Queer Youth Leadership Award – Awardees:
Eli Romero Ortigosa | Awardee
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Co-President, Dream Club
Eli Romero Ortigosa is an immigrant from Oaxaca, Mexico, and member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community whose leadership is highly influenced by his upbringing. He entered middle school without speaking English and is one of 2,242 national finalists recently awarded the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship, which provides him with a four-year scholarship to attend Stanford University beginning this fall. As co-president of Watsonville High School’s Dream Club, Eli helps create a welcoming environment for undocumented students and their allies, promotes higher education, and organizes cultural events. His other passion is the fashion runway. Since the 6th grade, he has been actively involved in Fashion Teens Santa Cruz. For this annual show, students create designs from recycled materials to express social and environmental concerns. Eli’s designs have increased visibility about mental health and oppression.
Juniper Brown | Awardee
he/him/his & they/them/theirs
Student, Homeschool | Assistant Instructor, Niji Dojo | Member, Queer & Trans Youth Council (QTYC) | Former Intern, California Film & Cultural Center
Juniper Brown is an activist in Santa Cruz County with a wide-reaching influence. He is a member of the Queer & Trans Youth Council, a former intern at the California Film & Cultural Center, and an assistant instructor at Niji Dojo. They have been described as a positive, dependable, and considerate leader who thoughtfully educates others about queer issues. Juniper’s work with QTYC includes serving on the planning committee for last Fall’s Queer, Trans, and Allied Student Summit, where he inspired others through their speech about acceptance and fighting for rights and held a caucus for transgender youth to ask questions. He has dedicated time to writing and editing film scripts about gender identity to create educational videos. Juniper serves on the Youth and Young Adult Council for ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Aware.
Madeline Aliah | Awardee
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Student, Cypress High School | Member, Queer & Trans Youth Council (QTYC)
Madeline Aliah is a student activist and author who attends Cypress High School. As a member of the QTYC, she brought the idea of “gender euphoria” to a monthly youth-led Leadership Alliance meeting. In honor of her 18th birthday, she published her first book, This is My Body. This collection of poems about her experiences as a transfeminine woman of color earned her a spot in this year’s TEDx Santa Cruz. She first spoke out at 16 after a pride flag was burned at Cabrillo College. Madeline was a panelist at the Cabrillo Watsonville Center in celebration of the United Against Hate Week and selected to speak at Writers of Color evening at Santa Cruz MAH. A script she wrote explaining pronouns will be filmed for distribution online and with GSAs.
T Humble | Awardee
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Student, Pacific Collegiate School (PCS) | Co-founder, Trans Non-Binary Student Union (TNBSU) | President, FemCo Club | Member Leader, GSA Network Student
T Humble is the co-founder of the Trans Non-Binary Student Union of Pacific Collegiate School, where it has thrived for three years and brought programs and assemblies to the school. This year, the group drafted a resolution for the school board’s consideration that seeks support for upholding LGBTQIA2S+ rights and actively pushing back on transphobic legislation if it emerges in the local community. In February, T hosted a “Know Your Rights” workshop” at PCS in conjunction with statewide GSA Network representatives. They are president of the FemCo Club, a feminist affinity group that led activities during International Women’s month, and a key attorney in the Mock Trial Club, a national mentorship program where students get to work as counsel. T’s team competed at the State level this year and last year.
Queer Youth Leadership Award – Nominees:
Alex Trask | Nominee
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Student, Scotts Valley High School | President, Sexuality & Gender Alliance Club (SAGA) | Member, Queer & Trans Youth Council (QTYC) of Santa Cruz County
Alex Trask demonstrates commitment to queer youth through leadership roles at both Scotts Valley High School and within the greater community. He has advocated for gender-neutral bathrooms at school to comply with the California State law that expands protections for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Alex also contributed to this year’s QYLA events. He is a member of the QTYC and has been described as an enthusiastic and engaged councilmember. They are working collaboratively to create a video for spreading awareness of mental health needs for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The video will be sent to local GSAs and SAGAs, and be available online at the QYTF and Santa Cruz County Office of Education websites. Alex is working with the QYTF to produce the first LGBTQIA2S+ Student Representative Assembly for the Tri-County area.
