2018 Outstanding Young Leaders

Sabrina Abong spent 5 years in the California foster care system. During Sabrina’s senior year at Los Banos High School, she received the Golden Eagle Award that signified how she overcame the struggles of growing up in foster care. She has also received a Local Control Accountability Stakeholder certificate. Sabrina... Read more

Master Cook spent 18 years in the Ohio foster care system Master moved in and out of 6 different placements. In high school, Master tutored students with psychological disorders such as Asperger's, Down syndrome and Tourette syndrome. Master is also a licensed ordained minister currently serving in the capacity of... Read more

Austin Blench spent 10 years in the Wisconsin foster care system. Austin was placed in 14 placements during his time in the system. Austin built resilience and his voice by his involvement in a group called “Foster Leaders”. Austin became an outstanding leader to the current/former foster youth in Jacksonville,... Read more

Jaylyn Macomber has been in a few different placements through the foster care system in Vermont. Through these placements, she has come to be true to herself and stay unique and outgoing. She is part of the Queer Straight Alliance, which helps those who are afraid to speak out know... Read more

Israel Moncada was placed in the California child welfare system when he was 1-month-old. He was in 11 placements before transitioning into Independent Living. Israel experienced living in foster homes and congregate care. After graduating and delivering a graduation speech, Israel attended a post-secondary education institution to pursue Sociology, with... Read more

Hannah Royal was in the foster care system for four years in the state of Oregon. During Hannah’s time in foster care, she maintained her focus on school, and she was inducted into the National Honor Society, was a member of Key Club, and was a member of three varsity... Read more

Gabriel Trane was placed in the foster care system in the state Utah at the age of 15. Gabriel went through three placements and states that he learned from each situation. Gabriel was involved in the TAL program and was in charge of the eastern region for foster kids. Gabriel... Read more

Frank Smith III was in the Arizona foster care system and was released at the age of 17. Due to the lack of parental support, he was placed in care. His foster placement was plagued by abuse and neglect. However, Frank has used his life story and knowledge to advocate... Read more

Eunice Medina of California has been in the foster care system since birth. Eunice has lived in over 30 places in her life, including 27 placements before she turned 12. Eunice was recently adopted after living with her mom for six years. Eunice has an extensive list of volunteer activities... Read more

Estrellita Spears was placed in foster care at the age of twelve. At the time, she barely spoke any English and didn’t know too much about the culture. She was adopted along with three younger siblings at the age of sixteen. She started college but found that she could not... Read more