Meet the 2025-2026 City Spotlights Teen Leaders

Alyson is a 10th grader involved in KOREO (K-pop dancing), Dance, Gospel choir, and Chorus. She's proud of her concert and dance performances, working hard to earn audience praise. She hopes to strengthen out-of-school relationships and helps others with singing and dancing. Expressing herself through creativity and humor while embracing her weird side, she's influenced by her choir teacher and inspired by NewJeans. She loves singing, dancing, and making art. She's new to City Spotlights this year.

Amiah is an 11th grader involved in a cappella, select ensemble, musical theatre, and Young Ethnic Scholars. She's proud of becoming a class officer for her junior class and has earned multiple awards including the Beneatha Younger Award. She knows the lyrics to almost every pop, musical theatre, or childhood song and is a good problem solver. Influenced by her mother and inspired by Frida Kahlo's emotional artwork, she hopes to finish college and travel Europe. She values good humor! This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.

Angie is an 11th grader involved with her local church who's proud of completing her sophomore year. She hopes to strengthen her writing and communication skills while pursuing nursing, inspired by her mother who always wanted to enter the medical field. With perfect academic scores and a helpful nature, she's influenced by Karol G and hopes to finish college and enter a nursing program in five years. This is her first experience with City Spotlights.

Anthony is a recent high school graduate from East Boston. Prior to working at the Boch Center Anthony was a participant at Zumix. He is very proud of his recent tenure in Teen Leadership Countil where he created and performed a song with co-workers in front of an audience. Anthony graduated with honors and received free college tuition. With an outgoing personality and willingness to try new things, he hopes to continue creating music in a band or solo project.

Anthony is a 12th grader involved in musical theatre and anchored their school's mini news channel. They're proud of performing on stage and improving their singing, having performed in The Lion King and High School Musical. Sympathetic and valuing connections, they hope to attend Berklee College of Music. Influenced by family, friends, and their arts teacher, they're inspired by Avicii and Myles Smith. Their favorite quote is from Desmond Tutu about hope and light. Anthony is joining City Spotlights for the first time.

April is a 10th grader involved in ballet at Jose Mateo Ballet Theater and Lutheran Church of the Newtons. She's been dancing since age 2 and performed in both Boston Ballet and Jose Mateo's Nutcracker productions. Proud of her optimistic attitude, she hopes to attend NYU as a dance major with an early education minor. Influenced by caring teachers and inspired by dancer/choreographer Arianna Hughlett, she loves exploring Boston neighborhoods, especially the Seaport. She's new to the City Spotlights program.

Areli is a 12th grader involved in theater club and Saturday arts studio at MassArt. They're proud of overcoming stage fright through their school musical and earning honor roll status. As someone who's observant and helpful, they hope to attend MassArt in five years. Bisexual and genderfluid with a stutter when nervous, they're inspired by art everywhere and hope to help others through their creative work. This is their first time participating in City Spotlights.

Ashley is an 11th grader involved in church and sports who's proud of being honest with herself, knowing that lying gets nowhere. She's achieved personal accomplishments and academic honors while being very honest and supportive to others. Influenced by her mother and inspired by Adele, she hopes to be in college in five years and describes herself as very friendly. Ashley is new to City Spotlights this year.

Asiya is an 11th grader involved with the ISBCC mosque who's experienced significant growth in confidence over the past year. She's a Student of the Month recipient and classroom leader who's passionate about amplifying student voices and addressing sexism in her school. Influenced by her older brother and inspired by Lil Tjay, she hopes to be happier and financially stable in five years. Her favorite color is red! She previously participated in Teen Council and is returning to the program.

Aziah is a 12th grader who plays in a band with friends and has taught herself guitar, drums, and bass. She's proud of her newfound confidence and is passionate about helping others and building community understanding. Influenced by her grandmother and inspired by Ernest Hemingway, Aziah hopes to support her community while achieving financial stability in the future. She's a returning participant with two City Spotlights summers under her belt.

Bethany is a 10th grader involved in mascot activities who's proud of participating in non-profit events for the homeless alongside major league mascots. She's on the honor roll and excels at being a mascot and voice acting. Influenced by professional mascot performers like Wally the Red Sox mascot and Pat the Patriot, she's pursuing her dream of being a mascot and will attend mascot camp this July. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.

Cierra is an 11th grader involved in school arts, church communities, and leadership roles. She's proud of her confidence and positivity, which help her navigate life's challenges. With a spiritual perspective that sees the world through vibration and frequency, she hopes to become a business owner specializing in hair care and herbology. Inspired by Iniko and Londrelle, she loves dance, nature, and creative arts like crocheting and painting. She's joining City Spotlights for the first time.

Daisy is a recent high school graduate who served as president of puzzle club, student council, and as a big sibling. They're proud of graduating and getting into every college they applied to with scholarships. Left-handed and double-jointed, they hope to be a college graduate in five years. Influenced by their high school guidance counselor and inspired by Peggy, they have quite a menagerie at home: two dogs, two cats, and a hermit crab! Daisy is a veteran participant having completed three City Spotlights summers.

