Dubuque Area Youth Leaders Recognized with National Award and Scholarships

According to a press release, the Dubuque Area Youth Leadership Council (DAYLC) recently honored local high school students for their outstanding leadership, character, and service. Since its founding in 1990, DAYLC has recognized top youth leaders in the Dubuque area, and this year’s recipients have continued to demonstrate excellence in their schools and communities.

At the annual DAYLC Youth Salute ceremony, Saanvi Ram of Hempstead High School and Nathan Schiesel of Wahlert Catholic High School were selected as the Top Female and Male Finalists.

In recognition of their achievements, both students received $500 scholarships and were chosen to represent Dubuque at the national Town Meetings on Tomorrow (TMOT) leadership conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference, attended by youth from across the country, provided an opportunity to explore leadership challenges, discuss important community and national issues, and develop innovative solutions. At the national level, Ram distinguished herself by winning the James E. McLead Insightful Award and being named a finalist for the prestigious "Top National Female Leader" Award.

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In addition to celebrating Ram and Schiesel, DAYLC announced the area’s 2025 Top Youth Leaders. These students were nominated by teachers, counselors, and administrators for their leadership qualities and involvement in both school and community activities. The selected students will participate in leadership workshops at the University of Dubuque and Loras College, where they will engage in interactive problem-solving activities and discussions on leadership values.

The following students were recognized as Top Youth Leaders:

• Dubuque Online School: Addison Saffran, Alyssa Meneguin, Fernando Moran
• Dubuque Senior High School: Camryn DeLire, Gabrielle Norman, Seamus McDonald
• East Dubuque High School: Sydney Schoenhard
• Hempstead High School: Aadi Patel, Abd Ul-Haq, Ethan Waddick, Kassidy Buchenau, Katelyn Bolduc, Lane Kieffer, Maria Hart, Nathan Erner, Paxton Hickey, Samantha Kane, Samuel Ruiz, Sophia Kruse
• Southwestern High School: Lillian Hoppman and Megan Roepsch
• Wahlert Catholic High School: Angelina Steinlage, Bria Bauer, Brody Schumacher, Duncan Freund, Evan Anderson, Evania Smith, Jackson Lampe, Jayden Brookins, John Berning, Joseph Mullen, Joseph Noel, Lilyan Tuthill, Lincoln Oberfoell, Lucy Klavitter, Margaret Coutchie, Maria McDermott, Nickolas Faley, Noah Krapfl, Raychel Willis, Sophia Thier, Vira Hadzhiieva, McKenna Huntington
• Western Dubuque High School: Alexander Gassman, Alexandra Graber, Caleb Smith, Claire Stuntz, Elizabeth Hefel, Evelyn Winkelman, Garret Schuster, Katherine Brunsman, Kogan Kluesner, Kolt Pace, Luke Boyle, Madison Randall, Naomi Schlueter, Paige Clasen, Rylyn Brimeyer, Sydney Ketels, Taylor Witzel

For more information on the Dubuque Area Youth Leadership Council and its programs, visit www.daylc.org.