanced early in chemistry, volunteered 400+ hours with Teen Court, and led efforts to donate 800 books to hospital patients. She co-founded service initiatives and contributes to STEM outreach, aiming to strengthen community health and education.
Sallie Choi
Age: 17 | Grade: 11 | School: Globe High School | City: Globe
Sallie Choi is an entrepreneur and creative leader. She founded Koalaty Boutique at 11, raising funds for global and local causes. Through Monsoon Youth, she leads art programs and launched an Apache language project. A student leader and state appointee, she uses creativity to drive community impact.
Ikeoluwa Esan
Age: 17 | Grade: 12 | School: Hamilton High School | City: Chandler
Ikeoluwa Esan is a civic leader focused on justice and education. She rebuilt her school’s mock trial program and co-leads a national legal education nonprofit. As Student Body VP, she raised $10K+ for Make-A-Wish and serves on the Governor’s Youth Commission. She plans to pursue law and public advocacy.
Abby Herrera
Age: 18 | Grade: 12 | School: Ironwood High School | City: Glendale
Abby Herrera is a business-minded leader and entrepreneur. She manages operations for her family’s multi-state bulldog program and serves as Arizona DECA VP of Marketing. Founder of Bite for Better and a 4-H Ambassador, she plans to study veterinary medicine and business as a first-generation college student.
Josephine Hoskins
Age: 16 | Grade: 10 | School: Maricopa High School | City: Maricopa
Josephine Hoskins is the founder of Jojo’s Love, promoting inclusion and empathy among youth. She has reached 1,300+ students and mobilized peers for service projects supporting vulnerable communities. A student leader and civic participant, she brings over 500 service hours to her work.
Lesira Kpea
Age: 18 | Grade: 12 | School: Buckeye Union High School | City: Buckeye
Lesira Kpea is a student leader passionate about sustainability and civic engagement. A national FBLA VP, she launched a student-run coffee business to fund school programs. She also organized youth advocacy on air quality, empowering peers to engage in local policy and community action.
Brooke Mandelbaum
Age: 18 | Grade: 12 | School: Chaparral High School | City: Scottsdale
Brooke Mandelbaum founded Building Beauty to provide prom resources for underserved students, promoting confidence and opportunity. She also volunteers in hospital settings and serves on advisory boards. She plans to study psychology and continue supporting youth development.
Sarayu Padala
Age: 16 | Grade: 10 | School: Desert Vista High School | City: Laveen
Sarayu Padala is the founder of Lens for a Lens, improving access to eye care globally. Since 2022, she has helped direct $200K+, distributed 2,700+ glasses, and mobilized 8,000+ volunteer hours across eight countries. A CSO leader and STEM advocate, she aims to pursue quantitative finance while advancing equitable systems.
Srinidhi Pallerla
Age: 16 | Grade: 11 | School: Arizona College Prep | City: Chandler
Srinidhi Pallerla is founder of Steps to Impact, supporting NICU families and communities globally. She leads medical outreach initiatives, conducts research, and founded MedConnect. A TEDx speaker, she plans to pursue medicine with a focus on patient-centered care.
Iraj Shroff
Age: 16 | Grade: 11 | School: BASIS Chandler | City: Chandler
Iraj Shroff is an innovator tackling global challenges through STEM. He developed a low-cost water purification system and a smart medication device, impacting communities worldwide. As a CSO leader, he mentors students and promotes STEM education and service.
William Steenken
Age: 16 | Grade: 10 | School: Tempe Prep | City: Phoenix
William Steenken is a dedicated leader in scouting and service. He led a $35K campus renovation project and a 120-mile Philmont trek. An Eagle Scout candidate and Silver Congressional Award recipient, he is pursuing aviation and engineering.
Jyotsna Subramanian
Age: 16 | Grade: 11 | School: PV High School | City: Scottsdale
Jyotsna Subramanian is a STEM innovator and statewide leader. She co-founded EcoFresh, a smart packaging system to reduce food waste, and serves as SkillsUSA Arizona VP. Active in service and policy, she plans to pursue biomedical engineering and medicine.
Nolan Takeuchi
Age: 17 | Grade: 11 | School: BASIS Flagstaff | City: Flagstaff
Nolan Takeuchi is a leader in nonprofit service and sustainability. He developed a high school nonprofit management course with NAU and leads student organizations on campus. An Eagle Scout and environmental advocate, he has contributed 200+ hours to community composting efforts.
Aditya Tyagi
Age: 18 | Grade: 12 | School: Chaparral High School | City: Scottsdale
Aditya Tyagi is founder of Connect2Health, expanding healthcare access locally and globally. His nonprofit has served 9,000+ individuals and distributed critical supplies. A civic leader and national speaker, he focuses on equitable healthcare solutions and youth engagement.
