Sami Sonder, 18
Ballerina
You began dancing at age 2 … when did you begin competing?
I began competing when I was 8 years old.
You dance because …
There is no better feeling than performing in front of an audience to make them feel something. Expressing myself through movement is extremely fulfilling to me.
Where have you been training?
I have trained at Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale, as well as Danceology Performing Arts Campus in San Diego.
Where have you performed in the Valley?
I have performed in numerous shows at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre, including recurring performances of The Nutcracker with the Phoenix Ballet.
Some of your award highlights are …
I have been awarded Top 20 Dancer at both The Dance Awards and Radix Nationals. Last summer, I was awarded national collegiate scholarships to three top Bachelor of Fine Arts programs at the New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) College Scholarship Audition. As a scholarship recipient, I performed at The Joyce Theater in New York for NYCDA’s Destiny Rising Gala this spring.
You just graduated from ASU Preparatory Academy. Next, we’ll find you …
Attending New York University Tisch School of the Arts as a dance major.
Professional dream?
I hope to one day become a Radio City Rockette or perform in a professional contemporary company around the world.
Anaik Sachdev, 12
Launched Loving Library
You were just 8 when you launched the Loving Library. What sparked the idea?
My grandma had COVID, and she was in the hospital sick. I FaceTimed her every day, and I saw that she was in a dark, lonely room with nothing to do. During that time, my family and I read books to pass our time. That’s when I thought my grandma and other isolated patients could read books to pass time, like I did. I called the mayor of Phoenix, Mayor Kate Gallego, and asked her which hospital needed the most help. She said Valleywise Health, the county hospital, and that’s when the first chapter of Loving Library began.
What is the Loving Library?
Loving Library is a youth-founded nonprofit that donates books to kids in need to help with mental health. We help kids escape loneliness, depression, and isolation. It's about kids helping other kids!
How many books have been donated so far?
Fifteen thousand to hospitalized patients, the unhoused, abused children, and many more.
How many states have chapters now?
Three so far—Arizona, Texas, and California.
You were on TV to talk about this!
I loved the experience of being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and other local TV stations! At first, I was nervous, but Ellen was so nice and funny. She made it easy and made me forget about the cameras and lights. It is one of my favorite experiences in my life! It also helped me with building my public speaking skills.
Do you have a career in mind yet?
I want to be an NBA player … [but] if I can’t, I would like to be a sports statistician because I love numbers and math.
Sophia Lin, 16
Artist, Activist, And More
You are an incredible artist. What type of art do you do?
Visual art (drawing, acrylic painting) and performing art (dance).
Do you have formal training?
Yes. I am fortunate to have received formal training for both painting and dance since I was 6.
You have artwork hanging at the Arizona Capitol.
I am honored and humbled to be the first-place winner of the Congressional Art Competition at Arizona 1st District in 2024; my acrylic painting Blossom of Becoming is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol. Over the past three years, three of my other paintings highlighting youth resilience have been displayed at the congressman’s office and at the Arizona Capitol.
Besides art, what else are you passionate about?
Speech and debate, writing, community service, public service, and civic engagement.
Cause that means the most to you?
As the child of first-generation immigrants who achieved their American Dream through hard-earned higher education, I am passionate about advocating for education equality through my art. Serving Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC) and State Board of Education Student Advisory Panel, I collaborate with youth change-makers across the state to bridge education resource gaps for students in need.
Your dream career?
I aspire to become an intellectual property lawyer who can contribute to public service by ensuring equal access, providing legal aid, influencing policy, supporting nonprofits, and balancing IP rights with public interest. With the increasing use of digital platforms in education, I hope to help cultivate a legal environment that fosters creativity and innovation while protecting public access to important technological advancements.