Winner: Alejandra Carmona (17 years old) turned her childhood struggles as an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, into service to her community. She has volunteered at Adobe Acres elementary school through ENLACE to teach immigrant students how to read and write in English. Alejandra is also a member of a group called South Valley Women in Action. Alejandra is a peer educator with this group, focusing on topics such as the prevention of: teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, teen dating violence, and suicide; as well as the promotion of healthy relationships among teens. Alejandra is the president of the South Valley Academy’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and has successfully coordinated three blood drives, a clothing drive, organized a Fall Festival and Winter Ball, all while increasing membership by 50 students.

Honoree: Alex Wirth (16 years old) began his service to the community in the 7th grade, and his drive and determination helps him continue to be a strong advocate for youth issues. Alex was the student leader for the Empty Bowls Teen Action Program, which raises money for the local Food Depot by selling ceramic bowls. He is the secretary of the student council, and currently serves as chair of Mayor David Coss’ Youth Advisory Board. Through his service, Alex continues to promote the need for the youth voice to be heard and respected in his community.

Winner: Fionna Walters (19 years old) has dedicated a tremendous amount of time to volunteering in her home community of Mexican Springs to help organize recreation activities for youth. She recognized the need to build a playground for area children, as the one they were using was dilapidated and a safety hazard. Fionna attended the Summer Policy Academy at Santa Fe Indian School where she learned about the legislative process. In 2007, using the skills she had learned at the Policy Academy, she presented her proposal for a new playground in Mexican Springs and secured a legislative sponsor in John Pinto. Senate Bill 471, containing the appropriation of $75,000 for a new playground in Mexican Springs, was passed and signed into law. On October 5th the playground was officially opened. Fionna attended the Junior Policy Institute at Princeton University, and is attending the University of New Mexico Gallup branch.

Honoree: Arielle Hawney Arielle Hawney (20 years old) moved to Montezuma, New Mexico, and began her service to the community as a way to become familiar with the town and its people. She was a Special Olympics basketball coach, a mathematics tutor, and became one of the driving forces at the United World College behind a student-led effort to become certified HIV/AIDS peer educators. Arielle also initiated a quilting service project, whereby students at the college learned to quilt, and the quilts were then gifted to others. Some of the quilts were sent to orphanages in Bolivia, while others went to local patients at the Behavior Health Institute of New Mexico. Simultaneously, Arielle began volunteering at the Las Vegas Peace & Justice Center. Her service with the center included: working with the San Miguel County Detention Center, coordinating statewide non-partisan election monitoring, producing and co-hosting weekly Community Peace radio shows, community education, and assisting individuals in need.