Westfield Youth Assistance Program recognizes outstanding kids at 2026 Youth Recognition Breakfast

Submitted

Ten Westfield Washington Schools students were recognized on May 6 at Westfield Youth Assistance Program’s (WYAP) 16^th annual Youth Recognition Breakfast, presented by the City of Westfield.

“This event is about recognizing the strength, resilience, and determination these students have shown through difficult circumstances,” said Kayla Arnold, Director of Communications for the City of Westfield. “Their stories are a reminder that growth is not always measured by perfect outcomes, but by the courage to keep moving forward. We are incredibly proud of each of these students and grateful to the educators, counselors, families, and advocates who continue to support and believe in them every step of the way.”

Since 2011, the Youth Recognition Breakfast has recognized outstanding youth in Westfield Washington Schools. The honorees, nominated by counselors, teachers, principals, and other school staff, are students who have overcome adversity at home or school, have demonstrated a profound positive change in their attitude or behavior, or have made an extraordinary academic turnaround. A selection committee vets the nominations and chooses the recipients. Nominees can be from all grade levels, with this year’s recipients spanning from kindergarten through 11^th grade.

At the breakfast, Mayor Scott Willis provided an introductory speech. This was followed by a speech from former YRB recipient, Jayden Belyew, a Westfield High School senior. WYAP Early Intervention Advocates, Amy Prater and Megan Contreras, introduced the recipients and presented them with their certificates.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to celebrate these most deserving students!” Youth Recognition Breakfast Chair Alyssa McCool said. “Our deepest hope is that they feel seen and supported as we publicly recognize their accomplishments, incredible resilience, and perseverance. We are so thrilled to be able to host this special event that conveys to our honorees the depth of our belief in them and their ability to succeed.”

Additionally, WYAP had the honor of presenting Kiersten Wettschurack, a senior at Westfield High School, with the 2026 Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a youth who has proven that they know their purpose and own their own power. The recipient must be continuing their education, must have resided in Westfield Washington Township, and must be under the age of 25.

Students honored included:

• Matthias C., a kindergarten student at Washington Woods
• Levi M., a first-grade student at Carey Ridge
• Grayson S., a first-grade student at Shamrock Springs
• Camila Q., a second-grade student at Monon Trail
• Jean C., a third-grade student at Monon Trail
• Myles B., a fourth-grade student at Shamrock Springs
• Galilea G., a fourth-grade student at Washington Woods
• Lily P., a fourth-grade student at Carey Ridge
• Rori K., a 10^th-grade student at Westfield High School
• Camden S., an 11^th-grade student at Westfield High School