Say Hello to This Year’s Southbay 20 Under 20
The future looks bright.
- CategoryPeople
Madeline Tello
18 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Inglewood
Greatest Hits:
- Created documentary film Reel Women
- Film internship in Chile
- Ballet and Mexican folkloric dancer
Future Goals:
Be a driving force to bring a greater amount of diversity to the film industry and create work that inspires more women of color to pursue a life in the arts, as well as to advocate for their unique stories.
“As a feminist, I believe that women have a right to the same opportunities and respect that are available to men. I hope that discriminatory norms that are embedded in our culture—such as the wage gap and lack of policies that support paid maternity leave—will be left behind by future generations.”
#lightscameraaction
Dylan Iskandar
15 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Accomplished pianist and guitarist
- Solo debut at Carnegie Hall at 14
- Winner of the worldwide 2019-2020 Google Code-in competition
Future Goal:
Create a start-up company to empower less fortunate kids with free and accessible education on technology and music.
“Our generation is capable of changing the world through our ability to create mass movements. In the day of the internet, we are capable of globally rallying together for the greater good of our world.”
#goingplaces
Alexis Ferguson
17 | Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes
Greatest Hits:
- Competed on first season of Chopped Junior
- Started the organization Nourish and Flourish
- Conducts cooking classes for underprivileged kids
Biggest Hope:
That everyone is educated and exposed to how simple and delicious healthy eating can be.
“My generation is capable of changing the world because our lives revolve around technology. From a phone to a television, we can influence millions of people and share our ideas. I have an Instagram account for food with followers from around the world. It is amazing to see how I am influencing someone in another continent through my food.”
#culinaryjourney
Luke Antaky
17 | South Torrance High
Hometown: Torrance
Greatest Hits:
- Fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Accomplished debater
- Vice president of operations for Congressman Ted Lieu’s Youth Advisory Council
Biggest Hope:
That people start living in the moment and appreciating what we have right now in the real world, rather than what’s on Instagram or Twitter.
“Teens right now are organizing marches for issues they care about. People in my generation do not believe in waiting for their turn to make a difference, and they definitely don’t believe in staying silent.”
#worksmarternotharder
Ryan Rossow
18 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Seven-time Junior Olympian in water polo and swim
- Recipient of President’s Award for Academic Achievement
- Founder and president of the South Bay Food Initiative
Proudest Accomplishment:
Educating tens of thousands of people about food insecurity and providing hundreds of fellow students with the opportunity to be a part of a collective effort to help feed more than 100,000 people in Los Angeles.
“Approximately one-third of all food produced is wasted. If we could recover it, we could feed all 795 million food-insecure people on the planet and reduce about 8% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. I believe that through the expansion of our model, we can engage millions of teenagers globally.”
#helpandheal
Cooper Powers
17 | Chadwick School
Hometown: Redondo Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Conservationist at Palos Verdes Land Conservancy
- Leader of school’s Sustainability Council
- Launched a plant biology study for endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly
Future Goals:
Tour local elementary schools attended by underprivileged students and educate them on climate change. Also, create a leadership academy to train a diverse, motivated group of students to be environmental leaders in their own local communities.
“My core value is being authentic and not allowing the thoughts and behaviors of others to determine my own.”
#environfluential
Brianna Cronyn
18 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Raises money through art for children’s cardiac care
- Organized a student art show at a local gallery
- Supports a nonprofit organization that builds wells in Africa
Proudest Accomplishment:
Overcoming challenges to pursue her artistic, academic and philanthropic goals while always being there for her family and friends.
“My biggest hope is for everyone to have access to medical care—regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status or national origin.”
#compassionate
Brandon Yoon
16 | Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes
Greatest Hits:
- Varsity golf and swim as a freshman
- CIF finalist
- Training for 2024 Olympics
How Others Describe Him:
A fun, loving kid who takes accountability of his own actions and will give it all at all times.
“I decided to let go my dream of playing golf professionally in order to pursue my goal to swim for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics. It showed me that I can make tough decisions that will eventually impact my life and be able to live with that decision whether I succeed or not.”
#nevergiveup
Maya Brawer-Cohen
17 | Vistamar School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Traveled to 40 countries
- High-altitude climber
- Full-time intern at the UCLA Brain Mapping Center
Biggest Hope:
Pursue an MD in neurology and add her piece to the puzzle of the brain.
“Throughout my 17 years, I have taken advantage of every opportunity I have been presented with diligently—whether it be dissecting brains or climbing mountains. It is because of this dedication that I am on this list, and I plan to continue this trend for as long as I can.”
#worldtravelingbrainsurgeoninprogress
Joshua Masuda
17 | Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates
Greatest Hits:
- Field study intern in Mongolia with a stem cell research laboratory
- Published a study called “Changing the World: Climate Change and a Path for Future Generations”
- Tennis team captain
Future Goals:
Pursue a career in research and help find technologies to reduce our carbon footprint.
“My generation is filled with hardworking and passionate people who want to have a positive impact on society and can change the world. We have more of an inclusive culture and a desire for fairness and equality in the world.”
