Meet the 2024-2025 City Spotlights Teen Leaders

Amia, 16, is a rising junior and is returning to City Spotlights for the second year in a row. Amia is an active member of OrigiNation Dance troup, with which she performs regularly. Amia has recently started her own business and looks forward to pursuing a career in the performing arts. She hopes to one day work as an actor or model and is inspired by artists like Tyler the Creator.

Anastasia, 17, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. Anastasia recently graduated from high school where they were involved in theatre club, art club and animal care. She is proud of her accomplishments as a performer and song writer and more than anything is proud of the responsibility she has taken on by adopting her new cat!

Aziah, 15, is returning to City Spotlights for the second summer and is excited to write more music with the other Teen Leaders. In the fall they will be entering her junior year where she is involved in Chess Club, Drama Club and Glee Club. She is proud of getting on honor roll and pushing herself to share her music!

Brianna, 15, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. At school she plays instruments for different concerts and she plays piano at her church. She loves music and is proud of her evolving skills in piano and guitar. She is bi-lingual and is inspired by the artist Jorja Smith.

Chris, 18, is returning to City Spotlights for the third summer in a row after recently graduating from high school! While in high school he was involved in his school’s art and theatre clubs. Chris is proud of his achievements including being a Student of the Quarter and receiving an award for best makeup at the METG Festival. He is looking forward to attending UMass Amherst in the fall and one day hopes to be an animator.

Daisy, 17, is joining City Spotlights for the third time this summer. In the fall Daisy be entering their senior year of high school where she involved in GSA, Chess Club, and has been a part of multiple productions. Outside of school Daisy volunteers at a retirement home and is passionate about igniting conversations regarding learning and our school systems.

Gabriela is excited to be returning to City Spotlights for the second time this summer in the Dance Specialty. Gabriela is a fan of spending her time doing yoga and is proud of the works she does in her community! She hopes to one day pursue a career working with computers. Gabriela is inspired by her sisters and her parents.

Hada, 17, is excited to be returning to City Spotlights for the second summer. In the fall Hada will be entering the 12th grade and is involved in sports such as swimming, track and volleyball. Hada is proud of their academic achievements and one day hopes to pursue a career in robotics or astronomy. 

Janaya, 15, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. In the fall Janaya will be entering her sophomore year where she will be involved in theatre, art, volleyball and writing. Janaya is proud of her accomplishments in achieving honor roll and she is currently writing a book. Janaya is interested in one day studying zoology, creative writing, acting or singing.

Janell,14, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. She is excited to be entering her freshman year this upcoming fall. At school she is involved in gospel choir and wants to one day attend Berklee College of Music to study music or architecture. Janell is passionate about singing and is inspired by artists like Melanie Martinez.

Jaythan, 14, is excited to be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer.  He will be entering the 9th grade this fall and is involved in theatre and sports lincluding flag football, basketball, soccer and baseball. Jaythan is passionate about making change in the world and is inspired by artists like Lin Manual Miranda.

Jayden is 14 and is excited to be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. At school, he is passionate about the visual arts and one day hopes to be a doctor.

Jenna, 15, will be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. Jenna will be entering her sophomore year in the fall and is involved in dance clubs at school, multiple cultural clubs and participates in DEEP tutoring at a local Community Center. She is proud of her academic honors and received 1st place achievement in her school’s MLK Essay Contest. She has been influenced greatly by her sister who pushes her and supports her. She looks up to artists like Ariana Grande and is excited to meet other artists this summer!

Kamsi, 14, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. She will be entering her freshman year this fall and is involved in sports, drama club and student government. She is proud of her work in the school productions Annie and Aladdin at her school and is inspired by artists that are like her.

Kellysha, 14, is be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer! Kellysha is excited to be entering her freshman year this upcoming fall. She has been involved in Debate and is looking forward to joining Cheer this year. She is also interested in pursuing a career in dance or law! 

Kevin, 17, recently graduated high school! He is a part of Bottom Line and is most proud of his ability to adapt to new environments. He is an honor roll student and is looking forward to attending UMass Boston in the fall.

