GRASS VALLEY, Calif., May 16, 2026 – Twenty-two middle and high school students were recognized at the 26th Annual Nevada County Youth Service Awards today. Organized by youth leaders from Friday Night Live (FNL) and Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE), the ceremony highlights youth achievements in four categories: Service to Community, Outstanding Role Model, Service to Peers, and Outstanding Leadership.
Before the Outstanding Role Model awards, a special Outstanding Leadership award was presented to Graham Gardemeyer, FNL/TUPE Club President at Nevada Union High School.
Outstanding Role Model Awards
Superintendent John Baggett presented the Outstanding Role Model Awards. Luca Ricciardi, Austin Moore, Lucy Maddock, Ryan Pack, Acacia Barnum, Devin Peterson, Aidynn Salter, Charles Hansen and Julia Di Cristina are the 2026 award recipients. Julia, an 8th grader at Lyman Gilmore involved in the drama program, track and field, cross country, and student council as well as the Gilmore leadership program, received the top award in the category.
Service to Community
Presented by Nevada City Councilmember Daniela Fernández, the awards went to Ava Ban, Austin Putnam, Ellia Larson, Eleni Keriotis, Indy Lau, Koi Newell, Cassia Dunham, Kimberly Apple and Lily Boey. Lily, a Senior at Nevada Union High School, serves as Nevada Union’s ASB Vice President, on the Nevada County Youth Commission, and is an officer of the high school’s Climate Change Club. She is passionate about serving her peers and creating positive change within our community. The top award in this category was presented to her.
Service to Peers
Grass Valley Mayor Hilary Hodge presented the Service to Peers awards to Sydney Pinney, Connor Pack, Ryan Luger, Michael Howe, Melanie Pape, Alyssa Rubiales, Isabell Colbert, Ozzy Vogt and Baylee Johnson. Baylee is involved in several clubs and activities, including Friday Night Live, FFA, and Softball. She also founded the Nevada Union Hidden Opponents Club this year to raise awareness of athletes’ mental health. Her fervor, energy, kindness, and outgoing nature in all of her passions are unmatched. It is these traits, paired with her day to day efforts, that make her a truly outstanding servant to her friends, peers, and community. This year’s top award for Service to Peers goes to her.
Nevada County Public Health, the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools’ Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program, Bright Futures for Youth, and Friday Night Live partner for the event which was held at the Love Building in Grass Valley. Congratulations and thanks to the awardees, their families, teachers and friends.
