Meet Youth Resources’ 2025 Youth of the Year Nominees & 2025 Youth of the Year Winner

Last week Youth Resources celebrated with over 250 guests at the annual Hall of Fame Celebration. As part of the event, YR honored 18 students who are making a profound difference in their communities through their leadership and service. Learn more about each of our talented Youth of the Year nominees and meet our 2025 Youth of the Year winner.

2025 Youth of the Year Winner

Melissa Moise, Harrison High School

Harrison High School senior Melissa Moise’s character, compassion, and commitment to excellence are evident in every corner of her life—from the classroom to the athletic field, and from her cultural advocacy to her work in the broader Evansville community. Melissa is not just a high-achieving student and standout athlete; she is a courageous advocate, a humble servant, and a voice for those who often go unheard.

One of Melissa’s most remarkable contributions has been her work as a Haitian Creole translator through the YMCA and EVSC. Stepping into a role typically reserved for adults, Melissa became a critical bridge between students, families, and educators. Her ability to communicate across cultural and language barriers provided not only clarity, but comfort, to Haitian families navigating a complex school system. As the youngest employee in these roles, she handled emotionally nuanced situations with empathy and grace, challenging assumptions and inspiring those around her to engage more fully and compassionately with every student.

Melissa also leads by example within her school, taking pride in her heritage and using it as a source of strength and unity. From volunteering at multicultural events to translating for her peers and school administration, she consistently steps up to serve her community in meaningful, tangible ways. She’s a leader on and off the field, captaining the tennis, soccer, and speech teams, and still managing to maintain academic excellence—earning national recognition and a top spot in her graduating class.

In every space she enters, Melissa uplifts, empowers, and inspires. Her leadership doesn’t come from a desire for recognition, but from a deep-rooted belief in justice, inclusion, and service. She is the kind of leader who leaves a lasting legacy—one built not only on achievement but on the lives she’s touched along the way. This award is just one small way to honor the enormous impact Melissa has already made and will continue to make in the years to come.

2025 Nominees

Norah Ahmed, Evansville Day School

Norah showcased her leadership by founding STEMpire, a nonprofit that empowers young women in STEM through mentorship, resources, and hands-on learning. Her initiative earned top honors at the Changemaker Challenge, where she secured funding and support to expand her impact and drive greater gender representation in science and technology.

“She has truly proven that one person’s vision can ignite a movement. Her ability to recognize challenges and take meaningful action sets her apart as a leader who doesn’t just hope for change—she creates it.”

Olivia Alston, Gibson Southern

Olivia is a shining example of compassion, leadership, and unwavering kindness. She has a rare gift for making everyone around her feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether she’s standing up against bullying, promoting healthy choices through her work with youth organizations, or making sure an entire nursing home felt remembered at Christmas with personalized gifts and handmade trees, Olivia leads with her heart in every action. As the elected CEO of her high school’s elite CEO program, she inspires her peers through her inclusive leadership and incredible work ethic—most notably organizing a fundraiser that exceeded its goal fourfold by selling handmade blankets. Olivia’s spirit of service, empathy, and encouragement is obvious to all those around her.

“Olivia meets every person with open arms and zero judgment. She always leaves you feeling important, heard and valued.”

Harper Black, McCutchanville Elementary

Harper is a compassionate and intelligent leader who consistently puts others first and fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment. She uses her voice to advocate for those who aren’t heard and plays an active role in supporting both peers and younger students through tutoring and mentorship. Harper has led school tours, welcomed new families, organized fundraisers, and participated in nearly every school event—from the Fall Festival to the mascot reveal. One teacher even called her the “face of the school,” a reflection of her constant positivity and presence.

“Most recently, Harper participated in a random act of kindness that our school did for our sister school. She helped deliver 6,000+ snacks to the students and staff at Vogel Elementary. She is an excellent leader who is vocal, empathetic, intelligent, and hard working.”

Jaylee Bogard, North Junior High

Jaylee is a determined and compassionate young woman who recently achieved her longtime goal of becoming SCUBA certified, a major step toward her dream of becoming a marine biologist. She volunteered at a Women’s Dive Event in Hopkinsville, KY, and now encourages other young girls to explore their passion for marine life. In her recent application to attend Sea Turtle Camp her teachers praised her kindness, responsibility, and humble leadership.

“Jaylee is empathetic and encouraging to all those she meets. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others create a warm and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. She consistently exemplifies the values of responsibility and respect.”

Charlee Carlile, McCutchanville Elementary

Charlee is a compassionate and driven young leader who consistently looks out for others in her school, classroom, and community. At just 11, she launched Bombshells by Charlee, a business that sells Veteran-made, vegan body care products with $1 from every jar going to Echo Community Housing Center for homeless veterans. Through her business, she’s learned valuable skills in retail, money management, and giving – all while inspiring her peers to lead with kindness.

