12 SEPTEMBER 2026 By AJ Stone The Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year award aims to celebrate young people making a difference by highlighting exceptional accomplishments while encouraging community awareness of their leadership. Applicants must first submit a personal statement responding to the provided prompts. Then, using a rubric system, they are scored to identify top candidates. A select few go through the interview process. They participate in a panel interview and share their goals and accomplishments, finalizing their candidacy for the prestigious honor. Sixteen students are selected and receive a cash prize. Additionally, two city-wide winners are chosen and all winners are recognized at a special event. This year, a round of applause goes to Brophy Prep’s Arturo Macias and Adam Shamoun and Phoenix Country Day School’s Tara Ghafouri. Arturo Macias Arturo was acknowledged for his work serving Phoenix families, leading student service groups, and, as he puts it, “pursuing justice in honor of my father.” Arturo said he was honored to be nominated and selected for such an award. “It’s a blessing and an amazing experience,” he said. “It just shows that putting your head down and putting in the work with a smile on your face can be recognized.” He said that winning the award has given him motivation to continue striving for excellence every day. Aside from community service, Arturo enjoys golf, reading non-fiction books about politics and philosophy, and watching movies. “This award stands for the hard work done by students, but not only that, the impact they’ve had on their communities and the people around them,” Arturo said. “I think it characterizes me as a person by demonstrating my work ethic and dedication to what I do and to the people I serve.” He is hoping to attend college on the East Coast and study in a political science program. Adam Shamoun Adam was honored with the award thanks to his book drive, which grew into a small nonprofit and has donated over 110,000 books. Additionally, he started an AI-based tool reducing waste on Brophy Prep’s campus, and “learned to take action now to help build a more just and sustainable future for communities from Phoenix to the Navajo Nation.” “I think my theme of sustainability contributed to my selection. Most of the activities I do are related to sustainability, like running the Driving Empowerment Action and Learning (DEAL) Club and the Student Climate Coalition, where I have worked on sustainability on Brophy’s campus,” he said. He plans on attending college somewhere on the East Coast and hopes to travel and explore more of the United States. Tara Ghafouri Tara said she uses storytelling and advocacy to build understanding. Furthermore, she recognizes the impact of her accomplishments. “It was really exciting, especially because I knew there were so many impressive students applying. When I found out I had won, I felt incredibly grateful,” she said. “It was a reminder that the projects and causes I’ve spent years working on have made an impact, and that meant a lot to me.” Tara believes that her work outside the classroom, paired with academics, translated to her selection. She’s worked on projects from writing children’s books on prejudicial bullying to competing in speech and debate, all of which assisted her in this process. Although she just started the college application process, she’s interested in studying public policy, international relations, or political science. Tara said she loves to write and has already published a children’s book called “What’s in Your Lunch Box?” She also loves drawing and is involved in student government, volunteer work, and varsity tennis. “This award recognizes more than academic achievement. It celebrates leadership, perseverance, and using your strengths to make a positive impact on others,” she said. “I hope it reflects that I’m curious, driven, and willing to put in the work to create meaningful change, whether that’s in my school, my community, or beyond.” Through service, advocacy, sustainability and leadership, Arturo, Adam and Tara are making meaningful contributions to their schools and communities while inspiring others to do the same. This year’s Outstanding Leader Awards go to… ARTURO MACIAS ADAM SHAMOUN TARA GHAFOURI O Op pe en n S Su un n- -M Mo on n- -T Tu ue es s 1 11 1a am m- -9 9p pm m W We ed d- -T Th hu ur rs s 1 11 1a am m- -9 9: :3 30 0p pm m F Fr ri i- -S Sa at t 1 11 1a am m- -1 10 0p pm m • Dine in • Patio Service • Sat-Sun Brunch menu with drink specials • Happy Hour Specials • Pickup Orders T Tr ry y o ou ur r f fu ul ll l c ca at te er ri in ng g s se er rv vi ic ce e: : 6 60 02 2- -3 30 00 0- -7 71 13 33 3 Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support! 4144 E. Indian School Road | teepeemexicanfood.com teepeemexicanfood.com | 602-956-0178 602-956-0178 ENJOY YOUR ENJOY YOUR TEEPEE TEEPEE FAVORITES! FAVORITES!