May 11, 2026
Celebrating Leadership and Service: 2026 Young Citizens of the Year
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is proud to announce the 2026 Young Citizens of the Year, recognizing five outstanding high school students from across Washtenaw County who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service beyond the classroom.
Each year, this award honors students who are making a meaningful difference in their communities - whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or grassroots initiatives that address local needs. This year’s recipients exemplify the power of youth leadership and the impact of service rooted in purpose.
Selected from nominations submitted throughout the County, the 2026 honorees represent a diverse range of schools, experiences, and service efforts rooted in strengthening Washtenaw County communities.
Honoring the 2026 AAACF Young Citizens of the Year
AAACF 2026 Young Citizens of the Year. Left to right - Kayla Fu, Nicholas Caplea, Genevieve Peale, Jah'Niya Treadwell, Sydney Fletcher. Photo courtesy of MLive, May 10, 2026. Photographer Jacob Hamilton.
This year’s recipients include:
- Jah'Niya Treadwell, Treadwell Learning Academy (Homeschool), Freshman
- Kayla Fu, Huron High School, Junior
- Genevieve Peale, Dexter High School, Senior
- Nicholas Caplea, Father Gabriel Richard High School, Senior
- Sydney Fletcher, Pioneer High School, Senior
These students’ leadership reflects a shared commitment to service, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.
From volunteering hundreds of hours to fight food insecurity through organizations like Food Gatherers, to mentoring younger students, supporting literacy initiatives, participating in peer counseling programs, and leading community improvement efforts, these students exemplify the power of youth leadership rooted in compassion and action. Their work reflects the many ways young people are helping create stronger, more connected communities across Washtenaw County.
Each recipient will receive a $4,500 scholarship to the higher education institution of their choice, made possible through the generous support of the Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Fund. The award program continues to honor the legacy of Robert and Connie Dunlap, whose commitment to supporting young people and community impact continues to create opportunity for future generations.
Awardees were recognized publicly on May 10, 2026, and were featured in interviews with MLive.
A Legacy of Youth Impact
The Young Citizens of the Year award continues a tradition of recognizing students who are creating meaningful change throughout Washtenaw County. Previous recipients have led efforts supporting food access, LGBTQ+ youth, healthcare advocacy, mentorship, and community wellness - demonstrating the lasting impact of youth-driven initiatives rooted in compassion, service, and leadership.
The 2026 honorees carry this legacy forward, showing that leadership is not defined by age, but by action. Through volunteerism, advocacy, peer support, and community engagement, these students are helping build a stronger and more connected Washtenaw County for future generations.
2026 Young Citizens of the Year
Jah'Niya Treadwell
Through hundreds of volunteer hours across multiple organizations, Jah'Niya Treadwell has demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting and supporting the Ypsilanti community. Her service journey began with the Community Family Life Center food pantry, where she quickly discovered a passion for community engagement and helping others.
Today, Jah'Niya serves in a variety of mentorship and literacy-focused roles throughout the community. She volunteers as a junior coach with Girls on the Run, helping younger girls build confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits, while also mentoring students through 826 Michigan’s afterschool writing lab and participating in local literacy programs for younger children. In addition, she has contributed as a volunteer photographer supporting doula care initiatives. Jah'Niya hopes to one day become a pediatrician and is passionate about helping young people feel supported, encouraged, and understood through mentorship and education.
Kayla Fu
Kayla Fu is recognized for her dedication to addressing hygiene poverty and supporting women’s health initiatives throughout the community. As a freshman, Kayla founded Flo Fund, a nonprofit focused on combating period poverty and increasing access to essential hygiene products for individuals and families in need.
Since launching the initiative in 2024, Kayla has helped raise more than $2,000 to support menstrual health efforts and has organized the donation of over 4,000 feminine hygiene products to charities and shelters throughout Washtenaw County and Detroit. She has also led efforts to establish hygiene pantries while recruiting volunteers to support the organization’s growing impact. Beyond Flo Fund, Kayla hosts the podcast “This Person I Met,” where she shares stories and perspectives from individuals navigating challenges such as homelessness, eating disorders, and trauma. An artist as well, Kayla has donated proceeds from commissioned artwork to organizations supporting women’s healthcare. She hopes to continue expanding Flo Fund while pursuing higher education in either Michigan or an out-of-state dual arts program.
