2026 Active Minds Chapter Awards

Learn more about and hear from this year’s inspiring award winners.

Looking to go back? Return to the main Hill Day & Conference page.

Stephanie Yau poses at University of Pittsburgh

Adam Carlson Student Leader of the Year

Stephanie Yau, University of Pittsburgh
Raymond Toribio from College of San Mateo gives a thumbs up gesture with a tuxedo cat on their shoulder

Austin Dickey Creativity in Advocacy Award

Raymond Toribio, College of San Mateo
Headshot of Anne Zager from Williston Northampton School

Chapter Advisor of the Year

Anne Zager, Williston Northampton School // Kristin Anderson-Little, Oakland Mills High School (Honorable Mention)

Students post behind an Active Minds tabling booth at Arlington High School

Chapter of the Year

Arlington High School // Virginia Commonwealth University (Honorable Mention)
Students gather for a group photo on their campus

Cultivating Connection Award

UCLA & Virginia Commonwealth University (co-winners)
Headshot of Fatima Malik from Baruch College

Cutting Edge Advocacy Award

Fatima T. Malik, Baruch College & University of Texas at Dallas (co-winners)
Tutaleva Fuka from College of San Mateo stands in front of presentation title slide

Health Equity Award

Tutaleva Fuka, College of San Mateo & University of North Texas, Denton (co-winners)
two people sit on a bench conversing at Gaston College

Luke Beischel Chapter Jumpstart Award

Gaston College
Two students pose with photobooth frames at Albany State University

Storytelling Through Social Media Award

Albany State University
Varsha Penumalee of Virginia Commonwealth University stands at a podium

Sue Cimbricz Spirit Award

Varsha Penumalee, Virginia Commonwealth University
Headshot of Amy Senkerik from Arizona State University

Transformational Change Award

Amy Senkerik, Arizona State University
Abhiram Chilakamarri of Vanderbilt University stands next to presentation poster board

Young Mental Health Champion Award

Abhiram Chilakamarri, Vanderbilt University
Emily Rion poses next to a pole reading

Youth Champion Award

Emily Rion, Revere High School