The 25th annual Mayors’ Awards to Youth event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Simplot Ballroom on the second floor of Boise State University’s Student Union Building. Opening remarks for this year’s ceremony will be given by Wyatt Schroeder, Director of Community Partnerships for the City of Boise and former Executive Director of CATCH.
The Mayors’ Awards to Youth ceremony highlights and honors young people who have demonstrated tremendous character by rising above hardships, serving their communities and consistently exhibiting kindness and consideration for others. Since 1994, principals from Ada County public junior, middle and high schools have been invited to nominate two students to be recognized at the event. Private school leaders are invited to nominate one student.
Click here for a list of all the award recipients for this year’s ceremony, and below are a few examples of the accomplishments of these students.
Masar Al-Saadi
Masar Al-Saadi consistently works hard in her studies, challenges herself, and always has a smile on her face. Though Masar’s dream is to be an engineer, Masar has a gift for teaching others. She searches out opportunities to help and can often be found helping students of all ages and backgrounds. Masar has also volunteered in a self-contained special education classroom for students with autism. Her willingness to show kindness and respect is empowering to those around her. She is a great example for students and educators alike at Hillside. We are all better people for knowing Masar.
Gabrielle “Gabby” Brennan
Anser Charter School is delighted to introduce one of the best writers we know: Gabrielle “Gabby” Brennan. Gabby might dispute this description. You see, since her first introduction to the alphabet, Gabby’s struggled with profound dyslexia. Struggled – but persevered. That’s the magic of Gabby. She has the courage to address hard questions, but also the resolve to find creative solutions. Gabby’s a quiet, effervescent leader, guiding Anser’s work for a better world. Whether defending refugees, advocating for gender equity, or fostering compassionate conversations with peers, obstacles don’t define her. Instead, Gabby shows us: we can write our own story.
Matt Dittrich
Matt Dittrich is an outstanding individual. Through battling cancer in elementary school and traveling to Seattle routinely to visit with doctors, Matt keeps persevering and smiling. He never takes the easy path for anything. Even though some days can be very tiring, Matt never complains. Matt’s sense of humor brightens everyone’s day. One day in class, a student asked Matt, “How do you make straight A’s?” Matt paused and then said with a smile that is only his, “With a ruler!” That is Matt. He is smart, conscientious, and funny. Matt has a wonderful supportive family and his love for them shines through every day.