The Future of Humanitarian Service is Already Here

By: Easton Bowring

One of my favorite parts of the year is reading through applications for the Utah Young Humanitarian Award.

Every application tells a different story. Some students are organizing food drives. Others are mentoring younger students, supporting refugee families, advocating for mental health, or finding creative ways to address challenges in their communities. By the end of the review process, I always walk away with the same feeling: hope.

This year was no different.

Youthlinc received 100 applications for the 2026 Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian Award sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. Applicants represented 45 high schools and 8 colleges and universities across Utah, each bringing unique experiences, perspectives, and stories of service.

What stood out most wasn't the number of service hours completed or leadership positions held. It was the intentionality behind the service. Again and again, we saw students who weren't looking for recognition. Instead, they were focused on listening to their communities, building partnerships, and creating meaningful impact where it was needed most.

After reviewing an incredibly competitive group of applicants, Youthlinc is honored to recognize two outstanding individuals as the 2026 Utah Young Humanitarian Award recipients.

High School Winner: Ariana Bautista

Ariana Bautista, a student at Mountain Ridge High School, has built an impressive record of service through Latinos in Action, the Compassion Community Center, youth mentorship, tutoring, coaching, and countless community initiatives. But what stood out most was her understanding of what service truly means.

While volunteering at a food pantry, Ariana developed a relationship with an elderly woman who had been displaced from Gaza. Through patience, consistency, and a willingness to listen, Ariana learned that meaningful service is not about fixing someone's problems. It's about preserving dignity, building trust, and recognizing our shared humanity.

As Ariana wrote in her application, "Service was not about being the one in control or 'helping' someone; it was about trust, respect, and shared humanity."

That perspective, combined with her commitment to serving others, made Ariana a standout recipient of this year's award.

College Winner: Zhiting Xu

For Zhiting Xu, a first-generation immigrant and University of Utah student, service begins with listening. Through her work at Primary Children's Hospital, the Maliheh Free Clinic, and numerous community organizations, Zhiting has dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate complex systems and access essential resources.

One experience in particular reshaped her understanding of service. After helping connect a recently arrived Afghan family with community resources, Zhiting realized she had focused on providing solutions before fully understanding their situation. The experience taught her that effective service isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating space for people to define their own needs and priorities.

Reflecting on that moment, Zhiting wrote, "I realized that although I had offered help, I had not truly listened."

That humility, self-awareness, and commitment to continual growth exemplify the qualities of a young humanitarian.

Recognizing Our 2026 Finalists

While only two students are selected as overall recipients each year, the Utah Young Humanitarian Award is made possible by an extraordinary group of finalists whose service is creating a meaningful impact across Utah.

High School Finalists

• Winner: Ariana Bautista

• Runner-Up: Nancy Hernandez Isabeles

• Finalists: McCoy Lyman, Miyo Pace, and Lucia Jeffreys

College Finalists

• Winner: Zhiting Xu

• Runner-Up: Ashmita Karki

• Finalists: Garrett Wride, Jacob Willes, and Tanya Yu

Together, these students represent the very best of Utah's next generation of leaders. Their service spans healthcare, education, food security, youth mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy. More importantly, they demonstrate that meaningful change begins when individuals choose to invest in the people around them.

Learn more about all of our finalists and their inspiring stories at Youthlinc's Meet a Utah Young Humanitarian page.

A Reason for Hope

Reviewing these applications serves as an important reminder that the future is in capable hands.

These students are not waiting for someone else to solve problems. They are already doing the work. They are leading service projects, mentoring peers, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening communities across Utah.

The 2026 applicant pool reflected the diversity and strength of our state. Students represented dozens of schools and universities and came from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. What united them was a shared commitment to making life better for others. At Youthlinc, we believe humanitarianism starts locally. The students recognized through the Utah Young Humanitarian Award remind us that service is not simply something you do. It is a mindset, a commitment, and a way of engaging with the world around you.

To Ariana, Zhiting, our finalists, and every student who applied this year: thank you. Your leadership gives us hope, and your service is making Utah a stronger, more compassionate place for everyone.

Applications for the 2027 Utah Young Humanitarian Award will open on January 1, 2027 and close March 1, 2027. We cannot wait to see what the next generation of changemakers will accomplish.