2026 MLK Humanitarians

The Mayor’s Youth Humanitarians are 28 outstanding community youth who exemplify the ideals embraced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their character and leadership.

These students exemplify the ideals of Dr. King that our city and our MLK Commission believe in. The student winners were selected for the honor based on the content of their character and service to others in the community.

Alisha Antoine - Acceleration East High School

The best way to describe Alisha Antoine is that she's a ray of sunshine everywhere she goes. She exudes positivity and always has a smile on her face even when she herself may be going through difficulties.

Benjamin Saint Juste - Acceleration West High School

Benjamin is a high-achieving self-starter whose daily actions demonstrate what it means to be a resilient, dedicated and resourceful student.

Ashley Mays - Apopka High School

Ashley is an exceptional student whose character, leadership and dedication can be seen through all aspects of her intense personal involvement. She is an honor student and has been a first chair cellist for four years in our school orchestra.

Justin Risbrook - Colonial High School

Justin, not only has maintained a strong academic record since middle school, but also has a 1,000-watt smile that lights up every room he enters. Justin’s teachers agree that he is a very positive student and a joy to have in class. His leadership qualities are best demonstrated as Captain of the basketball team and strong participation in several other sports.

Kayden Ydener Pierre - Cypress Creek High School

Kayden is an IB Diploma candidate and twice-awarded AP Scholar. This brave and brilliant young man exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King through resilience, courage, intellect, and compassion while volunteering in many capacities.

Saki Anandani - Dr. Phillips High School

Saki Anandani embodies Dr. King's legacy through her unwavering commitment to treat others equally with empathy, and respect. She accomplishes these tasks through active community engagement, and closely listening to others when they speak, while being very careful not to cut them off.

Elina Fernando - East River High School

In every way, Elina already exemplifies the qualities highlighted in being a humanitarian. She motivates others through her actions, inspires hope through her character, and fosters a sense of community and unity wherever she goes.

Yusef Charles - Edgewater High School

Yusef represents the very qualities Dr. King sought to inspire in young people: character, service, humility, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others.

Arnav Kumar Upadhyay - Freedom High School

Arnav exemplifies Dr. King’s legacy through his commitment to service, academic excellence, and leadership. His humanitarian spirit shines in his extensive volunteer work with Mu Alpha Theta, where he tutors peers in mathematics and helps them build confidence.

Sydni Patrick - Horizon High School

Sydni Patrick embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values through her leadership, the way that she serves, and her compassion for others.

Aarish Reddy - Innovation High School

Aarish represents the ideals of Dr. M.L. King, Jr. both in the world of academia, and with forceful regard to human compassion, altruism, and kindness.

Tasha Alceant - Jones High School

Ms. Alcenat is a young lady who is deeply committed to implementing the goals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., especially helping others, as well as maintaining high student achievement.

Valeria Jimenez - Lake Buena Vista High School

Valeria’s commitment to equity, dignity, and service is not only inspiring—it is unwavering. For four years, she has volunteered with A Gift for Teaching, ensuring that students in underfunded schools have the tools they need to thrive.

Megha Ramprasad - Lake Nona High School

As President of Florida's South Asian Marrow Initiative (SAMI), Megha has led impactful drives in partnership with NMDP/DKMS to increase South Asian representation in bone marrow registries- addressing systemic healthcare disparities head-on. Her leadership has raised awareness about bone marrow donnership, built community connections, and even helped raise over $7,000 nationally.

Nevaeh Bannis - Maynard Evans High School

Nevaeh Bannis is a truly exceptional student and leader at Evans High School. She can also be more colorfully described as a powerful, brilliant, driven, and a deeply committed individual to excellence in all that she does.

Kevin Ndayambaje - Oak Ridge High School

Kevin is an exceptional student and an honored participant in the school's 3DE magnet program which fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills.

Victoria Samedi - Ocoee High School

Academically accomplished with a 4.9 weighted GPA, Victoria views learning as a means to create change. She aspires to become an OBGYN committed to addressing the maternal mortality crisis among Black women, reflecting both her empathy and advocacy for justice.

Allyson Williams - Olympia High School

Allyson Williams, an appointed representative on the Principal’s Student Advisory Committee, embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through her unwavering commitment to equality, respect, and service.

Yeiner Ramos - Orange County Virtual School

In just 1.5 years, Yeiner has completed over 250 hours of community service, volunteering with local organizations and making a tangible difference in our community.

Mahie Patil - Orlando Science High School

Mahie honors Dr. King’s legacy by most often, compassionately and vigorously advocating for the neurodivergent community. She has earned numerous hours as a volunteer at both Yale and Harvard medical facilities trying to contribute to scientific research involving the designs of interactive health education modules.

Dayan Hodgson-Lau - Sheeler High School

Dayan Hodgson, a student at Sheeler High School in Apopka, Florida, is an exceptional young leader and scholar. Maintaining an impressive 3.70 GPA, she aspires to become a medical doctor with a specialization in genetics which is an ambition that reflects both her intellectual curiosity and her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Wreshad Pierre - Timber Creek High School

Wreshad is truly a well rounded and outstanding student who candidly and sincerely parallels the profile of a Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian.

Ishan Patel - University High School

Ishan Patel uses compassion and leadership to create spaces that uplift and empower underrepresented voices in his community. As President of the Asian Student Association and Treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society, he leads teams to celebrate diversity, organizing cultural events and field trips.