Rough Draft presents our 16th annual 20 Under 20 honorees for 2025. As in past years, we are in awe of these students’ abilities to juggle their education while giving back to the community in such meaningful ways. We were also in awe of the record number of nominations this year – more than 100 from across the metro area. From creating nonprofits and fundraising to flying airplanes into disaster zones and creating online platforms to bring people together, this year’s honorees have gone above and beyond to bring positivity and leadership to the community. While narrowing down this year’s honorees and runners-up was the toughest ever, we think these students will inspire and motivate you to give back to your communities.
– Collin Kelley
Veer & Saachi Singh, 16
The Westminster Schools
The twins moved to Atlanta from New York City during the pandemic and immediately began looking for a way to help their new community. Disturbed by the number of homeless people and food insecurity they witnessed in the city, the brother and sister launched The Atl Seva Project. In Punjabi, the word seva means “selfless service,” and the nonprofit immediately launched a series of sandwich drives to help local organizations address food insecurity. The organization has also branched into teaching students financial literacy and career mentorship. “The most gratifying part of giving back has been the engagement with the community,” the duo said. “Every single interaction has been uplifting and continually reinforces our desire to do our part in making a positive difference in our community.”
Karis Stewart, 16, and Margaret Tsianti, 17
Midtown High School
As a junior, Karis co-founded the Midtown High chapter of Impact Teen Drivers, which seeks to end distracted driving by encouraging ways for drivers and passengers to stay focused on the road. She actively trained and recruited students to volunteer to create posters and flyers and make health class presentations about ways kids could positively impact driving habits. As a founding member of the organization, Margaret leads the group as outreach coordinator and contest organizer to help expand the club’s activities to other schools in the area in hopes of growing chapters of the clubs among a broader group of students.“Giving back to my community means using my abilities to uplift the community any way that I can,” Karis said. Margaret echoed those sentiments, saying, “Interacting with others gives me a sense of connectedness and belonging to the community, which makes me happier and helps me grow as an individual.”
Ashley Nelson, 17
Chamblee High School
Ashley’s enthusiasm for biomedical engineering and lacrosse inspired her to establish a nonprofit dedicated to designing and developing “Hulk Hands,” protective gear for lacrosse goalies. These innovative shields are specifically crafted to protect goalies’ hands and prevent injuries. By 3D-printing these shields, Ashley provides an extra layer of safety. She has successfully distributed dozens of Hulk Hands to high schools across Georgia and is now expanding her outreach beyond the state and at the college level via hulkhandslax.com. “Giving back to the community has been an incredibly inspiring journey, as it has allowed me to use my passions and skills to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Ashley said. “Whether through school, lacrosse, or volunteering, the experience of giving back has contributed to my personal growth and helped me understand the true power of philanthropy in making a meaningful impact.”
Abby Newton, 17
The Lovett School
Abby Newton is a co-founder, with Mary Caroline and Celia Gilliland and Riley Newton, of the Atlanta Diabetes Charity, an organization dedicated to providing essential medical supplies to uninsured diabetics who face an average annual cost of $3,000 for their care. Recognizing this critical need, Abby and her team created a website to collect donations of unused supplies, which they deliver to clinics. Since its inception in 9th grade, the charity has donated approximately $500,000 worth of supplies. Abby is focused on expanding the charity’s reach, increasing donations, building partnerships with additional clinics, and transitioning the organization into a nonprofit. “I feel so grateful for this opportunity to alleviate the burden of pricey diabetic supplies for so many in Atlanta,” she said. “I hope that through ADC’s presence on social media, and an easily accessible website, others can start similar charities in other communities to assist diabetics.”
CIPS Family Connections Team
For the first time ever, Rough Draft is recognizing a team of students who are working together to give back to their community. The CIPS Family Connection is made up of a coalition of high school seniors from across metro Atlanta. What began as after-school tutoring sessions in chess and soccer for elementary-aged students quickly grew into a mission with a broader reach. The team has since helped a homeless family find shelter, supported a teen aging out of foster care with job training, and contributed to individuals and families in crisis with food and clothing drives. The teens have also partnered with nonprofit Remerge/Giving Grace to accept and distribute donations. The team includes: H. Alex Darley, 17, Atlanta International School; Olivia Massar, 17, North Atlanta High School; Owen Radics, 18, Marist School; Viviana Cruz-Garcia, 17, Norcross High School; Naomi Hackett, 18, Atlanta International School; Zander Palenik, 17, Atlanta International School; and Owen Nolte, 18, Marist School.