Dashelyn is a 10th grader from Dorchester who is new to City Spotlights and participates in track at her school. She's achieved perfect attendance and received a most improved award. Though shy in large groups, Dashelyn becomes very energetic once you get to know her. She aspires to become a police officer in the future.

Destiney is a 10th grader involved in BLA's Classics club and high school orchestra. She's proud of her National Latin Exam Magna Cum Laude awards and serves as costume coordinator for the Classics Club. She gets deeply interested in topics for months or years and loves drawing, writing, and video games. Influenced by her friends and siblings, she hopes to be proficient in coding and attend a good college in five years. She previously participated in Teen Council and is returning to the program.

Gabriela is a high school graduate involved in yoga and dance classes who describes herself as hardworking. She's proud of being hired for a job at Walgreens and believes in equity for all while learning something new every day and helping others. Influenced by her supportive mother and inspired by Bruno Mars, she hopes to get a full-time job and is proud of her current work accomplishments. She's returning to City Spotlights after participating in two previous summers.

Hada is a recent high school graduate and salutatorian who participated in track and swimming. As a mirror twin who shares a deep bond with sibling Luz, Hada is passionate about ocean exploration and space, hoping to use robotics to explore unknown places. Influenced by twin, Luz, and inspired by Jorge Rivera Herrans, Hada plans on pursuing a master's in Robotics and Planetary Sciences.

Iyanna is a 10th grader from Mission Hill is involved in slam poetry and volleyball. They won dance nationals at age 8 and maintain honor roll status. Known for their selflessness and patience, Iyanna has been dancing since 2nd grade with a particular love for contemporary dance. They plan to pursue college with a dance minor and major in pediatric nursing. Previously, Iyanna has participated in the Boch Center’s Teen Council.

Janaya is a junior from Dorchester who participates in Youth Unscripted and excels in her school's chorus, musical theater, and band programs. She has formed her own band with friends, performing at local gigs and sharing original music on Instagram. As a honor roll student and poetry contest semi-finalist, Janaya plans to attend Berklee College of Music to major in songwriting. She previously participated in one City Spotlights Summer.

Jannell is a 10th grader involved in her school's choir and gospel choir. She's proud of her personal growth and maturity, having auditioned for Berklee's high school program and secured a job. Currently inspired by Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Doechii, she hopes to pursue dentistry and help people while working toward her undergraduate degree. She previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and Teen Council, and is returning to the program.

Jaythan is a 10th grader involved in church, where he was baptized and confirmed after completing CCD classes. He's proud of making the best of each day and has learned to move on from the past while becoming more independent. Influenced by successful friends and people in his life, he's inspired by SZA and is always down to have fun after completing his responsibilities. He previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and is returning.

Jenna is an 11th grader involved in Vietnamese Students Society, KOREO dance club, French Club, and tutoring. She's proud of her mental growth and learning to live in the moment. As president of KOREO with academic distinctions, she values staying true to her morals and not being influenced by social media. Inspired by her sister and Chase Atlantic, she lives by YOLO and hopes to travel abroad in five years. She previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and is returning to the program.

Kamsiyochi is a 10th grader involved in church and art who's proud of making honor roll. She was MVP in basketball and served as team captain. With a self-proclaimed addiction to Oreos, she hopes to have her own house with several pet cats in five years. Influenced by her mother and friends, she's inspired by voice actors Bryce Papenbrook and Christina Vee, and loves socializing and creating good bonds with people. She previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and is returning.

Kiki is a 10th grader from Boston who is involved in cheer at her school. She's earned a medal from debate and received an opportunity to participate in all-stars. A creative dancer who loves making up choreography, Kellysha values friendship and family, always trying to see everyone's side in a situation. She hopes to pursue dance professionally in the future and is returning to City Spotlights for her second summer.

Lakitha is a 12th grader involved with Bottom Line who's been in her school's dual enrollment program for three years while maintaining honor roll status. She's preparing for co-op in her vocation and describes herself as sensitive and emotionally aware. In five years, she hopes to be either a dancer or chef, inspired by AKB48 and her love for K-pop and J-pop. Fun fact: she really likes popcorn! She's new to City Spotlights this year.

Laniya is a recent high school graduate who served as secretary and treasurer of her school's Black Student Union and was involved in Empower Initiative tutoring program. She's also a competitive dancer at The Dance Center in Dedham. Proud of coming out of her shell to become a leader, she maintained honor roll all four years and won first place with her jazz solo. Influenced by her supportive mother and inspired by Misty Copeland, she hopes to work in education or dance. Her favorite color is blue! She's returning to City Spotlights after participating in two previous summers.

