GTA recognized five youth leaders who have demonstrated leadership through service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, entrepreneurship, environmental efforts and other contributions to their high schools and communities.
The students recognized through the GTA Youth Leader Program are Nehal Kodiyamplakkal, a junior from Harvest Christian Academy, Makoa Kahele, senior, Father Denuas Memorial School, Clara Kim, junior, St. John's School, Kyria Lim, senior, Tiyan High School,
and Alwyn Lin, senior, St. John's School.
Kim, who is involved in academics, music, athletics, research and environmental work received additional recognition as one of two 2026-2027 Top GTA Youth Leaders.
"She is a longtime cross-country runner and violinist and holds leadership positions in her school’s Glee Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Orchestra. Her six-month research project on the Guam Land Trust Act earned first place at the 2026 Guam History Day Competition and led to her representing Guam at the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C. Through Guam Green Growth, she has also created Guam-inspired products and helped collect and sort more than 80 pounds of plastic each week," GTA said.
Kodiyamplakkal also received the designation and was recognized for her leadership including service, youth advocacy, behavioral health, environmental work and entrepreneurship.
"As FBLA President, she helped lead an initiative that raised more than $25,000 for Harvest House. She was also the first and only youth from Guam selected to attend the 2026 CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute. She now chairs the developing Thrive Youth Coalition, which focuses on prevention and behavioral health education. Nehal is also co-founder of Guaiya Tasi, a youth-led organization that holds monthly beach cleanups and has helped remove nearly 2,000 pounds of trash from Guam’s coastlines.," GTA said.
Both students will receive 100,000 United MileagePlus miles for travel to approved competitions, conferences, educational opportunities and other leadership experiences.
All five students will receive an iPad Air and $1,000 scholarship. GTA said the program is part of its commitment to supporting and recognizing young people making a difference in Guam.
Lin was recognized for excelling in academics and public health and community service.
"He has earned recognition in science and mathematics, including a bronze medal representing Team Guam at the International Conference for Young Scientists and first place at the University of Guam Math Competition. He has gained hands-on experience as a clinical research intern at Guam Memorial Hospital and has pursued additional healthcare training. As President of the Awareness for Special Kids Club, he leads athletic sessions with Special Olympics Guam and Autism Community Together, while also organizing youth conferences and fundraisers. He is also active in environmental efforts through his school’s Environmental Club," GTA said.
Lim was recognized for her active role in student leadership, school productions, service and the arts.
"As a class council officer, she helped strengthen student engagement and supported fundraising and school activities. She also founded Tiyan High School’s first Drama Club, which grew to more than 15 members in its first year. Through her work as a KUAM Spark Ambassador, she has participated in community giving initiatives and created public service videos covering youth leadership, education, social media and civic engagement. Her creative work has also earned recognition, including first place in the Micronesia Challenge Guam Art Competition," GTA said.
Kahele was acknowledged for his student leadership.
"He served as Executive Chairperson of the 2025 Songfest, helping coordinate an event that generated more than $100,000 in net profit for his school. He is also a dedicated football and rugby athlete and represents Guam through the Guam Rugby Club Barbarians. Makoa has also worked with Guam’s youth as a counselor at a University of Guam athletic summer camp," GTA said.