Alex Royal, 16
Riverwood International Charter School
In his sophomore year, Alex founded HealthPride, a queer-focused nonprofit aimed at distributing free online and physical educational materials to high schools across the South that focus on mental health resources/hotlines and health education. Alex has worked with county directors and principals from all around Georgia and surrounding states to establish connections with 50+ schools, curate more than 5,000 educational materials for distribution, and create sponsorships and collaborations with various organizations. In the summer prior to his junior year, Alex co-founded Metro Atlanta Students For Alternative Medicine, a nonprofit initiative that advocates for the rescheduling of cannabis and psychedelics. “Giving back to the community has opened my eyes on how to create opportunities for individuals facing adversity and produce meaningful change for the broader public,” Alex said.
Amanda Houston, 17
Marist School
After her diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes in 2014, Amanda and her family established Marist’s One Walk for T1D, filling a void when the Atlanta Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk was canceled due to COVID. Amanda has led the walk for five years, growing it to one of the largest in the country. She actively participates in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, pressing for increased T1D research funding, works as a counselor at Camp Kudzu for diabetic kids, and interned with JDRF in 2022. She has also been a keynote speaker for the HOPE Gala, inspiring an audience of more than 600. “From the moment I was diagnosed exactly 10 years ago, I made it my mission to embrace this challenge, build a community of people like me, and encourage recently diagnosed kids to be brave,” Amanda said. “I am grateful for my friends, family, church, and school for supporting me throughout all the highs and lows of diabetes.”
Maisie Bruner, 18, and Kaixuan Guo, 17
Atlanta International School
Both Maisie and Kaixuan have worked tirelessly for the AIS’s Against Human Trafficking organization to raise awareness, mobilize other students, and coordinate events. Maisie took part in CNN’s My Freedom Day to share anti-trafficking strategies with students Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Italy. Kaixuan organized and led a film festival, which educated students on the realities of human trafficking, Heeleadership was essential in managing outreach to the Atlanta film community, coordinating professionals as judges, and handling communications and promotions to engage the school and local community. “Volunteering shows me that young people can make a significant impact,” Maisie said. “The connections I made through AIS Against Human Trafficking have helped me grow as a person.” Kaixuan said creating meaningful change was her driving force. “I hope to combat human trafficking by raising awareness about this issue that has plagued Atlanta and the lives of many around the world,” Kaixuan said.
Shravya Nandigam, 16
Woodward Academy
Shravya co-led a fundraising team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LSS) Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, raising over $50,000 and earning the Hero Award. She now serves on the LLS Student Leadership Committee, mentoring her legacy team, guiding new student leaders and helping them continue Woodward’s legacy of service. She is entering her second year of fundraising with LLS. In addition to her work with LLS, Shravya serves on the Service Leadership Board at Woodward Academy and volunteers at the Jesse Draper Boys and Girls Club. She also co-founded a project that creates gift bags and writes letters for children with cancer. “Giving back to the community brings me immense joy and pleasure, it will always be a part of me,” Shravya said.
Will Vinci, 17
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
As a volunteer leader with Pebble Tossers, a youth development nonprofit, Will has served his community with over 480 hours, preparing over 1,700 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project, and making over 1,000 meal and hygiene kits for the families of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He has also donated more than 200 feminine hygiene packs for women and girls who are experiencing homelessness in metro Atlanta. His service mindset has reached beyond Georgia, having spent the last two summers helping some of the poorest, most remote villages in Northern Thailand and the Los Santos rainforest. As the current President of the Young Men’s Service League, Will has delivered more than 5,000 meals for Open Hand Atlanta and served as a buddy for the Christopher League helping children with disabilities engage in the sport of baseball. “Giving back to the community has enabled me to develop valuable leadership skills and build a stronger connection with those in need,” Will said. “I remain enthusiastic about discovering new and impactful opportunities to make a noticeable difference in the world around me.”
Maya Chopra, 17
The Mount Vernon School
Maya spent part of the summer at Brown University in the Deciphering the Human Genome program, volunteering at the Shepherd Center, and founding her own jewelry business that donates 50% of its profits to ovarian cancer research. As President-Elect of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) Girlfriends Association, she raises funds and organizes events to support patients and their families. Maya is a key member of the prestigious Innovation Diploma program at Mount Vernon, and had dedicated many hours to the Agape Youth and Family Center, where she mentors underserved children. “Giving back to others is deeply ingrained in me and utilizing my passions to make meaningful contributions to my community is a driving force in my life,” she said. “I have learned that every act of service, no matter how big or small, has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Miguel Abrams, 16
Maynard H. Jackson High School
For the past three years, Miguel has been a volunteer with the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, supporting initiatives like Camp Promise for young men, voter registration drives, and fundraisers for pancreatic cancer research. As captain of the lacrosse team, a member of the award-winning mock trial team, and a National Beta Club scholar, Miguel balances his school involvement with a passion for community impact. He plans to host a lacrosse clinic for inner-city middle school students. Recently, he broadened his global perspective through a German Exchange Program focused on Human Rights and social justice. “Giving back means embodying the principles of leaders like John Lewis—acting with courage, responsibility, and a commitment to creating a community—while fulfilling the moral duty to uplift others with dignity and respect, creating meaningful connections and lasting impact,” Miguel said.
Mackenzie Jerrold, 17
Capstone Academy
Mackenzie wrote and published a 15-page research paper in the Curieux Academic Journal titled “Why We Need a Shift in the Social and Medical Model of Our Approach to Autism.” A staunch proponent for the radical acceptance of autistic individuals, she recently presented her paper at the Symposium of Rising Scholars and will meet with executive leadership team members in January at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. She has also served dinners in shelters and participated in both Agape Way (feeding breakfast on the streets of Atlanta) and C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully). During the pandemic, she and her brother created Sibling Sous Chefs, LLC a nonprofit teaching children to cook. “As I continue this autism acceptance movement, I thoroughly believe that if each person changes their own perspective on neurodivergence, a shift towards inclusion and understanding of all people is possible,” Mackenzie said.
Levi Gordon, 17
The Weber School
Levi started flight training at the age of 12 and now holds a private pilot license. He puts that training to work by flying humanitarian missions, including most recently to North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He and his co-pilot transported 250 pounds of relief supplies to hard-hit areas in the state. They have also volunteered to transport dogs to a shelter in Florida. The Weber senior is also a musician and entrepreneur, founding his own entertainment company providing DJ and MC services for social and corporate events and volunteering every year to DJ for the Save a Child’s Heart Foundation fundraising event. “To me, giving back to the community means contributing in ways that align with my passions, like flying and DJing,” Levi said. “ I hope to inspire others to find their own unique ways to give back while doing what they love.”
Elias Kremer, 18
The Galloway School
Elias observed that his piano playing sparked joy, comfort, and memories in his family members afflicted by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia, including his recently diagnosed grandmother. That gave him the idea to start the nonprofit NOTEWORTHE Music to bring student musicians to perform for senior living communities and to raise funds to bring a music enrichment program to Emory Brain Health Center. He raised more than $10,000 to start music programming at Emory, and is on track to hit his $25K goal. The funds will go to programming design and for seniors to spend time with licensed music therapists. “I knew how much music meant to me, but I never imagined the kind of impact NOTEWORTHE Music could have on my community,” Elias said. “From inspiring students and bringing joy to seniors to bringing music therapy to Emory, it’s been incredible to see music light up lives, especially for families affected by cognitive decline.”
Mady Cohen, 17
Dunwoody High School
In response to Fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths at her school, Mady raised more than $11,000 to equip every classroom and public area at Dunwoody High with Narcan kits. She has expanded her fundraising drive to include education for students and training for teachers. She has also offered guidance to other schools in the area to start similar fundraising efforts. “It felt so great going to classrooms and handing them [supplies of Narcan] out directly to teachers,” Mady said. “This isn’t just a Dunwoody High School problem, it’s a worldwide epidemic.”
Kate Cunningham, 18
Pace Academy
For the past seven years, Kate has been involved with the nonprofit Swim Across America (SSA), which raises money for cancer research. She began as a school team participant in 6th grade and has participated every year since. She’s also served as an Angel Swimmer during SAA events, making sure that the less able swimmers stay afloat. Kate has been the team captain for her school for the past two years, and she is also a member of the SAA Atlanta Junior Advisory Board. In addition to recruiting peers to swim in the annual event, she has also raised money at school bake sales and organized Kona Ice fundraisers. She also paints commissioned pet portraits and donates 100% of the proceeds to SAA. On her own, Kate has raised more than $8,000 for SAA, and this year, she led the Pace team to the highest fundraising total in school history. “The funds raised through the Atlanta chapter of Swim Across America benefit cancer research at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” Kate said. “I am so grateful that I have been able to use my love for swimming along with my artistic ability to directly impact my local community.”
