Kuna Youth Awards 2025

2025 Awardees

Rylee Dixon

Rylee is an exceptional student and an extraordinary young leader who exemplifies dedication, compassion, and integrity in all areas of her life. Her journey through the Kuna Dual Language Program, where she embraced the Spanish language with enthusiasm and commitment, underscores her intellectual curiosity and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Beyond the classroom, Rylee’s passion for music is truly inspiring. She is a talented ukulele player and generously uses her musical gifts to serve others. Currently, she uses a block of her time to teach and mentor two second-grade students, nurturing their confidence and creativity through music. Her willingness to share her talents reflects her kind heart and her deep commitment to uplifting others.

Despite facing personal challenges, like managing anxiety, Rylee has shown remarkable resilience, balancing her well-being with her academic pursuits. Rylee has shown remarkable resilience, learning how to manage her anxiety with healthy coping techniques, self-awareness, and unwavering determination.  Her outstanding academic performance is a testament to her dedication and love of learning.

Her leadership extends beyond the classroom and into her community, where she has played a vital role in organizing her church youth group’s participation in service events like Rake Up Boise, which supports senior citizens. Rylee worked closely with adult leaders to plan and execute this initiative, ensuring its success through meticulous organization and communication. Her ability to inspire and motivate her peers, ensuring that every participant felt involved and appreciated, speaks volumes about her character. Under her leadership, the youth group raked leaves, cleared debris, and helped beautify yards for several elderly community members who were no longer able to maintain them on their own.

Rylee was proudly nominated by Reed Elementary 2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher, Chris Dixon. 

Brandon Mankle

Brandon's journey is a remarkable testament to the strength of character and determination. In December of 2023, he took a significant step by deciding to sponsor a child from another country through the organization Compassion International. This decision was not just a one-time gesture but a commitment that required continuous effort and dedication. Brandon has shown incredible resilience by organizing bake sales and lemonade stands, and he is currently channeling his creativity into making jewelry to earn the funds necessary for his monthly sponsorship dues.

Beyond his fundraising efforts, Brandon's actions reflect a profound sense of empathy and kindness towards others. By sponsoring a child, he is not only providing financial support but also offering hope and opportunities for a better future. His compassion extends beyond borders and exemplifies the importance of reaching out to those in need, no matter the distance. Brandon is always showing compassion for others; he is truly deserving of being recognized for all he does.

Brandon was proudly nominated by his teacher, Jacqueline Sodaro. 

Emmanuel Ndikubwimana

Emmanuel has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic excellence, community service, and leadership, making him an outstanding candidate for this honor. 

In the classroom, Emmanuel stands out as a dedicated and hardworking individual. His ability to grasp complex concepts, engage thoughtfully in discussions, and support his peers in their academic journeys is unparalleled. Whether through group projects or independent study, Emmanuel consistently goes above and beyond, earning the respect and admiration of both teachers and classmates alike.

Beyond academics, Emmanuel has made significant contributions to our community. He is an active volunteer with Rake Up Kuna, the Kuna Food Bank, and his church youth camp, where he has shown compassion, initiative, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Emmanuel's commitment to service extends beyond his immediate surroundings, as he organizes fundraisers with his football team, participates in clean-up initiatives, and mentors’ younger students. His ability to identify needs and mobilize resources showcases his dedication to making a positive impact. Emmanuel’s kindness and willingness to serve others are a testament to his character and his commitment to creating a better world.

What truly sets Emmanuel apart is his leadership qualities. As a JROTC member, he inspires others with his vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence. His ability to motivate and bring people together for a common cause demonstrates not only his personal dedication but also his potential to make a lasting difference in any community he is a part of. He is always the first to help, whether it's mentoring younger students, organizing drives to support families in need, or advocating for positive change within his school and local community.

Emmanuel was proudly nominated by his school counselor, Julia Collopy.