THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS is looking for standout students for its 2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards.
The awards, part of the county’s annual celebration of the legacy of civil rights leader and labor activist César E. Chávez, recognize students aged 12 to 18 who make significant contributions to their community.
Nitya Varanasi is one of those students. Now a junior at California High School in San Ramon, in 2024 as a 9th grader Varanasi was honored with the Youth Hall of Fame’s Good Samaritan award for her dedication in helping others while not seeking recognition.
“By receiving (the award), I hope to show other students that your age or background never should limit you from making an impact,” Varanasi said. “I want to inspire my peers to realize that it’s never too late or early to make a difference.”
Varanasi serves as a lead volunteer at the nonprofit Luv Michael, where she fundraises and advocates for autistic adults by supporting their vocational training and employment. She is also registering her own nonprofit, SMILE As One, which aims to build an inclusive community for individuals with neurological conditions.
“In honoring these students, we also honor the legacy of César Chávez, who championed service, social justice, and the power of collective action,” said Contra Costa County District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, who was recently named vice chair of the Board of Supervisors.
This year’s César Chávez celebration theme is Rooted in Resilience, Enraizados en la Resiliencia.
“Meaningful social change often requires resilience and moral stamina,” Carlson continued. “Recognizing perseverance in the Youth Hall of Fame Awards demonstrates that even when life presents difficult circumstances, when you push through hardship what once felt impossible becomes achievable.”
Award dates back to 1998
The Youth Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by then-Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier, now a U.S. congressman representing the 10th Congressional District, to recognize the positive contributions of youth by highlighting their dedication and service to peers, schools and communities.
The inaugural class of four youths and one adult advocate was inducted during the 1998 César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration. Over the years, dozens of students have been honored for achievements such as founding nonprofits and demonstrating exceptional community service. The award categories have changed over the years to align with the values exemplified by Chávez: Good Samaritan; Volunteerism; Teamwork; Leadership and Civic Engagement; Perseverance; and Innovation and Empowerment.
HOW TO NOMINATE A YOUTH FOR RECOGNITION
Nominations for the Youth Hall of Fame must be submitted by Feb. 20.
For more information or to download the application, go to the Contra Costa County website.
Submissions can be uploaded to the website or emailed to Lia Bristol. Questions regarding the process can be directed to the County Administrator’s Office at 925-655-2350.
Aria Capelli won the Good Samaritan award in 2023 while a student at The Athenian School in Danville. She cofounded a nonprofit that creates volunteer opportunities for teens and said the experience has been very rewarding.
“I am a firm believer that if you have passion and determination, you can make it happen and will find the time to do so,” she said.
Capelli, who graduated in 2024, is now a sophomore at Cornell University, balancing academics with rowing and swimming, and she continues her commitment to service through mentorship.
“Adjusting to college can be a huge transition for some, and I am grateful that I have had amazing role models and people to guide me; so I always want to do the same,” she said.
Carlson noted: “Recognizing teamwork reinforces that progress only happens when people work together. Young people who understand the importance of teamwork emerge as leaders because they recognize that success is built through collaboration.”
Educators, mentors and community members are invited to submit nominations. The application requires a form and a letter of recommendation explaining why the student deserves recognition.
Carlson and Board of Supervisors Chair Diane Burgis will oversee the presentation at the 32nd Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on March 31, at 11 a.m. in the board chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Contra Costa Television and streamed on the county website.
Shaurya Chauhan is an 11th grader at California High School in San Ramon, the News Lite editor and social media writer on the school paper, The Californian, and a CCYJ reporter.
This story originally appeared in CCSpin.