This award recognizes a student who has distinguished themselves in in northern Nevada through their inspiration, dedication, motivation, or acts of kindness regardless of grade or age. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.
 

Award Category sponsored by

Sophie Marks is an incoming senior at Reno High School. Her favorite subject is Speech & Debate and enjoys studying philosophy. Sophie says the most fulfilling thing she does is volunteer at Solace Tree where she helps children work through their grief after the death of a loved one. Sophies says, “The kids’ support for each other, courage, and resilience are inspiring!” Sophie was also in the TWI (Two-Way Immersion) Program since kindergarten and loves utilizing Spanish to help connect with others in the community and while traveling. She also works several nights a week as a hostess to make money for college. 

Cooper Sandoval is an incoming sophomore at McQueen High School. Cooper has been involved with many charitable events and has helped raise over $100,000 for different causes. Cooper was named the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Sierra Chapter “Youth Philanthropist of the Year” in 2019 for his fundraising efforts for the Tyler Robinson Foundation. Among his many fundraising involvements, Cooper joined the band Imagine Dragons on stage to leverage a $50,000 donation at the Tyler Robinson Foundation “Rise Up” gala which raised over $2M. Cooper maintains a 3.85 GPA, is a small business owner, and an All-American and NIAA 5A State Champion wrestler. Whether it be using his talent in art, athletics or event planning, Cooper continues to find new ways to give back to charitable organizations that he is passionate about.

Ethan Wu is an incoming freshman at Emory University in Georgia. Since February 2023, while a student at Sage Ridge School in Reno, he has volunteered with Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Northern Nevada. He has committed more than 600 hours, with a minimum of three 12-hour shifts per month during which he responded to calls from First Responders (Police, Fire, REMSA) that involve local residents who have just experienced a traumatic event, including house fires or the death of a loved one. Through a variety of methods including validation, reassurance, and peer-to-peer support from his fellow volunteers, Ethan is able to make the worst day of someone’s life a little easier. By providing emotional first aid to trauma survivors, Ethan has found his calling in the field of mental health and is inspired to start TIP club in Emory University and to dedicate himself to the prevention & treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Ethan also conveys his passion for Erhu, a two-string traditional Chinese instrument, by performing Erhu in various venues at school, to seniors in assisted living facilities, as well as during cultural events in other parts of the country and charity tours internationally.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Diane Barrett, Community Partnership Director
PBS Reno • O: 775-600-0584 • C: 415-385-5657 • dbarrett@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists