The Mayor’s Youth Commission has created an awards program to recognize local youth for outstanding personal achievements and their positive contributions to the Kenosha community. Nomination forms are available in the Mayor’s Office, Room 300 of the Municipal Building, or online at kenosha.org under the Mayor/Administration tab.
During the first nomination period of the 2025–26 school year, seven students met the criteria to receive the Mayor’s Youth Commission Award. They are:
Dallen Arendt
A senior at Tremper High School, Dallen is an excellent student who ranks in the top 5% of his class. He is heavily involved in music and theater and often serves as a section leader or first chair. He is the membership chair for the International Thespian Society. Arendt is known for being grounded, self-aware, and unafraid of challenges. His dedication to the arts is evident through his commitment to both music and theater.
Alexander Beddigs
A senior at Indian Trail High School, Alexander serves as Student Council president, choir social media manager, Madrigal’s Feast singer and jester, pep rally organizer, and a 12–16 Star Member of the Thespian Society. He has taken numerous AP and honors classes. Beddigs, known for making a significant impression in a short period of time, is dedicated to his goals and commitments. He has a strong interest in government and politics.
Lucinda “Lucy” Garrigan
A senior at Tremper High School, Lucy demonstrates determination, empathy, and work ethic in all she does. She is actively involved in both her school and the Kenosha community. She has taken honors and AP classes, serves as secretary of the Thespian Society, and has over 100 hours of community volunteering. Garrigan is recognized for her strong character and bright future.
Da’Varius “Dee” Goss
A ninth-grader at Kenosha School of Language, Da’Varius made a significant impact over the summer by raising money for local and national organizations. Inspired by YouTube creator MrBeast and his “10,000 Random Acts of Kindness” video, Goss used his own money to purchase a violin and began performing outside his home to raise funds for those in need. He donated the proceeds to the Shalom Center in Kenosha and the Ronald McDonald House Foundation.
Goss’s compassion, initiative, and willingness to help others at a young age set him apart. He understands when others need a helping hand and has shown resilience in his own life experiences, including being placed in foster care at 18 months old before being adopted. Goss is a talented athlete who plays soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and hockey. Enrolled in the dual-language program at Kenosha School of Language, he reads, writes, and speaks both English and Spanish. He is known as a strong student and a good friend.
Leena Gustin
A fifth-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School, Leena is consistently friendly and helpful. She frequently assists teachers and FFA leaders and goes above and beyond for her peers. She has befriended new or shy students and has made notable efforts to support classmates who speak little English, even attempting to learn Spanish to better communicate. Gustin encourages inclusivity among her peers and has also shown leadership outside school, including at horse camp. She serves as a Safety Patrol lieutenant and as an altar server at her church. Her willingness to volunteer without expectation of recognition reflects the qualities honored by this award.
Camila Padilla Mendoza
A sixth-grader at KTEC, Camila has volunteered in her classroom during recess and logged over 30 volunteer hours over the summer. She is known for being consistent, reliable, and proactive. Mendoza was nominated and selected as a Character Leader of Trustworthiness. She is recognized for going above and beyond to help others, showing empathy, leadership, trustworthiness, and respect.
Benjamin Van Laningham
A senior at Lakeview Technology Academy, Benjamin founded the Math Club and leads biweekly meetings that foster collaboration and problem-solving. Under his leadership, the team won first place in the Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s Math Contest #1. He also founded the Computer Science Outreach Club, creating opportunities for peers to explore computer science, expanding engagement beyond Lakeview.
Van Laningham has demonstrated strong character through the Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. As an assistant senior patrol leader for two years, he mentored younger scouts and encouraged leadership and service. His Eagle Scout project — restoring the amphitheater at Hawthorn Hollow — raised $924 and mobilized more than 20 volunteers. The restored space continues to serve the community.
As a National Honor Society member, Van Laningham has contributed to the Service Committee by helping plan chapter-wide fundraising events that benefit the school community. His academic honors include AP Calculus BC Student of the Year, AP Computer Science Student of the Year, AP Scholar with Distinction, and the Wisconsin Math Council’s 1st Place C Division Award.
Through academic excellence, service, and leadership, Van Laningham exemplifies the dedication, initiative, and community impact that the Mayor’s Youth Award seeks to honor.
Congratulations to all these Mayor’s Youth Commission recipients!