Bella Umeki Martinez | Nominee
she/her/hers & they/them/theirs
Student, Watsonville High School | Member, Sexuality & Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club | President, Asian American Pacific Islander Student Union (AAPI) | Co-President, Associated Student Body (ASB), Watsonville High School
Bella Umeki-Martinez is a Watsonville High School student, where she has demonstrated broad leadership skills and a commitment to helping others while balancing academic achievement and multiple extracurricular endeavors. Described as a dependable, collaborative, and compassionate leader, they have maintained Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school while taking AP classes, serving as ASB co-president,and a student trustee on the school district’s Board. She is also a member in the school’s GSA club and president of AAPI Student Union for which she planned school and community events that educate others on AAPI culture. Bella shared her journey as part of Santa Cruz Safe Schools Project’s Queer & Trans Student Summit.
Christiana Herzog | Nominee
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Student, Branciforte Middle School | President, “The Muskequeers” GSA Club | President, Anime Club
Christiana is a three-time president of the school’s growing GSA Club and president of the Anime Club. She is described as a hard worker, responsible, and consistently positive. Christiana has overcome many life challenges, including bullying that led to changing schools to be safe physically and emotionally. She has taken these experiences and turned them into strengths for helping others. One example is her meeting with a student during a restorative justice process to help illustrate the impact of homophobic slurs. She has also met with school administrators to discuss incorporating gender diversity education and a culture of celebration of diversity on campus. Christiana makes a difference while maintaining high grades and staying active in wrestling, volleyball, boxing, and art classes.
Demetri Ausmus | Nominee
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Student, Lakeview Middle School | Member, QSA Club
Demetri Ausmus is a non-binary student at Lakeview Middle School in Watsonville who performs as a drag artist. Just after starting 6th grade, they performed in drag for the first time as Little Miss Caffeine at Pajaro Valley Pride in August 2023. He is an active member of the school’s QSA club through which they advocate for LGBTQIA2S+ students and stand up against inequity and injustice. He has shared his Little Miss Caffeine persona at the Queer, Trans & Allied Student Summit, where he presented a workshop on drag performance, and Watsonville Drag Story Time, where he read to children of all ages. Demetri is described as a great example of what a young person can be when supported unconditionally by their family.
Evan Jacques-Maynes | Nominee
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Student, Aptos High School | Student Senator, Student Senate | Member, Rainbow Alliance Club
Evan Jacques-Maynes demonstrates leadership in many different ways. One of his greatest challenges was coming out as transgender to his family and friends. He is an active member of Aptos High School Rainbow Alliance Club through which he is dedicated to making positive changes for current and future LGBTQ2S+ students, and he serves as a Student Senator through he which has been working to gain cleaner and accessible bathrooms for all students. Evan has addressed the school district Board multiple times to speak in favor of ethnic studies and the need for more gender-neutral bathrooms. He is active in theater and art. He provides free art workshops for students and made ceramic bowls for Empty Bowls, which supports the local Second Harvest Food Bank.
Grey Flores | Nominee
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Student, Cypress High School | President, Leadership Club
Grey Flores is a queer student at Cypress High School, and as President of the Leadership Club, has planned and facilitated school dances, Spirit Week, and Spooky Faire in which elementary students join in an afternoon of fun activities. Grey is passionate about creating environments in which students feel a sense of belonging and community. Despite challenges to their health, Grey remains an active student, excels academically, and has been nominated as Student of the Month multiple times. Grey is currently taking a step back from academics to take care of themselves and is a model for others pursuing a more balanced and healthy life for themselves.
