Twenty-five outstanding young people were honored Tuesday afternoon at Riverside City Hall as part of the city’s annual “25 Most Remarkable Teens” recognition program. The honorees, all local students in grades 8 through 12, were celebrated for excellence in academics, athletics, arts and culture, community involvement, leadership, personal courage, and acts of valor.
Selected by their peers on the Riverside Youth Council, the 2025 honorees represent a broad cross-section of Riverside’s high schools. The program, launched in 2004 and jointly led by the Mayor’s Office and the Riverside Police Department, empowers youth to take part in public decision-making while recognizing those already making an impact.
This year’s honorees include:
- Ausara Bell, Stefanny Hernandez, Coby Merrill – John W. North High School
- Camilo Canizlez Tejada, Destiny Curiel, Alma Sandoval Hernandez, Caylee McNaul, Amy Espinoza-Robledo, Kenya Rodriguez – Norte Vista High School
- Saidee Acevedo, Cora Holmes, Suwon Kim, Nadia Lewis, Maxim Michael Strong, Owen Weems – Riverside Polytechnic High School
- Gavin McGowan, Juan Uribe – Ramona High School
- Aiden Scott Pianalto – Martin Luther King High School
- Cristoval Garcia – La Sierra High School
- Ching Chung, Maya Karginova, Tom Reznick, Kezia Wood – Riverside STEM Academy High School
- Arianna Esparza Gonzalez – Hillcrest High School
- Asma Safi – Abraham Lincoln High School
Among them is Gavin McGowan of Ramona High School, recognized for his courage and commitment to social justice. “Gavin is not afraid to speak up and stand up, regardless of the audience—and as he has done this, I believe he has earned respect at school and in the organizations where he volunteers,” said his grandmother, Jane Carney. “He’s had so much support from friends, outstanding AVID teachers and counselors at Ramona, and the community at All Saints Episcopal Church. They’ve all been a major factor in helping Gavin see his way forward.”
The ceremony, held in the Council Chambers at Riverside City Hall, drew community members, educators, and local leaders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Riverside’s youth.
