Forty-two students from area high schools have been chosen to participate in the Greater Des Moines’ Youth Leadership Initiative. The initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership provides sophomore or junior high school students with mentoring and leadership experiences that enhance self-esteem and encourage involvement in all levels of community life. Nelson Construction & Development is sponsoring this year’s class. 

Antonio Angel, Van Meter High School

Jacob Barr, North Polk High School

Sean Boles, Van Meter High School

Nate Ramirez, Carlisle High School

Marcus Chew, Valley High School

Peyton Chilton, Waukee High School

Breton Clark, Valley High School

Sophia David, Woodward-Granger High School

Josiah De Valois, North Polk High School

Arleth DeAvila, Lincoln High School

Natalie Elizalde, Ankeny Centennial High School

Caroline Fink, Dowling Catholic High School

Nolan Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes High School

Kallie Hirl, Norwalk High School

Chase Johnston, East High School

Tyler Juffernbruch, Indianola High School

Omer Kantarevic, Johnston High School

Jason Koromo, Hoover High School

Joshua Lawless, Carlisle High School

Drake Leek, Norwalk High School

George Long, Dowling Catholic High School

Achol Makuet, Roosevelt High School

John Martin Jr., Hoover High School

Katie Michalski, Johnston High School

Jacob Mulcahy, Ankeny High School

Megan Nelson, Valley High School

Robert Nishimwe, North High School

Delefine Niyigena, North High School

Katie Reeder, Johnston High School

Valerie Rike, Homeschool – West Des Moines HSAP

Jackson Rutto, Urbandale High School

Brooke Seller, Dallas Center-Grimes High School

Shantelia Shook, Lincoln High School

Timaris Shumpert, East High School

Chaimae Sibouih, Roosevelt High School

Marissa Vandermark, Waukee High School

Varun Vepa, Urbandale High School

Claire Ward, Southeast Polk High School

Roan Wilhelm, Ankeny Centennial High School

Connor Willeford, Southeast Polk High School

Nicholas Worthington, Lincoln High School

Sankalp Yamsani, Waukee High School