Meet the 2026-2027 City Spotlights Teen Leaders

Alexandro is a 10th grader from Mattapan who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. Alexandro is involved in sports who is proud of his commitment to being a hardworking and strong young man. He stays dedicated to his education and continues playing sports, always learning from his mistakes along the way. Known for being dependable and a quick learner, he works well with others and takes constructive criticism in stride. Influenced by his family and the people around him, and inspired by Drake, Alexandro hopes to be in college, financially stable, and taking care of his family in five years.

Alyson is an 11th grader from Dorchester involved in gospel choir, dance, and KOREO (K-pop dance) at her school. She is most proud of her accomplishments in the arts and her ability to embrace her quirky, creative self around others without hesitation. More creative than academic, she will talk about literally anything with anyone, and sees her future on a stage singing for a crowd. Influenced by her growing passion for the entertainment industry and her friends, she draws inspiration from PinkPantheress and Rebecca Sugar. Alyson is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Amancia is a 10th grader from Dorchester who is involved in Girl Scouts and is proud of earning her Girl Scout Silver Award. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights. She has a strong sense of community and creativity, and was also accepted into boarding school, a major accomplishment she is incredibly proud of. With a passion for resources that support people of color, she hopes to be in college in five years. Amancia is inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda and anyone who shares a love for theatre and film. 

Areli is a recent high school graduate from Jamaica Plain involved in musical theater and arts programs including JP Kids Arts. They are most proud of graduating high school and getting into college, overcoming stage fright along the way by helping build sets and teaching others. A painter and proud member of the Hispanic and queer communities, Areli hopes to become an artist who incorporates theater into their creative work. Inspired by their parents, teachers, and their mother in particular, they hope to strengthen kindness and pride in their community. Areli is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Bethany is an 11th grader from Hyde Park who serves as the mascot of her school and is proud of her improvements in performing in costume through lots of dedicated practice. She can do impersonations and the splits, and has a wealth of knowledge about the world of professional mascots. Influenced by her family and friends and inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda, she hopes to become a professional mascot and is already taking steps toward that dream. Bethany is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Cierra is a 12th grader from Dorchester involved in a community organization called Teen Café. She is most proud of her creativity and cognitive thinking, two strengths that help her regulate emotions, express herself, and deeply analyze any situation she faces. Known for her ability to work independently for long stretches, as well as her forgiveness and compassion for others, Cierra completes every project she starts and has earned academic honors along the way. Influenced by her mother's guidance and inspired by David Guetta and Iniko, she hopes to become an entrepreneur and herbalist, and also has a deep love for crocheting, painting, and singing. Cierra is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Eamon is a 12th grader from Hyde Park who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. He is involved in musical and non-musical theater, visual arts, choir, and Dungeons & Dragons club. He is most proud of singing at the Vatican with his school choir during April vacation, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. President of the DnD club and enrolled in Ancient Greek II Honors, he brings a vast knowledge of ancient mythologies and comic book characters to everything he does. Influenced by his family and inspired by Alex Brightman, Eamon hopes to pursue a career as a voice actor, stage actor, or illustrator. 

England is a 12th grader from the South End who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. She is involved in specialty programs at the Roxbury Boys & Girls Club and is most proud of her ability to persevere through any challenge. She has maintained an honor roll and a leadership role in her club for two consecutive years. England believes youth should have a stronger voice in shaping the future of their communities and country. Inspired by Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, and driven by a lifelong dream of acting, she hopes to graduate college with a degree in film or acting. 

Felix is a 9th grader from Allston who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. He plays squash and piano and is proud of the skills he has developed in both. He speaks Russian, German, and English, and has received a scholarship three years in a row to a Russian language camp in Minnesota. Deeply interested in philosophy and psychology, Felix loves exploring not just how environments shape our mindset and emotions, but why. Influenced by his father's academic intelligence and his mother's social and historical wisdom, he hopes to be in college in five years, fluent in four languages and still growing his squash, flute, and piano abilities. 

Genesis (Gigi) is an 11th grader from Mattapan who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. She is most proud of her ability to make herself and others laugh, even on the hardest days. She is deeply self-aware and reflective, always attuned to her own feelings as well as those around her. Gigi has worked to become more open to talking with people she doesn't know, and hopes to strengthen unity at her school by breaking down the walls between different social groups. Influenced by teachers who have supported her through struggles, she hopes to graduate college and pursue a career in social work. 