“Charlee is always thinking of ways to improve her school and her community. She has learned a lot about business and charitable work through her business, and makes an effort to educate and include others. In the classroom, students look to her as a leader and her dedication to her education and her business is admirable.”

Madelyn Cecil, Harrison High School

Madelyn has been an outstanding leader and a key contributor to the success of the new SPARK for German program at Plaza. As one of the first students to step up and get involved, she showed initiative and enthusiasm for helping others explore the German language and culture. Madelyn’s German teacher Jennifer Brandt said her leadership stood out throughout the entire process. She consistently offered thoughtful ideas and helped those ideas come to fruition. Her dedication, reliability, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on the program and her peers.

“Maddie’s positive outlook, friendliness, and go-getter attitude are just some things that set her apart. She is always eager to learn, and I know that I can count on her to well with any partner or group situation – because she is kind to everyone she meets. Her positive attitude is contagious.”

Journee Davis, McCutchanville Elementary

Whether she’s leading in the classroom or working behind the scenes, Journee always leads with intention and heart. As a member of the Student Lighthouse Team, she has taken initiative on projects that directly benefit her school and beyond. Journee was instrumental in organizing a Penny War which helped purchase books for students, while supporting the McCutchanville School library. She also played a key role in collecting and delivering snacks to another local school as part of a staff appreciation event. Journee consistently seeks out ways to serve, using her strong organizational skills and compassion to make a meaningful difference. Her ability to lead with purpose while thinking of others truly sets her apart.

“I don’t think there is a single challenge that Journee won’t face with positivity. She can always be relied upon to lead with integrity. She has a remarkable servant heart.”

Sebastian Delay, North High School

Sebastian is a driven and compassionate student whose growth and leadership have had a powerful impact on those around him. Since joining after-school tutoring at the start of the year, he has shown a genuine hunger for knowledge—often going beyond his current coursework to explore topics like trigonometry and Japanese culture. What truly sets Sebastian apart is his ability to lead with empathy; when a peer was struggling, he calmly and respectfully encouraged them to re-engage, creating a moment of understanding that helped turn the day around. His authenticity and quiet leadership help keep others focused, and his curiosity inspires his peers to care more deeply about their own learning.

“Through his involvement with the Dream Center, wrestling team, and youth group at The Gathering Church, Sebastian continues to uplift those around him—including his younger brother and friends—by setting a strong example of perseverance, kindness, and purpose.”

Neil Dillman, Perry Heights Middle School

Whether leading weekly discussions with his school’s FCA group, coaching youth sports, or stocking local clothing banks, Neil is always finding ways to serve others. He openly shares his personal experiences with reading challenges and housing struggles, using his story to inspire hope and raise awareness for those who may feel unseen or unheard. In November 2024, Neil delivered a powerful speech at a local event, shining a light on the academic and emotional toll of housing instability and advocating for youth facing similar hardships. He continues to mentor younger students through sports and literacy, including reading to his siblings to help prevent them from facing the same struggles. Through faith, resilience, and a deep sense of justice, Neil is building a better, more compassionate community for everyone around him.

“Neil has a very humble attitude. While he loves to encourage others, he also works very hard at always improving his skills but never is boastful of his own achievements.”

Chloe Frazer, Memorial High School

Chloe is an exceptional young woman whose kindness, creativity, and deep faith make her a true inspiration to those around her. A model student and natural leader, she radiates joy and compassion, embracing others with an open heart and an encouraging spirit. Her dedication to service shines through her work with the Little Flowers group at Good Shepherd, where she mentors young girls in their Catholic faith with enthusiasm and grace. An accomplished artist with a love for classic films and Studio Ghibli, Chloe uses her creativity to connect with others and share beauty with the world. Guided by a strong calling to religious life, she hopes to join the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia and pursue a teaching degree at Aquinas College—continuing her mission to serve God and others with love and purpose.

“Chloe is a model student and kind hearted person. She is a natural leader and accepts everyone for who they are. ”

Carson Gibson, Central High School

Carson is a quiet yet powerful force for good, leading with humility, conviction, and an unwavering moral compass. His deep commitment to service is evident in his ongoing involvement with mission work in the Dominican Republic and his inclusive Eagle Scout project. As a regular participant at Bedford Christian Camp, Carson designed and built a GaGa ball pit for his Eagle Scout project to promote group bonding. When asked to make it accessible to align with the camp’s upcoming inclusive playground, he and his mentor redesigned the pit to include a wheelchair-accessible gate. The project has now been in active use for two summers and multiple retreats. Shortly after, the camp completed the rest of its accessible playground. Despite a rigorous academic load and numerous extracurricular commitments, he maintains a perfect GPA and has earned the distinction of National Merit Finalist—all while serving quietly behind the scenes with grace and sincerity.

