20 SEPTEMBER 2025 By Cliff Summerhill Each year, the Youth and Education Office of the City of Phoenix hosts a program called the Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year Awards. This honor highlights the achievements of high school students who are making positive impacts in the Valley. Xavier Prep’s Maryam al Qaderi and Saniya Dwivedi began the next chapter of their lives on a high note after being recognized for their contributions to the local community. Maryam, who graduated last year, and current junior Saniya were announced as the District 4 winners. The award recognizes high school students for leadership, community service, and positive contributions to the city. Sixteen students are honored as council district winners, and two overall winners are chosen from that group. Maryam’s selection is notable for another reason: she has now won the award twice; an achievement few students have matched in the program’s history. She was also awarded the Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 award before graduating and heading to Harvard on a pre-med track this fall. Ever since middle school, Saniya has been interested in helping her community address health challenges. She led a variety of different projects over the last few years. In 2024, she won a Student of the Week award for her nonprofit, Health in Movement, which focuses on improving mental and physical health for youth through exercise. “It’s exciting to be recognized, and at the same time humbling and inspiring to see the impact my peers are making in their communities,” Saniya said. “To me, it means there is a real need for the work I’m doing and that others in the community value it.” At the Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year award ceremony, Saniya said she was honored to meet other teens who share her passion to make a difference. “I learned more ways to get involved in improving my community, and it motivated me to do more,” she said. “Having my parents, mentors, and school members there to cheer me on was a proud moment, and I’m grateful I could represent my school well.” At Xavier, Saniya serves as student council president, plays basketball, and is preparing for her Bharatanatyam Arangetram , a major milestone in the classical Indian dance form. She also plays piano, completing levels in both the Arizona State and National Federation of Music Clubs programs. “In my time working with Health in Movement and in my community, I’ve seen the need for stronger representation in women and minority health, and I hope to be a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Saniya shared. She hasn’t decided where she’ll go to college but hopes to explore other parts of the country and “maybe go somewhere cooler than Arizona,” she said. The Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year program is open to Phoenix high school students in grades 9-12 and involves an application and in-person interview process. Winners receive cash awards and are recognized by city leaders at a public ceremony. Xavier students earn Phoenix Youth Leadership honors Saniya Dwivedi is the founder of Health in Movement, a nonprofit that teaches students about the importance of health and exercise. PHOTO COURTESY OF SANIYA DWIVEDI Having my parents, mentors, and school members there to cheer me on was a proud moment.