Jannell is an 11th grader from South Boston who just joined the a cappella group Wolfettes at her school. She is proud of how far she has come in understanding herself, her emotions, and her academic journey. A strong communicator who truly knows herself, Jannell hopes to pursue a degree in biology or biomedicine while minoring in music, with a long-term goal of becoming an anesthesiologist assistant or dental hygienist. Inspired by Melanie Martinez and Ariana Grande, and guided by her mother's work ethic and her cousins' reminder to have fun, she is also stepping into acting this year. Jannell is returning to City Spotlights after participating in two previous summers and multiple Teen Councils.

Jeremy is an 11th grader from Dorchester involved in theater, orchestra, music, and art. He is proud of getting into Boston Latin School, growing in theater, and earning a position at the Boch Center as a Teen Leader, achievements that surpassed what many expected of him early on. Patient and perseverant, Jeremy is passionate about inclusion and mental health, and hopes to strengthen protections and belonging in his community. Inspired by streamers, musicians like Alex G, Mitski, and Cavetown, and teachers like Mr. Southwick, he hopes to pursue a psychology degree, live independently, and carry the resilience of everyone who has shaped him. Jeremy is joining City Spotlights for the first time this year.

Joel is a 12th grader from Dorchester involved in BAM, Teen Leadership Council, and Immanuel Church. This is his first time participating in City Spotlights after participating in Teen Council this year. As a first-generation born American, he is most proud of making the most of himself and his opportunities, earning a $1,000 scholarship, an honorable mention in high school, and a TLC leadership role along the way. Joel accepts everyone he meets and is passionate about making school subjects more applicable to real-world problem solving. Influenced by his family, friends, and school counselor, and inspired by Summrs, he hopes to finish college, build meaningful connections, and enter a fulfilling chapter of adult life. 

Jorge is a 10th grader from Mattapan involved in Harlem Lacrosse and is proud of completing over 50 hours of community service. A straight-A student enrolled in Precalculus as a 10th grader and a member of the NJROTC unit, Jorge stands out for his ability to take constructive criticism and share his voice confidently. He is influenced by his mom and inspired by Poeta Callejero, and hopes to be living independently and stably in five years. Always happy to meet someone new, Jorge brings an open and grounded energy to every space. This is his first time participating in City Spotlights after participating in Teen Council this year.

Jun is a 12th grader from East Boston involved in show choir (dance captain), concert choir (section leader), chamber choir, theater (head of dramaturgy and dance captain), Best Buddies (chapter president), and the men's fencing team. They are most proud of their growth in bravery over the past few years, auditioning for solos, talking to new people, and writing and directing their own short play. Not afraid to stand out or step outside the norm, Jun expresses themselves through handmade jewelry, animal-shaped bags, and fun earrings. Inspired by live performance arts and lesser-known artists, particularly Elio Mei, they hope to live somewhere surrounded by cats and continue creating. Jun is returning to City Spotlights this year for the third time.

Kamsi is an 11th grader from Mattapan involved in an Igbo dance group that organizes community cultural events. They are most proud of the music they have created through City Spotlights and Teen Council, having had no prior experience in music-making before joining. A fashion-forward individual with a distinct music taste, Kamsi has maintained honor roll since freshman year, served as a student ambassador for two years, and participated in theater three times in middle school. Influenced by their boyfriend and this program, and inspired by a wide range of artists on TikTok, they hope to be living with their partner and a bunch of cats in five years. Kamsi is returning to City Spotlights after two previous summers and participating in Teen Council this year.

Katherine is a recent high school graduate from the South End who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. She volunteers with YES Kids teaching children how to ride bikes and works as a childcare provider at her church. She is most proud of completing the 100-mile Wilderness hiking trip with her camp, arriving at Mount Katahdin in Maine after years of challenging trails, an experience that brought her deep peace. A quiet leader who loves working with her hands, Katherine also spent last summer renovating two abandoned cabins into a combined woodworking shed. Inspired by Beyoncé's work ethic and drive, and influenced by the weather and the world around her, she hopes to be working toward her master's degree in five years. 

Kellysha is a 10th grader from the South End who has been involved in cheer and softball, and is proud of her leadership as cheer captain and her willingness to try something new. Creative, empathetic, and deeply understanding of others, she won an award for her efforts and has grown through every challenge she's taken on. Influenced by herself and her dance teacher, Kiki hopes to one day own a company or safe space where kids can explore and express their emotions through dance. This is her third time participating in City Spotlights.

Lakitha is a recent high school graduate from Roxbury/Mission Hill who earned the highest female GPA at her school, an accomplishment she worked hard for and carries with pride. She maintained honor roll all four years, earned proficiency in Culinary Arts, received the MP Retired Educators Award, and became the first in her family to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree. A semi-professional dancer and self-described homebody, Lakitha is inspired by AKB48 and their sister groups, and hopes to pursue a career in dance. This is her second year with City Spotlights.

