18 AUGUST 2023 By Mallory Gleich The Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year Award recognizes the achievements and contributions of teens; an award that brings about community awareness and helps to encourage the next generation. The honor recognizes youth who have impacted their community through a nonprofit organization, leading a youth initiative or engaging in meaningful volunteer work. It connects these “change makers” with one another and with district representatives. To be considered for the award, which is hosted by the City of Phoenix, high schoolers submit an application and letters of recommendation. Winners receive a $500 check and a personalized plaque during a hosted luncheon at the Phoenix Country Club. Each year, two high school students per City Council district in Phoenix are chosen. Sixteen total students were selected as winners this year, including three from the Arcadia area. ABBY PEARSON Abby Pearson, a Xavier Prep senior, has always been passionate about the environment. In the spirit of helping make the world cleaner and more sustainable, she founded a business called Curbside Compost. Every week, Abby’s neighbors collect their unused vegetables and coffee grounds in a bucket, which she then picks up and replaces with a clean one. All the “greens” are donated to a local community garden that needed a new way to receive compost material. “I was ecstatic when I found out I won – and even more excited when I heard my friend and classmate Sonya received the honor as well,” Abby said. “The first people I told were my parents, who have always supported me from day one.” Outside of Curbside Compost and focusing on academics, Abby loves running, listening to new music, and playing with her dogs. She is part of her high school varsity crew team and volunteers for the American Field Service. This not-for-profit coordinates cultural exchanges for high school students and at Chavez Youth and Community Foundation, Abby’s boxing gym’s nonprofit that provides boxing lessons to disadvantaged youth. She is also the president of Arizona Science Center’s Teen Advisory Board, whose mission is to increase teen engagement in STEM at the Center. After graduation, Abby plans to attend university and major in physics with hopes of entering the field of nuclear energy. SONYA COLATTUR Along with receiving this recognition, Xavier senior Sonya Colattur was excited to meet city council members from each District in Phoenix. “It was an amazing feeling to be chosen as a winner,” she said. “I am proud to represent District 4. This has been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful to have attended the awards banquet.” Sonya is the founder and president of GrandPaws Pantry, a nonprofit that provides monthly food supplies to the companion pets of seniors with financial need at assisted living facilities throughout Maricopa County. She started GrandPaws when she was ten years old, after being inspired by visits to her great-grandmother, who was in an assisted living facility. “Now, seven years later, GrandPaws Pantry delivers monthly pet food supplies to over 100 seniors with companion pets at 12 assisted living facilities throughout the Valley,” Sonya said. She is also the founder of a youth organization called The Color of Us, which connects and encourages multiracial and multicultural youth across the nation to share their identities through blogs, podcasts and art. Sonya is also involved in Mock Trial and Model UN programs at Xavier – she is the president of both. When she’s not competing or practicing, she enjoys coaching archery and painting. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college or university and major in public policy and government. Sonya wants to attend law school and use her legal career to give back to underrepresented communities. SANYA SOMANI Phoenix Country Day School senior Sanya Somani has been featured in Arcadia News for her work with a nonprofit called HealthforHER, which Sanya created with her friend Anaiya in 2021. The nonprofit provides health resources and education to underprivileged women worldwide. Along with this award, Sanya also won the Junior Achievement “18 Under 18” honor in 2023. “I felt a sense of achievement and gratitude for the support and opportunities I have received. I felt further inspired to continue impacting and actively contributing to my community,” Sanya said. This summer, HealthforHER will work with students in Kenya (and possibly Spain) to discuss hygiene, mental health, self- care, and more. The group works locally in Arizona with foster children and will open new member applications soon. “We currently have a project in the planning stages to raise national awareness. Also, I will be speaking remotely with girls in India I previously worked with to continue our discussions surrounding female health and education,” Sanya said. Outside the nonprofit, Sanya plays on the PCDS women’s varsity soccer team and enjoys lifting. She has been dancing and playing the piano for over 12 years. “After graduation, I want to pursue my love for learning by obtaining a higher education to study business and entrepreneurship. In the future, I would like to start my own company while continuing to run and expand HealthForHER,” Sanya said. “I want to gain knowledge under my father, an entrepreneur, to observe what it takes to create my own venture in the real world.” YOUTH LEADING THE YOUTH Area students bestowed City of Phoenix honor Abby Pearson Sanya Somani Sonya Colattur This beautiful historic home was originally built in 1893 and was completely restored and remodeled in 2013. All conveniences are modern - all charm is historic. Two king beds, one queen, one twin, fully stocked kitchen and laundry facility included. Free Wi-Fi, YouTube TV, Disney+, coffee, laundry soap and high- ff ee, laundry soap and high- ff end toiletries! Explore area attractions like Bearizona and the Deer Farm. If you’re planning a Polar Express visit, book your stay with us! 928-607-8096 | historicyellowhouse.com A perfectly charming vacation rental A perfectly charming vacation rental A perfectly charming vacation rental T H E H I S T O R I C On historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams, AZ

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate 480-864-4254 www.closetsbydesign.com Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured: ROC312904 Closets byDesign ® Imagine your home, totally organized! Follow us A/ Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices and more... 40 % Off Plus Free Installation 15% Off PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700-$1000 on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires 8/31/23. Offer not valid in all regions. SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 12 MONTH4! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas