JESSE LEVEY graduated from Tufts University in 2003, with a B.A. in political science. Jesse’s first full-time job was a CEO of United Leaders, an organization he co-founded to promote ethical political leadership and responsive government for the next generation. Jesse and the United Leaders were featured in the Los Angeles Times in 2002 for recognition bestowed by prominent political leaders including Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.s.

ELLI NAGAI-ROTHE graduated Cum Laude from Connecticut College in 2003 with a major in sociology-based Human Relations. During her four years in college Elli studied in India, France and Senegal; worked in South Africa as a Civil Society election monitor for the 2000 municipal elections; and served as a panelist at a United Nations briefing on the role of youth in the movement against racism. Elli left for India in the fall of 2004 to serve for a year as a school principal in Periyapalayam, in the state of Tamil Nadu. She remains there as principal and is helping to expand the school, fundraising and teaching English to those minority people from surrounding communities who seek her out.

JANICE LEE graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in 2003 with a degree in International Relations and Asian Studies. She taught English in China later that year. In the summer of 2004, Janice worked with PepsiCo in Vietnam, as an intern in Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Sales and Marketing. She then served as a Mentor for a new After School Program Coordinator and became the Director of the Vietnam internship program at City College. Janice is currently managing an after school program of the San Francisco Unified School District and is also a real estate agent.

JORGE AVELLAN graduated from the University of Miami in 2004 with a degree in broadcast journalism and international relations. He won an Interdisciplinary Studies Award from the Center for Latin American Studies for his outstanding scholarship at U.M. He also created, produced and co-hosted U.M.’s first newsmagazine entirely in Spanish. In 2004, Jorge became a reporter for Univision Television, the largest Spanish language broadcasting company in the U.S.

Student Leadership Award Prsentation

 A Glimpse of past top awardees!

Student Leadership Awardees

Jason Wong
Margaret O’Donnell Leadership Award
School of the Arts

Jason’s activities are many and varied. He has worked with the Commonwealth Club and the Youth Leadership Institute to facilitate the creation of a program for youth to access Commonwealth Club events free of charge. These include political thought talks, tours, debates, and seminars. As a personal tutor, Jason has spent almost 200 hours with students who are struggling with their classes. He also worked as an intern for the SF Unified School District and helped develop student involvement in activities and classroom curricula. Julie Coghlan, one of Jason’s teachers stated: “Jason was a freshman and made lawyer on our Mock Trial team. This distinction is unusual for a young and new member. His performance was flawless and we went to the semi-finals that year. He is an excellent and thoughtful student. I wish I had half his energy and organizational skills. He has a wide circle of friends and is well-respected by both peers and teachers.”

Constance Jean Mourning
Special Achievement Award
Lowell High School

As her sophomore year elected class president, Constance hosted the Valentines Day Dance and doubled the profits from the previous year, increased student morale and helped her class develop a sense of community and nearly tripled the money in the class bank-account providing a stable foundation for senior year. She is currently or has been a recent member of the Italian Club, the California Scholarship Federation, the Big Brother and Sister organization, and is a Varsity Baseball Manager. She has served on the San Francisco Youth Commission and also was on the Sexual Harassment and Assault Committee where her committee influenced the SF Unified School District to change their policy with dealing with sexual harassment and assault. She would like to study philosophy and psychology at Stanford as she feels these classes are important to becoming a great leader. Her Italian teacher has stated: In all my years of teaching, I can say without reservation that I have never met a student with such outstanding leadership qualities.

Cole Mitguard
Board Of Governors Special Recognition Award
Lowell High School

Cole looks forward to making a difference in the world through politics. He has numerous extra curricular activities including: being a Big Brothers and Sister Club Mentor, he is the founder and president of the Weightlifting Club, and President of the 2005 Junior Prom Committee. He is also involved with the Junior Statesmen of America. His counselor May Choi stated: “everything about Cole represents the delicate mesh between a fine scholar, a tireless varsity football team captain, an enthusiastic and relentless leader, and a creative and gracious young man ready to embark upon the rigors of what lies ahead. His time management skills are extraordinary; and he instills energy, enthusiasm, passion and dedication. He has a strong moral character and a winning personality. I give Cole Mitguard my highest regard.”

more past recipients