Laury is a 9th grader from East Boston who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. They participate in after-school art club and is proud of having exhibited their drawings in an art gallery. An honors student all of 9th grade, they also served as part of the backstage team for two school musicals. Laury describes themselves as someone who may seem a bit messy but is always seeking new things to learn, while still valuing personal space and quiet moments. Inspired by characters from games and series, and by the artist Ado, they hope to pursue something in five years that makes use of their gifts in drawing, writing, or other creative forms.

Lennox is a 10th grader from Dorchester involved in acting who is most proud of their ability to create great art. This is their first time participating in City Spotlights. Unapologetically themselves, Lennox loves being "cringe" and has no shame, bringing a fearless and positive energy to every space. Inspired by childhood cartoons and Marvel actors, and by nearly any artist whose work pushes them to be stronger, Lennox hopes to become an actor and artist who spreads positivity within their community. 

Iyanna is an 11th grader from Mattapan involved in volleyball and slam poetry. They are most proud of being a finalist in the Write Here | Write Now | Speak Loud! Teen Spoken Word Festival, an achievement they have accomplished twice, as well as choreographing a range of dance styles and growing in their ability to protect their personal boundaries. Patient and deeply inclusive, Iyanna makes sure no one around them feels left out. Influenced by their mother and music, and inspired by Jorge Rivera-Herrans and WILLOW, they hope to be working toward a nursing degree or already in the medical field in five years. Iyanna is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer and completing Teen Council.

Luna is a 10th grader from Roxbury who works as a teaching assistant at a dance studio, helping organize activities and support younger students. She is most proud of being a loyal friend and finishing the school year with only A's and B's through hard work and dedication. Emotionally intelligent and thoughtful, Luna has learned to think beyond herself, shaped by her family and experiences living independently during dance programs away from home. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, Selena, Olivia Rodrigo, and Bad Bunny, and influenced by her parents, friends, and teachers, she hopes to be at a college studying something she is passionate about and making a difference in her community. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights, but previously participated in the In-School Arts Residency Program when she was in elementary school!

Marlie is an 11th grader from Mattapan who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. She is involved in church and basketball and is most proud of who she is becoming and the steps she is taking toward an excellent future. She has earned academic honors and lives by her passions and her thoughtful approach to problem-solving. Polite, determined, and consistent, she is influenced by her aunt and inspired by Beyoncé. In five years, Marlie hopes to be in college. 

Mavi is a 10th grader from West Roxbury involved in theater, speech and debate, art, and animation. Mavi is most proud of the art Mavi has created, and brings an endlessly curious mind to everything, always wanting to understand how things work, why they are the way they are, and how to help make them better. An academic honors student, Mavi hopes to strengthen the appreciation of individuals as they are, rather than punishing nonconformity. Influenced by family and teachers, and inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda, Mavi hopes to be in college studying biology and interning at a research lab in five years. Mavi is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Michaela is a 10th grader from Mattapan involved in the dance team at Tech Boston Academy and music. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights. She is proud of her maturity and personal growth, her early college credits, a song with over 100 streams, producing for a notable artist, and, most of all, simply being herself. Known for carrying herself with a poise that often makes people think she is older than she is, Kayla has big plans to become a producer and music artist. Influenced by her sister, who inspired her love of music through a poem she wrote when Kayla was ten, she draws inspiration from Molly Santana. 

Nerianie is a 10th grader from Dorchester involved in cheer, health careers, and sports. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights. She is most proud of earning her Harvard Medical Program certificate, which took significant work and sacrifice to complete. A cheer captain and honor roll student, Nerianie has demonstrated emotional maturity and leadership across multiple areas of her life. Influenced by her parents and family who invest their dreams in her, she hopes to be in college studying neuroscience with a minor in biology in five years. A performer at heart, she has been on stage since childhood through dance, musicals, and talent shows. 

Nico is a 12th grader from Dorchester who spends most of his time creating music and videos for his YouTube channel, which has grown to over 30,000 subscribers. He is most proud of maintaining that creative presence online and forming meaningful connections with people he would have otherwise never met. Kind and non-judgmental, Nico draws inspiration from voice actor Malcom Todd for his music-making, and from voice actors like Aleks Le and AJ Beckles for his dream of becoming a voice actor. Nico is returning to City Spotlights after participating in three previous summers and multiple Teen Councils.

Noldine is a 10th grader from Hyde Park who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time. She is proud of passing her freshman year and earning academic honors at school. Known for staying calm even in the most stressful situations, she stands out for her steady and collected presence among her peers. Driven by her love of math and inspired by Steve Lacy, Noldine hopes to be in college studying engineering in five years. 

