Photos Courtesy of DVUSD

Two extraordinary DVUSD students were recently recognized as Phoenix City Council District 1’s Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman for 2021.

The City of Phoenix’s Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman (OYMYW) of the Year program recognizes and honors the achievements and positive contributions of youth in their communities.

Outstanding Young Man
Bryce Bustamante, a 2021 graduate of Mountain Ridge High School, was selected as the District 1 Young Man of the Year. He was heavily involved in his school community, wearing many hats on campus. He was an officer of the Theater Department, captain of the varsity swim team, and president of the Mock Trails. Outside of Mountain Ridge, Bustamante served as Phoenix’s Youth Ambassador to Himeji, Japan through Phoenix Sister Cities’ program, and is a regular volunteer in the community.

Outstanding Young Woman
Eden Sapien, a sophomore at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, earned the title of Outstanding Young Woman of the Year for District 1. Sapien is currently working on her two-year prestigious Gold Award project for the Girl Scouts. Her project, “Saving Supplies Saves Lives,” partners with the nonprofit Esperanca to collect and donate surplus, gently used or unused medical equipment and supplies, such as crutches, wheelchairs, etc. These supplies are donated both locally to low-income seniors and to underfunded hospitals internationally in Nicaragua. She has already collected more than $80,000 worth of supplies toward her $150,000 goal. Sapien aspires to study international business following her graduation from SDOHS.

The Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of young people, enhances the perception of youth, and raises community awareness of the positive contributions of youth.

Each year, 16 high school students are selected as council district winners and recognized at an event, along with the teacher who inspired them the most. Each of the district winners will receive a cash award. From the district winners, the two overall winners will be announced and each will receive an additional cash award.

Winners from each council district, and the citywide Young Man and Young Woman of the Year, are recognized at an event and in city publicity materials. District winners also will have an opportunity to participate in citywide programs and special appearances to promote youth issues.