Robert Hughes, North High School

Robert is a dedicated and driven student who brings passion, confidence, and leadership to everything he does. Robert dances for the Huskettes and Children’s Center for Dance Education. He plays a vibrant role in his dance studio’s performances, bringing energy, talent, and heart to the stage. He’s deeply committed to the mission of CCDE—that every student, regardless of age or ability, deserves the chance to dance. His passion shines through in standout roles in productions like The Nutcracker and the Spring ballets, where he performs alongside dancers of all backgrounds, inspiring and encouraging those around him. With a strong sense of self, an admirable work ethic, and a heart for others, Robert stands out as a confident, impactful, and exceptional young leader.

“Robert has offered mentorship and support to other young dancers at his studio, encouraging them to further their abilities in ballet. He leads by example and truly uplifts those around him.”

Avery Kelley, Central High School

As a standout member of the Student Leadership Athletic Council (SLAC), Avery helped lead her team in developing a creative and meaningful project called “Protein Bar,” which provides affordable, nutritious options for student-athletes and promotes education around health and fitness. Her initiative was one of only three selected for implementation at Central High School, and she played a key role in building partnerships with local businesses to make it a reality. Beyond school, Avery pours her heart into serving others: volunteering at local food banks, nursing homes, and homeless shelters – to name a few. She does this all while balancing her academics, duties as Student Council President, and her incredibly impressive sports career.

“What sets Avery apart from others is the love and compassion she has for everyone. Avery has a very strong, Christ-centered faith that helps guide her through all aspects of her life.”

Madelynn Manger, Evansville Day School

A mentor to younger students and a natural role model, Madelynn’s ability to lead with both compassion and excellence makes her a truly remarkable young changemaker. Madelynn’s leadership and heart for service came to life in a truly meaningful way through her recent Valentine Grams project. She organized a school-wide event, rallying students, teachers, and families to send heartfelt messages to one another, sparking a sense of connection across campus. But what made this project truly stand out was Madelynn’s decision to donate every dollar raised to the California Fire Foundation, a cause she chose after seeing the personal toll wildfires had taken on members of her own school community. As chair of the Community Service Committee, she led her team with confidence, guiding every step from concept to delivery, ensuring both a seamless execution and a lasting impact. Madelynn’s ability to turn a simple gesture into a powerful act of compassion and unity speaks volumes about her character—she doesn’t just serve her community, she uplifts it.

Bella Midkiff, Evansville Day School

Bella is an outstanding student and a compassionate leader whose dedication to service and community is truly inspiring. As co-leader of her school’s Student Leadership Council’s Community Service Committee, she spearheads both school-wide and local efforts that make a real difference. Her leadership was key to organizing the annual canned food drive for the Tri-State Food Bank, where she not only set ambitious goals but also ensured the event’s success through careful planning and rallying her peers to make a large, meaningful donation just before Thanksgiving. Beyond her school, Bella serves on the Board of Directors for STEMpire, a nonprofit promoting women in STEM, where she builds community connections and volunteers her time at outreach projects. Her commitment to fairness, inclusion, and making others feel seen and valued drives everything she does. Bella approaches tough topics with thoughtfulness and empathy, demonstrating a maturity and passion for creating positive change in the world.

Riley Sieple, Harrison High School

Riley Sieple is a standout student and visionary young professional whose leadership, creativity, and resilience have already made a lasting impact in Evansville. At just 16, he founded his own company, Sieple Films, producing high-quality video and photo content for weddings, music videos, promotional events, and more—demonstrating both entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable professionalism. As the Creative Media Student Lead Intern for EVSC, Riley not only produces content for major school events but also mentors his peers, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. His talents have extended to professional roles with WFIE, the University of Evansville, and Crossroads Christian Church, proving his ability to perform at a high level across multiple industries. Whether he’s leading discussions in the adult Leadership Everyone program or inspiring his media team, Riley brings passion, poise, and a genuine desire to uplift others—making him not just a leader of tomorrow, but a changemaker today.

Landon Stofleth, Harison High School

Landon Stofleth is the heart of Harrison High School’s spirit and community outreach. His passion for boosting morale and uniting students, staff, and the community is unmatched—from managing a student-led Instagram account to wearing the school mascot costume with pride. Landon played a pivotal role in Harrison’s participation in the WFIE Sunrise School Spirit competition, leading efforts to collect, sort, and display over 18,000 pounds of canned goods for the Tri-State Food Bank. His leadership, energy, and dedication were instrumental to the event’s success and inspired others to rise to the occasion. Whether rallying students for school events or organizing charitable efforts like the upcoming Teddy Bear Toss for 911 Gives Hope, Landon leads with heart, humility, and a genuine love for making Harrison—and the wider community—shine.