Shariyah is a 12th grader from the South End involved in dance who is most proud of her passion for being herself and her drive to explore and express who she is. Graduating with honors, she is a strong problem-solver and communicator who is passionate about mental health awareness and helping others her age. Influenced by her hardworking parents and family, and inspired by Lil Uzi Vert's style and authenticity, Shariyah hopes to build a successful career, achieve financial independence, and continue her personal growth. She is returning to City Spotlights after two previous summers and Teen Councils.

Simone is an 11th grader from Dorchester involved in cross country and gospel choir at Boston Latin School. She is proud of her responsibility in helping care for her baby sister, improving in challenging subjects like history and science to earn A's, setting personal records in every cross country race this season, and tutoring elementary students who went on to do well on their MCAS. Known for her enthusiastic curiosity, weird food experiments, and love of unserious songs, Simone is always eager to try the newest thing. Influenced by her mom as she maps out her future, and inspired by Jack Stauber, she hopes to study aviation and earn her pilot's license. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.

Soraya is an 11th grader from Hyde Park involved in theater club, select chorus, and student ambassadors. She is most proud of her outgoing, talkative personality, which makes it easy to meet new people, and of being an honors student set to serve as her theater program's costumer in the upcoming school year. Never afraid to speak her mind or be open about her beliefs, Soraya hopes to finish college with a degree in social work and music. Influenced by her teachers and family, and inspired by My Chemical Romance, she hopes to strengthen communication and how people express their feelings in her community. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.

Steffie is a 10th grader from Dorchester who is participating in City Spotlights for the first time after completing Teen Council this year. She participates in her school's dance team and is proud of the wide support system she has built around her. She brings high energy into every room, even on a bad day, and makes a point to understand others' perspectives, even when she disagrees. An honor roll student, she is inspired by artist Olivia Dean and influenced greatly by her mother. She hopes to become someone who has accomplished a great deal in life. 

Taniyah is a 12th grader from Dorchester involved in community service and theater, including a production of "Jaja's Hair Braiding" at Boston Arts Academy. She is most proud of her academic growth, with her transcripts reflecting how much she has improved over time. A participant in the Black Nativity program and at least three productions at Boston Arts Academy, she has also received awards for outstanding behavior and kindness. Extremely understanding, resilient, and patient, Taniyah hopes to have her own apartment, a diploma, and a role teaching or assisting in early education in five years. Influenced by her grandmother, who fostered many children from different backgrounds and gave them love and stability, and inspired by Kanye West's journey, Taniyah is returning to City Spotlights after participating last summer.

Veada is an 11th grader from Allston/Brighton involved in musical theater at her school, where she performed in High School Musical and Newsies, productions that helped her discover a deep love for musical theater and dance she now wants to pursue in college. She has earned honor roll, perfect attendance, and completed her thesis paper, all while balancing a high drive for perfectionism with her many commitments. Deeply invested in the connections and bonds built through her theater program, Veada hopes to continue growing in confidence and pursuing her passion for musical theater and dance. Inspired by Stray Kids and Billie Eilish, and supported by teachers, friends, and family, she approaches every opportunity with dedication and heart. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.

Ximena is an 11th grader from East Boston who helps friends with homework and group assignments after school and is most proud of her confidence in trying new things. She has learned new instruments despite the difficulty, never giving up, a determination that defines her approach to life. Creative and uplifting, Ximena is always looking for ways to cheer someone up or bring a fresh idea to a group. Inspired by NewJeans, Cortis, Gorillaz, and Arctic Monkeys, and encouraged by her closest friends, she hopes to become an artist and musician, and is also very talented in drawing and painting. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights after participating in Teen Council this year.

Yami is an 11th grader from East Boston who occasionally participates in a school program called Tenacity. This is their first time participating in City Spotlights after participating in Teen Council this year. They are most proud of their ability to connect with people, even when it feels difficult, and shine in creative writing and ELA. Known for their bold personality and ever-shifting style, Yami's energy is infectious, always loud even when they want to be quiet. Inspired by gothic-styled films and music, particularly My Chemical Romance, and influenced by their hair stylist, they hope to attend a dream college for film or acting, or pursue cosmetology. 

Zay'yani is a 12th grader from Dorchester involved in sports both in and out of school. She is proud of being on track to earn her associate's degree and heading into co-op next year, a sign of the hard work and leadership that define her. Not a follower, Zay'yani seizes every opportunity that comes her way and has earned multiple certificates along the way. Inspired by her coach Kywon, her teachers, and her mom, and with a passion for mental health support, she hopes to become a medicine specialist or physical therapist in the future. This is her first time participating in City Spotlights.