#tirelesspursuit
Kami Miner
17 | Redondo Union High School
Hometown: Redondo Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Selected for 2019 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team
- Won gold medal at FIVB U18 World Championships in Egypt
- 2019 CIF Southern Section Division 1 champ
Impactful Event:
Death of her grandmother last May. Her love of cooking inspired Kami to prepare meals for the Ronald McDonald House.
“I think my generation is capable of changing the world for better by approaching challenges with fearlessness and not being afraid to push the limits on what is possible.”
#courtingsuccess
Daniel Johnson
18 | Palos Verdes High School
Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates
Greatest Hits:
- College baseball recruit
- Church leader
- Overcoming visual impairment
Biggest Hope:
To be seen as a light in this world who can lead others toward joy and community, rather than hate and separation.
“The generation that I am a part of is extraordinarily vocal. My generation wants to be heard and knows exactly how to do so.”
#fortunate
Amalia Goshtigian
14 | Rolling Hills Prep
Hometown: Hermosa Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Aspiring musician and opera singer
- Multidisciplinary instrumentalist
- Promising poet
Future Goals:
Be a good inspiration and role model for up-and-coming actors and actresses. Work to find solutions for the problem of climate change.
“I think my generation has a very forward way of thinking that keeps us motivated. We are very driven by the hopes that we can heal the world and make it a better place. Even those with a ‘nothing matters’ attitude pitch in, because if nothing matters, then what have you got to lose? More so, you have everything to gain.”
#renaissancegirl
Samuel Takano
18 | Palos Verdes High School
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes
Greatest Hits:
- Editor, reporter and photographer for Live From 205
- Clutch baseball pitcher
- Avid skateboarder
Memorable Moment:
When Korean-American skateboarder Daewon Song skated with him and his friends around a school parking lot. It inspired him to make the same joyful impact on others.
“My core value is similar to taking a test. I don’t want to get stuck worrying about a single problem and miss the rest of the questions.”
#saidaigen (“utmost” in Japanese)
Kirra Troeger
17 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- First person with Down syndrome to make Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguards
- Sandpiper Junior and Girl Scout
- Cheers for Mira Costa
Future Goals:
Learn American Sign Language and be an interpreter for people who are unable to hear.
“Recently I lost my dad to cancer. I saw every day how he was the strongest person on the planet. I will remember everything he taught me like learning how to sail, catching a wave and always being the first one on the dance floor. I am someone because he believed in me.”
#livingmylifelikeitsgolden
Kai Nickerson
17 | Rolling Hills Prep
Hometown: Los Angeles
Greatest Hits:
- 1st place at Junior Olympics for track and field in the high jump
- School photographer
- Will play volleyball for West Point
Biggest Hope:
Graduate from West Point, complete medical school and eventually become a medical examiner.
“I’ve learned quality is better than quantity when it comes to the people you choose to surround yourself with. And I value loyalty within my friendships greatly because I feel safe and secure in knowing I have people who have my back no matter what.”
#itiswhatitis
Liam Coggon
17 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Jazz saxophonist and Outstanding Musician of the Year
- Helped his mother through Stage III breast cancer treatment
- Walk With Sally volunteer
Future Goals:
Pursue environmental engineering and contribute to lessening human impact on the world.
“I have found my generation to be very pragmatic and individualistic. They are realistic thinkers who prioritize personal happiness.”
#shaka
Dylan Charlap
14 | Ad Astra School
Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates
Greatest Hits:
- Represented USA and won at World Junior Tennis Finals
- #4 tennis player in nation for age
- National title at the Boys 14s National Indoor Championships in Chicago
Biggest Hope:
As a vegetarian, he is very conscious of how eating meat negatively impacts the planet. He hopes everybody can do their small part to take care of our earth.
“I try to give 100% in whatever I’m doing. I’m not the smartest kid at my school or the best tennis player, but I know if I continue to work hard, I can achieve all of my goals.”
#thefunnyguyinthegroup
Hailey Staszkow
18 | Mira Costa High School
Hometown: Manhattan Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Founded theatre nonprofit for young adults with developmental disabilities
- Volunteer and counselor at Friendship Foundation
- Talented singer
Future Goals:
To stand for inclusion and inspire others to do the same.
“It’s hard to see both sides of the story at all times, but it’s important to respect other people’s feelings and needs, as well as your own. You never have to agree, but it’s important to understand and work with them. Respect is something wanted by all but demanded by few; however, I believe it is essential in relationships and communities.”
#independent
Lilly Spangler
17 | Redondo Union High School
Hometown: Redondo Beach
Greatest Hits:
- Junior Lifeguards cadet
- Water polo and swim team player
- Body positivity advocate
Core Value:
Self-care is the most important tool one needs to live a long, happy and fulfilled life.
“I am most proud of being able to build my confidence through my teenage years. Although it’s still a work in progress, my confidence in myself has greatly increased, and I have decided to use my knowledge in confidence-building skills to help others around me.”
#sorrynotsorry
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