Lily is a 10th grader involved in three choirs: Boston Latin School Gospel Choir, Treble Choir, and Boston Children's Choir. She's proud of winning silver at MICCA and has sung the national anthem at charity events. Passionate about music accessibility and inclusivity, she hopes to attend Berklee College of Music to become a vocal coach. Inspired by Ariana Grande and her chorus teacher, she wants to move others with the power of her voice. She's joining City Spotlights for the first time.

Luz is a recent high school graduate from Roslindale who graduated in the top 5 of her class with academic honors. She participates in Youth Unscripted and has played sports for both her school and community center. Passionate about space exploration and planetary sciences, Luz plans to pursue a PhD and aspires to work for NASA or another space agency in the future. This is Luz’s third time in the City Spotlights Program.

Mavi is a 9th grader from West Roxbury who is new to City Spotlights and is passionate about theatre. Mavi earned their first and second honors, successfully animated a 10-minute video, and acted in six school plays. Mavi takes pride in their writing skills, crafting well-structured poems and essays. Mavi pays more attention to politics than most teens and hopes to pursue a double major in art and pre-med in college.

Mia is an 11th grader involved in concert choir, show choir, theater, and Best Buddies International. They're proud of their personal growth and confidence, having become president of their school's Best Buddies chapter and Head of Dramaturgy in theater. With gold medals in National Latin and Spanish Exams, Mia hopes to pursue performance arts in five years. Mia enjoys making jewelry and are inspired by Janani K. Jha, Madilyn Mei, and Kaden MacKay. Mia previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and are

Nico is an 11th grader who spends most of his time creating music and videos for his YouTube channel, which has over 30,000 subscribers. He's proud of growing his talent and creative voice while working with people he once dreamed of collaborating with. Kind and non-judgmental, he hopes to become a voice actor in five years. Influenced by anime and inspired by voice actor Aleks Le, he's 5'4" but jokes about standing taller on his money! He previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and two Teen Councils, and is returning to the program.

Rhianna is a 12th grader from Roslindale who is excited for her first City Spotlights. She's earned honor roll recognition and served as team captain. As an older sister, Rhianna takes pride in helping others when they're in need, whether it's school-related or supporting friends and family. She understands when to step back from the spotlight and can see things from many different perspectives. She has previously participated in the Boch Center’s Teen Council

Sahra is an 11th grader in her school orchestra who's proud of creating her own song. She's earned academic awards and a teen council position while focusing on personal growth through her experiences. Inspired by Doechii and Teyana Taylor, she hopes to be happy and successful in five years. She loves watching movies and TV shows that offer new perspectives and would like to improve transportation in her community. She previously participated in Teen Council and is returning to the program.

Shariyah is an 11th grader involved in dance and music who's proud of her problem-solving and communication abilities. She's passionate about music and dance as creative expression and hopes to become a psychologist while focusing on personal growth. Graduating with honors, she's influenced by her hardworking family and inspired by J. Cole. She loves trying new things and switching things up. She previously participated in one City Spotlights summer and Teen Council, and is returning to the program.

Shavorie is a recent high school graduate from Hyde Park who thrives in performance. As an active member of Youth Unscripted and both cheer and dance teams, they earned the grade-wide resilience award and recognition as a community builder. With strong listening and critical thinking skills, Shavorie is drawn to stage performance and connecting with audiences. Shavorie is returning to the program for his second summer.

Stella is a 9th grader involved in volleyball who's proud of her friendliness and openness in helping others feel comfortable. She received high honor roll and doesn't focus on what others think, feeling comfortable being herself. Influenced by her parents, she's looking forward to enjoying her freshman year of college in five years and is excited to be part of this program! She's new to City Spotlights and looking forward to her first experience.

Taniyah is an 11th grader involved in Boston Arts Academy productions like "On Strivers Row" and "Black Nativity," as well as The Theater Offensive nonprofit program. She's proud of her first stage performance in "Our Lady of 121st Street" and has completed Peer Mediation training. Enthusiastic and patient, she hopes to be less confused about her future in five years. Influenced by theater and her baby sister, she's inspired by her friend Xavier's artistic improvement and is passionate about helping teens find their love for the arts. She's joining City Spotlights for the first time.

Thanh is a 12th grader from Dorchester who has participated in City Spotlights for one summer and one Teen Leadership Council. She's involved in her school's dance clubs and volunteers for neighborhood events. Thanh takes an advocative role in her community and enjoys exploring unfamiliar things, often preferring to work with people she doesn't know to build new connections. She hopes to graduate college and work in a field she enjoys while balancing her hobbies of art and dance.

Yeserah is a recent high school graduate who's proud of earning her diploma after moving to a new country. She maintained honors each term after transferring schools and served as secretary of the bridge builder club. Unafraid to be herself, she tries to make others feel welcome and not alone. Influenced by her sister and mother and inspired by Jhené Aiko, she hopes to start her career after finishing college in five years. She's new to City Spotlights this year.