Khamyra, 15, is joining City Spotlights for the second summer in a row. In the fall Khamyra will be entering her sophomore year where she is involved in both Theatre and the Step and Stroll Team. Khamyra is proud of making honor roll and her dedication to learning the Japanese language. She hopes to continue nourishing her creativity and hopes to always be an artist.

Kyleigh. 17, is returning to City Spotlights for the second summer and will be entering her senior year in the fall. At school Kyleigh is involved in lacrosse, softball, volleyball, hockey, track and cheer. Kyleigh is proud of breaking a school record for hurtles in track. Kyleigh is inspired by artists like A Boogie and hopes to one day attend Nursing school.

Laniya, 17, will be entering her senior year this upcoming school year. At school Laniya is involved in the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Club and the Black Student Union. She is proud to have maintained honor roll since 7th grade and has received various dance awards. She spends her free time involved in competitive dance at The Dance Center where she also volunteers with younger students. She is inspired by artists such as Maya Angelou and Halle Bailey.

Leilah, 16, is joining the dance specialty of City Spotlights for the second summer! This fall Leilah will be entering her junior year of high school where she is involved with dance, basketball and theatre and studies violin. Leilah is proud of the accomplishments of her dance team and is inspired by artists like SZA.

Luz, 17, is returning to City Spotlights for the second summer and is excited to be back in the acting specialty. At school, Luz is involved in track and volleyball and participates in the community swim team after school. Luz is proud of her academic accomplishments and achievements and looks forward to one day studying robotics engineering and astronomy at MIT. Luz is inspired by artists like Anothony Ramos and is motivated by the support of her parents.

Mia, 16, is returning to City Spotlights for the second time this summer after completing Teen Leadership Council during the '23-'24 school year. Mia is looking forward to entering her junior year in the fall where she is involved in dance club. She is proud of her academic achievements and of the progress she has made creating her own dance pieces. She is inspired by artists like Beyonce, Tricia Miranda, Little Mix and Coco Jones.

Mia, 15, will be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. In the fall Mia will be entering their sophomore year and is involved in Concert Choir, Show Choir, Theatre and Gymnastics. Mia is a passionate and joyful dancer who has been dancing since the age of 3 and is inspired by artists like Jorge Rivera-Herrans!

Raheema, 16, is returning to City Spotlights for the second time this summer after completing Teen Leadership Council during the 23-24 school year. She will be entering her junior year this upcoming fall and is involved in basketball, skateboarding, and acting at school. She is proud of getting accepted into the National Honor Society and of her growth as an actress. She hopes to one day pursue a career in film.

Rasheed, 15, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer after completing the Boch Center’s Teen Leadership Council school year program. Rasheed is proud of the production and composition of his music and videos. He hopes to one day pursue a career in voice acting and explore a variety of endeavors within the media and entertainment industry.

Shai-Anne, 16, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. She is a rising junior and is excited to be a part of an Emerson Theatre program at her school. She is also involved in Sports Silat (Martial Arts) and Self Defense. She is proud to have received multiple academic honors and hopes to further her career as an actress.

Shariyah, 15, is excited to be joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer! She will be entering her sophomore year in the fall and is involved in both dance team and gymnastics. She is proud of her academic growth and determination, and looks up to her Aunt and artists like Childish Gambino for their wisdom.

Shavorie, 17, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. At school Shavorie is involved in Urban Improv, Cheer, Cosmetology and NEXT Leadership. Shavorie is proud of their dedication to their artistry and performing their original sounds and dances.

Thanh, 16, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. In the fall Thanh will be entering 11th grade where she is involved in dance clubs. She also spends her time volunteering for an array of public events around her community. Thanh is passionate about creating art and is inspired by artists like Beabadoobee. 

T’naya, 16, is returning to City Spotlights for the second summer. T’naya will be entering her junior year this fall and is involved in basketball, her school’s debate team and double dutch team. T’naya has been a Teen Counselor at the YMCA and is excited to have another great summer at the Boch Center's City Spotlights program.

Victoria, 17, is joining City Spotlights for the first time this summer. In the fall Victoria will be entering her senior year of high school where she is involved in theatre club. Victoria also enjoys taking singing classes and participating in her school’s musical. Victoria is proud of her accomplishments including receiving honor roll and getting accepted into the National Honor Society. Victoria is a fan of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and is interested in one day pursuing a career on Broadway.