KENOSHA, Wis. — Seven Kenosha students were honored this month by the Mayor’s Youth Commission for what city officials describe as exceptional leadership, academic excellence and service to the community. The new award program was created to highlight young people who go beyond expectations in academics, volunteerism or character, according to a press release.
Nomination forms were made available earlier this year both online and at the Mayor’s Office, and the first round of submissions for the 2025–26 school year resulted in seven honorees ranging from elementary school students to high school seniors.
The students recognized include:
Tremper High School senior Dallen Arendt, who ranks academically in the top 5% of his class and has taken on leadership roles in music and theater programs, including serving as membership chair for the International Thespian Society. Arendt was described as grounded, self-aware and unafraid of challenges.
Indian Trail senior Alexander Beddigs serves as Student Council president and is deeply involved in music, theater and school leadership activities. He has completed multiple AP and honors classes and is known for his interest in government and politics.
Tremper senior Lucinda “Lucy” Garrigan was recognized for academic strength, volunteer work and involvement with the International Thespian Society. She has completed AP coursework, volunteered more than 100 hours and is described as empathetic and hardworking.
Ninth-grader Da’Varius “Dee” Goss from Kenosha School of Language was recognized for using street-side violin performances to raise money for charities, including the Shalom Center and Ronald McDonald House Foundation. The press release notes he was inspired by a MrBeast challenge video and that he overcame early adversity, having been adopted after time in foster care. In addition to philanthropy, he plays multiple sports and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grader Leena Gustin was recognized for her kindness and inclusivity. She has been known to help new students, including those with limited English, and has taken it upon herself to learn basic Spanish to improve communication. She also volunteers at school, serves on Safety Patrol and assists as an altar server.
Sixth-grader Camila Padilla Mendoza of KTEC was honored for her leadership and dependability, logging over 30 volunteer hours this summer and consistently offering help to teachers. She was honored as a Character Leader for trustworthiness.
Lakeview Technology Academy senior Benjamin Van Laningham founded both the Math Club and the Computer Science Outreach Club and led his team to a first-place finish in the Wisconsin Mathematics Council competition. He is also an Eagle Scout whose project restored the amphitheater at Hawthorn Hollow. His academic recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction and multiple student-of-the-year awards in advanced math and computer science.
A photo included in the release shows the seven students standing in the Kenosha City Council chambers wearing medals and holding framed certificates.
City officials say the award will be given periodically throughout the school year, with future nomination periods announced online.
Nomination forms remain available on the city website or at the Mayor’s Office.
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One Response
Congratulations kid’s.