24. Brendan Salisbury, 18
Brendan Salisbury, a senior at Barry Goldwater High School in Phoenix, was named a 2024 Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year. A passionate mental health advocate, Brendan founded his school’s first mental health club and collaborated with staff to establish Arizona’s first student and staff wellness centers. His efforts earned him recognition as a 2023 Bezos Scholar, making him only the second Arizonan to receive the honor. Partnering with the Xan You Matter Foundation, Brendan is working to expand wellness centers across the Deer Valley Unified School District. He plans to study neuroscience and pursue a career as a physician-scientist.