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Local Youth Recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Kindness

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ACT Bennington announced the winners of the 2025 Youth Appreciation Awards, which recognize local youth for their leadership and efforts to make the community a healthier and kinder place.

Educators and youth-serving professionals were encouraged to nominate young people who demonstrate leadership by offering help to those in need, making a difference through service and activism, and showing determination and resilience in overcoming life challenges. The annual awards are part of Youth Appreciation Month, a statewide celebration during the month of May that recognizes young people for all that they contribute to our communities.

Six students received 2025 Youth Appreciation Awards:

Amanda L., a fifth grader at Bennington Elementary, received the elementary-level award. Amanda is known as a joyful, resilient student who leads by example every day. Whether she’s helping her siblings at home, supporting teachers at school, or lending a hand to classmates, Amanda always shows up with kindness and care. She’s actively involved in both band and chorus and is known for her willingness to help in any way she can. Her teachers and school staff agree: Amanda is a shining example of leadership, perseverance, and compassion.

Meredith D., an eighth grade student at Mt. Anthony Union Middle School (MAUMS), earned the award for the middle school level. A trusted leader among her peers and considered a “fantastic person” by staff, Meredith meets weekly with Principal Maguire to share ideas for uplifting and supporting the student body. As an active member of Student Council, she is the first to volunteer when help is needed and the first to notice when others might need support. Unafraid to speak up when something feels unsafe or unjust, she consistently demonstrates respect, responsibility, and her best effort.

Sophia M., a freshman at Mt. Anthony Union High School (MAUHS), received the underclassman award at the high school level. Described as a natural leader with a calm, confident presence that “inspires trust and respect among both peers and younger students,” Sophia supports youth empowerment work through her involvement with ACT Bennington, Up for Learning, and the afterschool S.N.A.C.K.S. program. Her efforts reflect a strong commitment to building inclusive, connected spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Erica J., Emily M., and Colin N., twelfth graders at MAUHS, each received senior awards.

Described by one nominator as an “outstanding human being,” Erica is a leader in the Interact Club, National Honor Society, and the MAU Girls’ Tennis Team. She also has served as an intern with ACT Bennington and the Vermont Commission on Women. This year, Erica successfully researched, developed, and advocated for a proposal to restore free period products in MAUHS bathrooms. Her collaborative, compassionate approach uplifted both student and staff input, and her work will have a lasting impact on the school community.

Photo by Greg Nesbit

Emily is widely recognized for her positivity and commitment to equity and inclusion. At MAUHS, she’s been active in Student Senate, National Honor Society, and the Climate Change Initiative Club. Beyond school, she served as a Senate page in Washington, participated in the Vermont Youth Council, and co-leads the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network (VSARN). Emily’s leadership demonstrates a deep dedication to creating a more just and welcoming world.

In addition to being an accomplished student and thespian, for the past three years, Colin has been a core member of the YourSpace planning team, helping organize a monthly youth event series that centers joy, connection, and community. With creativity, kindness, and a strong sense of purpose, he’s helped shape events that many local youth eagerly anticipate. Colin’s thoughtful leadership has fostered spaces of belonging and made a meaningful difference in the lives of his peers.

“When I agreed to review the Youth Appreciation Award nominations, I didn’t realize that it would be one of the more difficult jobs I have ever taken on,” said Jim Sullivan, Vice Chair of the Town of Bennington Select Board, who served as a judge for the Youth Appreciation Awards. “Reviewing the nominations was a pleasure, but selecting one above the rest was quite a challenge. We truly are blessed with many caring and compassionate young leaders who are having a positive impact on the people around them and on our community as a whole. Getting to know a little about these deserving youth makes me feel positive and hopeful about our future.”

Additionally, the following students were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation:

Students were recognized at school-based ceremonies.

Header photo by Greg Nesbit.

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