Community Corner
18 Bellevue Students Get 'Youth Link' Awards
The awards ceremony, open to the public, will be held on May 29.
From The City of Bellevue: To celebrate Bellevue Youth Link’s 29th year of providing nationally recognized programs and services for Bellevue teens, Youth Link requested nominations of children and teens for their positive influence in the community. The following young people will be honored at the annual Community Leadership Awards celebration on Wednesday, May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE. Advocacy for Cultural & Heritage Pride: Ren Watanabe, International SchoolAdvocacy for Social Justice – Individual: Jay Robles, Big Picture SchoolAdvocacy for Social Justice – Group: Bending the Arc, Bellevue High SchoolAdvocacy for Education: Andrea Liao, Interlake High SchoolAdvocacy for Family Support: Luis Rodriguez, Interlake High SchoolAdvocacy for Sports and Recreation: Kevin Powell, Sherwood Forest Elementary SchoolAdvocacy for Inclusivity and Allyship: Leonardo Salas, Ramos Interlake High SchoolAdvocacy for Inclusivity and Allyship: Michelle Egli, Bellevue High SchoolEnvironmental Champion: Victoria Christopher, Bellevue High SchoolExcellence in Youth Arts: Arjan Dillon, International SchoolOutstanding Creative and Innovative Thinker: Sakhi Bhandaru, International SchoolOutstanding Elementary School Student: Akilah Kayanda, Sherwood Forest Elementary SchoolOutstanding Middle School Student: Harrison Prow, Chinook Middle SchoolOutstanding High School Student: Raia Karmali, Newport High SchoolOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Guadalupe Aliseda-Canton, Newport High SchoolUnsung Hero: Zain Bhatti, Sherwood Forest Elementary SchoolYouth Link “Norm Maleng” Social Justice Award: Erik Mercado, Sammamish High SchoolYouth Link Phil Kushlan Award: to be announcedYouth Link will recognize all nominees in the evening’s program as well as its own volunteers. The Community Leadership Awards celebration is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and requires an RSVP. The dessert reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. All winners, nominees and their guests are invited to attend the awards ceremony. Please RSVP with Youth Link by 5 p.m., Friday, May 24.