Meet the 2022 City Spotlights Teen Leaders

Aiyanna, 15, will be a sophomore at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in the fall. This will be her second program at the Boch Center after completing Teen Leadership Council in the Spring. Aiyanna is also involved in softball and soccer, for which she has won an All-City Championship. Additionally, she has won leadership awards in ROTC and is a Math Honors participant. She looks forward to attending college to study architectural design. 

Alisha, 15, attends Boston Latin School and is excited to join City Spotlights for the first time this summer. Alisha is proud of her cooking abilities, which come in handy for big celebrations and holidays. Alisha is a member of her school orchestra and is inspired by musicians like Rihanna, who use their platform for good causes.

Amia, 15, is a student at Josiah Quincy Upper School where she is involved with track and the OrgiNation Nia dance troupe. Amia is proud of her theatrical and musical accomplishments, including playing the violin. She is inspired by artists such as XXXTENTACION and Lil Durk.

Amy, 17, is a student at Boston Community Leadership Academy and is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. She is excited to be joining the dance specialty!

Anthony, 18, is a recent graduate of John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science and is the proud recipient of a POSSE scholarship. Anthony is proud of their accomplishments in National Honor Society, their school’s Honor Roll, and their leadership awards gained in their four years at City Spotlights. Anthony will be attending college in the fall and hopes to one day receive a Master's Degree in Psychology.

Aubrielle, 15, is a student at Brooke Charter School where she is involved with mock trial, being a junior mentor for SCFG, and other clubs. Aubrielle is inspired by artists, such as Tyler the Creator, and is proud of her Kermit impression. Aubrielle looks forward to pursuing a career as an architect or engineer one day.

Cashana, 16, is a student at John D. O’ Bryant School of Mathematics and Science where she is involved in the Student Success Jobs Program. She is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Cashana is inspired by artists like Beyonce and is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer.

Ceasee, 16, is a student at TechBoston Academy where she is the student leader of their dance team. She is also a member of the school’s cheerleading team and is part of the National Honor Society. Ceasee is in her second summer of City Spotlights and is inspired by artists such as Kofi Siriboe. 

Chris, 16, is a student at Wellesley METCO and is excited to be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. Chris will be a part of the acting specialty.

Daisy, 15, attends Snowden International School. Daisy is involved with a teen farming group and is passionate about making changes for the betterment of our climate, including raising awareness about recycling and composting. Daisy is an animal lover, is inspired by the minimalist movement, and hopes to attend college to study history.

Elijah, 17, is a student at Cathedral High School where he is a Student Ambassador and is involved in the National Honor Society and Music Club. Elijah participates in his school’s track team and has performed in over 16 musicals throughout his life. He has completed an internship at Fidelity Investments and has been on the Headmaster’s List at his school. Elijah is inspired by artists like Michael Jackson and Walt Disney and hopes to continue performing in the coming years. 

Emely, 17, will be a senior at John D O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science this fall. She will be returning to the Boch Center after completing two Teen Leadership Council programs. Emely is proud of the work she has done at the Boch Center and in her school where she has acquired numerous academic and personal accomplishments. 

Farhiya, 16, is a student at Charlestown High School. At school, she is involved in the Black Student Union and has won an award for her artistic accomplishments. Farhiya is inspired by artists such as Rudy Francisco, Crystal Valentine and Frank Ocean. She hopes to one day attend college to pursue a degree in psychology.

Jahkhi, 18, is a recent graduate of Charlestown High School and is excited to be returning to City Spotlights for a second time. Jahkhi is a drummer and an artist, inspired by other artists like Doobie Powell. 

Jayonna, 18, is a recent graduate of Boston Prep Charter High School. At school, she was involved with cheerleading as a Team Captain, dance, and the National Honor Society. This summer will be Jayonna’s fourth summer at City Spotlights, where she has participated in both the music and dance specialties. Jayonna is excited to attend college this fall.

Kayla, 15, is a student at the Academy of the Pacific Rim where she is involved in dance and playwriting and has made high honors multiple times. Outside of school, she enjoys singing and is inspired by artists such as Britney Spears. She hopes to become a professional singer and actress one day. 

Ketty, 15, is a student at Madison Park Vocational High School and is excited to be working for the Boch Center as part of City Spotlights for the first time this summer. Ketty is thoughtful, open minded, and excited to pursue her career after high school.

Le’Nijah, 15, is a student at Snowden International High School and is participating in City Spotlights for the first time this summer. At school, Le’Nijah is involved with the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and is an honor roll student. When not at school, Le’Nijah can be found playing video games, listening to musicians such as Lauryn Hill, and studying crimes taking place around the world.

Maeve, 15, is a student at John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Maeve is involved with a volunteer group located at Castle Island in South Boston and is excited to join City Spotlights this summer. Maeve is inspired by artists such as Emma Watson and is influenced by her mother and uncle.

Melania, 16, is a student at Boston Latin Academy where she is involved in Christian club, knitting club, and crochet club. Melania is proud to have been an honor roll student throughout the school year. She is also the successful owner of a crochet business. Melania is inspired by artists like NF to write thoughtful, serious music.

Mi’Ana, 17, is a student at Connections Academy. She is excited to be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. She loves singing and is a big fan of the Hamilton musical, which she can sing in its entirety. She is inspired by artists like Lin Manuel Miranda and is grateful for the influence of her family. 

Riahna, 18, is a recent graduate of Boston Arts Academy. She is excited to be joining the music specialty of City Spotlights this summer. Riahna is involved with Brighter Boston and her accomplishments include making a film! She is inspired by artists like Kehlani and is looking forward to attending college in the fall.

Salina, 15, is a student at John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science where they are involved with the Gender and Sexuality Club. They are proud to have been on the honor roll throughout the year and is grateful for the lessons instilled by their parents to work hard and put education first.

Tatiana, 15, is a student at the Academy of the Pacific Rim where she is involved in National Chinese Honors Society. She is returning to City Spotlights after participating in the program in 2021 and in Teen Council. She is proud to have won the August Wilson monologue competition and is proud of her GPA this past year. Tatiana is inspired by artists such as Lusicca and is excited to pursue new opportunities in her future.

Wyatt, 16, is a student at Match Charter School where he is involved with National Honors Society, Match Charter Cheer Team, Black Nativity and the Match High Track Team. Wyatt is proud to have been named both a Student of the Month and a Student of the Year at school. He is excited to join City Spotlights for the first time this summer. 

Zada, 15, is a student at Boston Latin Academy and is joining City Spotlights after participating in Teen Leadership Council this past school year. At school, Zada is involved with a dance team, Visions of Dance, and was elected Secretary for the Black Student Union Leadership team. Zada is excited to join the music specialty this summer and looks forward to a future with plenty of traveling!