Izabella Leon | Nominee
she/her/hers & they/them/theirs
Student, Pajaro Valley High School | Vice-President, GSA Club | Culture Commissioner, Associated Student Body (ASB)
Izabella Leon is vice president of Pajaro Valley High School’s GSA and Culture Commissioner in ASB. Her leadership has been described as exemplary. In many ways, she works to build a more inclusive school environment for all students. Izabella brings in a variety of guest speakers and, for the last two years, has planned and organized the school’s National Coming Out Day event. This year’s event drew the most participation from staff and students the school has seen. Their current project is spearheading research on the school’s cultural diversity and bringing findings to peers to help them better understand and appreciate one another. This is being accomplished by working with others to make posters, create educational materials for teachers to use, and write engaging Instagram posts.
Jonathan Escobar | Nominee
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Class President, Pajaro Valley High School | Secretary, GSA Club
Jonathan Escobar demonstrates leadership and influence through multiple roles at Pajaro Valley High School. For the last two years, he has served as class president and he serves as the GSA Club secretary. In his Leadership class, he works closely with the ASB officers to plan events for the entire school community. Jonathan played a pivotal role in orchestrating the school’s National Coming Out Day event by helping coordinate pre-party festivities that included a lunch with music in the student quad. He also oversaw the flag-raising ceremony that followed at the front of the school. Jonathan also dedicated time after school to personally invite the entire student body and staff members to these events. Their efforts reveal a strong commitment to inclusivity and bringing together the LGBTQIA2S+ and greater school communities.
Mark Mendoza Luengas| Nominee
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Student, Pajaro Valley High School | Member, QSA Club
Mark Mendoza Luengas joined his middle school’s QSA club during the pandemic, when meetings were held online, and he has been active and vocal about supporting of LGBTQIA2S+ rights ever since. As a 9th-grade transgender student at Pajaro Valley High School, in February he spoke at the PVUSD LGBTQ+ Committee meeting to share about the need for all-gender restrooms and the fears and stresses that transgender and gender diverse students have to manage every day regarding bathroom use and safety. Last year, he also spoke publicly at a district wide event for Harvey Milk Day and marched in the Santa Cruz Pride parade while carrying a non-binary pride flag. They are a former QSA club president and have led school wide events for National Coming Out Day and Day of Silence.
Milo Anima | Nominee
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Student, Scotts Valley High School (SVHS) | Volunteer, Cross-Age Tutor program
Milo Anima is a transgender student at SVHS who has been described as a true beacon of compassion, love, understanding, and empathy for the many ways he inspires others to embrace their authenticity and celebrate diversity. As a tutor in the Cross-Age Tutor program, Milo helps elementary-age students excel in school and offers hope and reassurance to younger students who identify as trans. Milo has taken on this leadership role with excitement and dedication. Furthermore, Milo’s work to foster a more inclusive society extends to the performing arts. Milo understands what it means to find representation in the Arts and has dedicated himself to every role he takes on, knowing that other Queer Youth in the audience might realize the opportunity to pursue their own dreams, similar to how he has been inspired to do so.
Monse Morales-Garcia | Nominee
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Student, Sequoia High School
Monse Morales-Garcia is a transgender student who makes a difference in the Sequoia Schools. He has been described as courageous, resilient, and self-aware with integrity and a positive attitude. Monse transformed from a shy student with attendance challenges to one who is now a Sequoia Schools student staff member. In this capacity, he is responsible for some of the daily operations of the school site after school. His work ethic and respectful communication style have earned him recognition as a natural and effective leader. Monse also demonstrates leadership in the culinary program where his attention to detail and collaborative nature are helpful at large hospitality events. A highlight was when he proudly presented the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Career and Adult Learning staff menu offerings with the significance of each dish.
Mordy Brody | Nominee
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Student, Cypress High School | Member, GSA Club | Team Member, Ethics Bowl |Volunteer, Temple Beth El, Homeless Garden Project & Contra Costa Midrasha
Mordy Brody is a non-binary student at Cypress High School who is said to stand out because they are not only smart and creative but also kind, modest, and hardworking. While interested in academic and personal growth, they are also dedicated to making their community and the world a better place for everyone. Mordy organizes activities for clubs such as the Jewish Student Union and Chess Club. They have also been instrumental in planning GSA events, including a gender-affirming clothing swap and skate night. For these, Mordy created flyers and announcements, facilitated meetings, and even provided their own baked goods. They were selected to participate in an Ethics Bowl, which is an event where students discuss and analyze real-life ethical issues and respond to questions and comments from other teams and judges.
