The Sebastian Exchange Club Youth of the Year Program recognizes students who have attained high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement, and leadership. The two Youth of the Year recipients are chosen from the Sebastian River High School seniors, one male, and one female, who were winners of the Youth of the Month program throughout the current school year.
To receive this honor, each applicant submitted his/her essay in response to the following: “In a world that is constantly changing and ever-evolving, our youth play critical roles in shaping the future of their communities. From advocating to leading, young people are taking charge and making significant impact. How have you personally contributed to society, and how do you envision your future in community service?”
Sage Davidian (Sebastian River High School)
Sage Davidian is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.5 Weighted GPA. He has been a K-12 IB student, a member of the National Honor Society, is WordPress Certified and Agriculture Certified in Biotech, the Senior Class Treasurer, a member of the FBLA, Pickleball Member, First Priority Club Member and Peer-to-Peer mentor at Fellsmere Elementary.
He has been a Science Fair Judge at Liberty Magnet and Camp Counselor at Liberty Magnet’s WOW Camp. He has served as a Field Marshall at the IRSA Soccer Vero Cup Tournament. He is a volunteer at the Firefighter’s Fair. Sage worked at Squid Lips as a busser and currently works as a lifeguard at the North County pool. He loves to play all sports, fish, and draw, and wants to pursue a career in the medical field.
Sage’s essay, “A Glimpse of Life,” talks about his deep connection with his surgeon and the unbreakable bond they formed. The doctor’s love for the medical field was evident and inspired Sage to pursue a similar career path. When he later heard that the doctor had passed away, he was devastated.
“He changed my life as well as those of many other individuals. This is a tragedy that will live with me forever. It unlocked my passion for the medical field. Helping others and having an influential impact is not only a dream, but a goal that I will reach one day. As I further my education in biology, I plan to become an anesthesiologist. I have a plan, and I will make it a reality,” Sage stated.
In accepting his award, Sage thanked “all who made this possible.” He plans to attend UCF to further his studies.
Sophia King (Sebastian River High School)
Sophia King is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.525 weighted GPA and ranked 10th in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar, and she has received the College Board’s National Rural & Small-Town Recognition Program and National Hispanic Recognition Program.
She is an exemplary student and campus leader and the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. Sophia had active leadership in the Florida Future Business Leaders Region III Vice President and District 17 President. She has also served on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and Senior Class Representative, allowing her to represent the student body with the high school and district administration.
Sophia wrote, “While I have been involved in many leadership positions and extracurriculars throughout high school, my most significant societal contribution has been my work with Ohana Stronger Together, a non-profit that is focused on small-town disaster relief.” As Social Media Director and Website Developer she played a role in increasing hurricane damage awareness and the organization itself. With her experience and certifications in website design she built and managed the “Ohana Stronger Together” website, ensuring that it effectively communicated the organization’s mission, highlighted past and upcoming events, and provided an easily assessable platform for donations.
In the future Sophia plans to continue her work with “Ohana Stronger Together” as well as other non-profit organizations in order to continue giving back to her community. She plans to attend the University of Florida next year to continue her studies with a major in management and marketing and learn about other non-profit organizations in which she can be involved. In accepting her award, Sophia thanked our club, her family, and teachers “for this incredible honor.”
The A.C.E. Award
The A.C.E. Award is given to a senior at Sebastian River High School chosen by its counselors and teachers for their ability to rise above circumstances and obstacles to achieve excellence.
Mia VanAntwerp (Sebastian River High School)
Mia VanAntwerp is an exceptional student who excels academically at SRHS and currently has a 4.0 weighted GPA. She has challenged herself by taking a combination of Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and International Baccalaureate courses. Mia is very active at school and the larger community. She is a leader for Vacation Bible School at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, involved with Future Business Leaders of America, the Peer-to-Peer Club, and the SRHS rowing team. In addition she has worked at Rib City Restaurant in Grant Station for the past 4 years.
Her academic and personal successes are very impressive in light of the personal challenges that she has faced in the last several years.
In her essay about events in her life she is most proud of, Mia wrote about learning resilience and strength when her estranged mother came back into her life after 14 years. It turned her world upside down and she struggled with making choices. It was then that she decided to do things for herself. “This challenging experience with my mother made me realize the person I want to become and that I have the heart and mind to overcome and achieve anything.”
“In the future I plan to become an elementary school teacher at a Florida public school. In the summer, I start classes with the STEP (Supporting Teacher Education Pre-professionals) program at the University of Central Florida. In the following years, I plan to be a college student majoring in elementary education and intern as a teacher’s assistant. I plan to make a difference in the future generation and encourage kids to have a fun learning experience. I hope that kids can look up to me as a role model. I hope to truly care for and inspire future generations of children to become the best versions of themselves and shoot for the moon. I hope to make the world a better place by making it my mission to empower every child, no matter their challenges, and encourage them to chase their dreams.” In accepting her award Mia thanked everyone for supporting her.
Exchange Club of Sebastian
The Sebastian Exchange Club, part of a national network, supports community causes, notably child abuse prevention. Through its sole fundraiser, the Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament, the club has donated over $1 million to local nonprofits and worthy causes.
The Blue Water Open will be Saturday, May 31, 2025, with the Captain’s Meeting on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Captain Hiram’s Resort. Support great causes by sponsoring the BWO or join the fun. Offshore anglers can register for a shot at the $21,000 prize. Visit www.bluewateropen.com for details on the BWO and Sebastian Exchange Club.
FEATURED EVENTS