Genevieve Peale
Genevieve Peale is recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and long-standing involvement in 4-H programs throughout Washtenaw County. Over the past seven years, Genevieve has developed strong leadership and communication skills through hands-on experiences in agriculture, youth mentorship, and community engagement.
A senior at Dexter High School, Genevieve has served as president of her local 4-H club for two years and currently serves as treasurer for the Washtenaw County 4-H livestock committee. Her involvement has included organizing activities for younger participants, helping lead countywide rabbit clinics, teaching educational programs at the Saline District Library, and participating in decisions that help shape the annual fair experience for local youth. In addition to her work with 4-H, Genevieve has volunteered for five years as a children’s ministry teacher at Grace Ann Arbor West Church. Already dual-enrolled at Washtenaw Community College, she plans to continue her education before transferring to Michigan State University to pursue a career as a credentialed veterinary technician.
Nicholas Caplea
Nicholas Caplea has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to addressing food insecurity throughout Washtenaw County. Beginning his service journey in middle school, Nicholas became deeply involved with Food Gatherers, regularly volunteering in both the organization’s Warehouse and Community Kitchen and contributing more than 500 volunteer hours throughout high school.
In addition to preparing meals and sorting food donations, Nicholas has stepped into leadership roles by orienting new volunteers and encouraging classmates and peers to participate in food drives and service opportunities. He has also supported Habitat for Humanity through neighborhood cleanup, landscaping, and housing renovation projects. Rooted in his Catholic upbringing and commitment to supporting “basic human rights,” Nicholas sees service as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and strengthen community connections. He plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame while continuing to pursue volunteer opportunities focused on helping others.
Sydney Fletcher
Sydney Fletcher is recognized for her intentional approach to community service, leadership, and youth mentorship. Throughout high school, Sydney has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to organizations and initiatives focused on expanding access to STEM education, the arts, and youth development opportunities.
As an event coach for Science Olympiad, Sydney has enjoyed teaching students coding skills while building meaningful connections through shared interests and curiosity. Her additional service efforts have included volunteering with Jack and Jill of America, Inc., serving as a counselor-in-training with YMCA Camp Algonquin, and contributing to fellow honoree Kayla Fu’s nonprofit, Flo Fund. Sydney has also helped raise funding to support children who otherwise could not afford private arts lessons. Passionate about increasing representation for young Black girls in STEM and the arts, Sydney plans to study civil engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University while continuing to mentor and support younger students.
Recognizing Student Leadership in our Community’s
While five students were selected as the 2026 Young Citizens of the Year recipients, AAACF also recognizes the many outstanding students nominated for this year’s award. Each nomination reflects the meaningful ways young people across Washtenaw County are stepping forward to serve, lead, and strengthen their communities.
AAACF extends its appreciation to the following students for their commitment to service and community impact:
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Supporting Washtenaw County Students' Futures
Beyond recognition, AAACF is committed to helping students pursue their educational dreams through its Community Scholarship Program (CSP). CSP provides students with holistic support through a scholarship award of up to $20,000 over up to 5 years, including a tech budget, a College Success Coach, and access to an Emergency Aid and Financial Assistance Program. These resources are provided in an effort to help alleviate the financial burden of achieving higher education.
This commitment extends beyond financial support. Through programs like AAACF’s Youth Council, twenty-five high school age youth from across Washtenaw County gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, and community leadership - learning how to assess local needs, support impactful initiatives, and turn their ideas into meaningful change.
Rooted in AAACF’s S.E.E.D.S. framework, these efforts reflect a long-term investment in youth - planting seeds through outreach, mentorship, and opportunity that grow into lifelong leadership and community engagement.
Together, these efforts ensure that students not only make an impact today - but are supported as they continue their journeys into the future, strengthening Washtenaw County for generations to come.
Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow
“These students demonstrate that one person’s dedication to service can ripple across an entire community,” said Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk, President & CEO of AAACF. “By recognizing their contributions and supporting their futures, we are helping to plant the seeds for a stronger, more engaged Washtenaw County.”
As AAACF celebrates the 2026 Young Citizens of the Year, the Foundation also celebrates the broader community of young people who are stepping forward to lead, serve, and create lasting change.
For questions about the AAACF Young Citizens of the Year awards, AAACF Youth Council, AAACF Community Scholarship Program (CSP), or how you can contribute to these programs, contact Maryellen Ferro at mferro@aaacf.org.
AAACF Announces 2026 Young Citizens of the Year
Check out the full press release about these recipients HERE. To share this press release through your publication channels, please access any of the following:
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