Nico Olmstead | Nominee
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Student, Delta Charter High School | Member, QSA Club | Member, Queer & Trans Youth Council (QTYC) | Community/Cultural Worker, Parks & Rec, Santa Cruz County Parks
Nico Olmstead is a student at Delta Charter High School, where he is active in Leadership class, a longtime member of the school’s QSA, and a second-year member of the QTYC. Their work with the QTYC includes securing talent for videos that highlight LGBTQIA2S+ topics and editing the films. Nico is also working with the QYTF to help produce the first LGBTQIA2S+ Student Representative Assembly, which will bring together club leaders from across the tri-county area. Nico not only excels academically but also works as a teacher at a Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation afterschool program. For several years they have helped young students understand gender diversity through skill-building activities and games in the afterschool enrichment programs.
Ollie Boynton | Nominee
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Student, Vine Hill Elementary School | Member, “Rainbow Bears” GSA Club | Member, “Rainbow Kids Circle” Diversity Center Young Trans Kids Club
Ollie Boynton is a 3rd-grader at Vine Hill Elementary School who has recently come out as trans-feminine. While she is one of the youngest of the QYLA nominees, she earned this nomination for bravely exemplifying leadership at school every day. Ollie shares with her peers what it means for her to be transgender and helps them to understand her identity, as well as to respect one’s chosen pronouns. They helped to provide support for a new Rainbow Bear Club for 4th and 5th grade students, and has worked with administration to gain permission to attend the club’s meetings as well as to bring LGBTQIA2S+ cross age tutors to school. Ollie enthusiastically embraces being a leader for her fellow students and those in the broader community.
Ruby Romero-Maya | Nominee
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Student, Pajaro Valley High School | President, Pajaro Valley High School GSA Club | Lead, Culture Commission | Student Trustee, PVUSD School Board
Ruby Romero-Maya is president of the Pajaro Valley High School GSA, lead for the ASB Culture Commission, and a student trustee for the PVUSD school board. She has shown her commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students in many ways. Her leadership skills were noticed when she took the initiative to plan the school’s National Coming Out Day. Ruby also highlights the school’s diversity by writing culturally relevant and meaningful social media posts that have had a positive impact on fostering a sense of belonging at the school for all students. As lead for the Culture Commission, they have helped plan events for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic History Month, and others to increase cultural awareness within the Watsonville community.
Sadie Maher | Nominee
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Student, Aptos High School | Assistant Scoutmaster & Eagle Scout, Scouts BSA Band | Member, Watsonville Band
Sadie Maher is one of the first non-binary individuals in a Scouts BSA chapter in Santa Cruz County and an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout. They earned the distinguished Eagle Scout rank last year through their work to create a system of lasting inventory for the Watsonville Band’s music library. After turning 18, they took Adult Leadership Training, which includes hazardous weather skill training, and Scoutmaster training. They are described as an awe-inspiring leader and tremendous asset who makes Scouts more welcoming to all. They reviewed summer camp dress guidelines to make sure they were gender neutral and taught a course for adults titled “Making Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Scouts Feel Welcome in Your Unit.” Sadie proudly wears a pronoun pin on their Scout uniform.
Sion Erkiletian | Nominee
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Student, Delta Charter High School | Leader, QSA Club | Member, Queer & Trans Youth Council (QTYC)
Sion Erkiletion is a student at Delta Charter, where they lead the school’s QSA, and a member of the QTYC. Through the Council, they have used their passion for mental health awareness to co-write a script for a video that includes interviews with local queer and transgender youth who are affected by mental health challenges and tips for supporting them. The video will be sent to local QSAs and GSAs and be available online on the QYTF and Santa Cruz County Office of Education websites. Sion helped plan the recent Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit and worked independently without needing support from staff. They are in their second year of taking a handful of classes at Cabrillo College, where they have earned all A’s.