Nathaniel Jackson, 15
Academe of the Oaks
Nathaniel is proud of his contributions to Blessing Bags of Warmth, a nonprofit supporting the homeless in Metro Atlanta, where he volunteers regularly. At school, he’s also actively involved in the Service Club and the International Club, where he took on a key role in organizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Helping his classmates celebrate their culture was especially meaningful for him, as he felt he was building a more inclusive and proud school community. “Giving back to the community gives me the greatest gift of all: knowing that I could make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
Gabe Elkinson, 17
The Paideia School
Gabe launched the first Southeast chapter of PingPongParkinson, a nonprofit organization that uses the game to keep those suffering with Parkinson’s Disease active and engaged. His second cousin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at a young age and benefited from joining the organization. After many months of research, Zoom calls, outreach to neurology organizations, patient advocacy groups, and coaches, Gabe and a classmate launched PingPongParkinson in Atlanta. Since the spring of 2023, the group has met weekly on Sundays with professional coaches to develop and hone balance and motor skills. They have brought in additional volunteers and are helping to grow the footprint of the larger organization, which now boasts 100+ branches across six continents. And for Gabe, it’s opened his eyes to new areas of interest, combining a love of the game with the ability to help others. “What started out as a way to help people through ping pong has become so much more. It has been rewarding to watch PingPongParkinson Atlanta transform into a community.”
Sydni Hope, 16
Greater Atlanta Christian School
Sydni is the two-term Teen Community Service & Foundation Chair for the Dunwoody Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, a national nonprofit organization that stimulates the growth and development of children. She is also an active participant in the Leaders of Tomorrow program with the National Black MBA Association. Sydni is also the founder and creator of Sports x Sparkle (IG: @sosportsxsparkle), an online community for individuals passionate about sports, sports medicine, and sports leadership. The platform promotes a positive mindset through adversity, celebrating the spirit of perseverance whether on or off the field. Her goal is to ultimately create a space where fans and athletes connect, uplift each other, and find strength through shared experiences and the pursuit of excellence. “I have always enjoyed giving back to the community, and I am reminded of the honor and privilege it has been for me to serve others and make an impact around the world,” she said.
20 Under 20 Runners-Up
Mary Sellers Conley, 16
The Westminster Schools
Mary created The Best Little Bookmobile, a nonprofit that brings donated books to neighborhoods where children lack access to reading materials.
Miriam Darb, 15
Midtown High School
Miriam organized a school-wide walkout and phone banking events to encourage people to vote for candidates who would support gun control in the wake of the Walton High School shooting.
Katherine (Kate) Lim, 17
Chamblee High School
Kate recently received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 100 service hours in a 12-month period. She is also active with Bagel Rescue’s Teen Advisory Board and Pebble Tossers.
Mary Shamon Ayala, 17
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Mary was a participant at Caminar Latino, a non-profit in Georgia that helps Hispanic families going through domestic violence, and now volunteers bi-weekly with young children in the same situation.
Keren Clay, 16
Lakeside High School
A two-time survivor, Keren is active in numerous charities raising money for cancer research and is participating in the Swim Across America fundraiser, among other endeavors.
Fiona Callahan, 16
Wesleyan School
Fiona led the Shoe Project fundraiser and has served on mission trips to the Dominican Republic twice which involved building a playground, mentoring children, and leading Vacation Bible School in Spanish.
Davis Kramer, 16
Saint Francis High School
Davis and his family created the nonprofit Special Operations Care Fund, which addresses critical gaps in healthcare, mental health, and family support for veterans. He also donates unique artwork from his business, Tiny Soldiers Flags, and has raised $200,000 to the nonprofit.
Sydney Moss, 17
Chamblee High School
Sydney holds an annual “Concert for a Cause,” which has raised more than $58,000 for biliary atresia (BA) research through the Sydney Moss Fund. Due to her fundraising efforts, the Transplant Education room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s new Arthur M. Blank Hospital is named in her honor.
Gabe Alterman, 17
The Mount Vernon School
Gabe recently organized “Play Your Heart Out,” which brought together basketball teams from across the region for a fundraiser benefitting Save A Child’s Heart. The event raised an $55,000 for the charity.
Arabella Isaacs, 17
Atlanta International School
Arabella created teenhealthawareness.org in 2022 while working as a medical clinic volunteer. She also raises funds and awareness surrounding metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).