Magnus Caspersen (gold award) of Tiverton, RI, is a senior at Tiverton High School who plans to study environmental engineering in the fall. Inspired by a transformative semester at the Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki, Magnus is passionate about hands-on, experiential learning and its role in environmental education. He helped build up a landscaping pathway at his school, helping to design and build a greenhouse and outdoor learning spaces, and launched an Environmental Club that now engages more than 70 students in sustainability initiatives and community action. Magnus is a cross-country and track athlete as well as a sailing instructor who teaches water safety and environmental stewardship to youth.

James Tzul (gold award) of Cumberland, RI, is a first-year student at the Community College of Rhode Island studying environmental sustainability and agriculture management, with plans to transfer to the University of Rhode Island. As the child of Guatemalan immigrants, James’s passion for environmental justice is rooted in his lived experience with inequitable access to green space and healthy food. Through the Green Changemakers program with Southside Community Land Trust and Groundwork Rhode Island, he has grown into a youth leader and educator, teaching gardening, composting, and environmental literacy to peers and community members in both English and Spanish. James currently serves as a youth program coordinator and has contributed to statewide food system work through the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, and is committed to advancing environmental education and equity in his community.

Brady Casady (silver award) of Westerly, RI, is a senior at Westerly High School who plans to attend Brown University. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring local preserves and gardening with his grandparents, Brady has become a dedicated environmental educator and community leader. Through his work with the Westerly Land Trust, he teaches elementary students through hands-on “Living Labs” and nature-based art programs, helping spark curiosity and environmental awareness beyond the classroom. At his high school, Brady founded both the Environmental Club and Outdoors Club, leading cleanups, hikes, and peer engagement initiatives. He is passionate about the intersection of sustainability and human health and hopes to pursue a career in environmental and public health.

Henry Humphreys (silver award) of Barrington, RI, is a senior at Barrington High School who plans to study environmental studies in college. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Henry has translated his passion for nature into meaningful leadership and education in his community. He serves as president of his school’s Outdoors Club, growing it from fewer than ten members to more than one hundred students and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship through outdoor recreation. Henry was also an educator at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island summer camp, where he designed engaging, hands-on lessons to spark curiosity and care for the natural world among young learners. For his senior project, he conducted research on local eelgrass ecosystems and is sharing his findings with elementary students, reflecting his commitment to both scientific inquiry and community education.

Jet Nascimento (silver award) of Providence, RI, is a sophomore at Rhode Island College studying environmental studies. A first-generation college student, Jet is driven by a commitment to environmental policy shaped by his lived experience and a deep understanding of how environmental issues intersect with community well-being. His hands-on work ranges from removing invasive water chestnuts from the Blackstone River to international conservation efforts in Cape Verde, where he helped protect nesting sea turtles alongside his father and local communities. Jet has demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal and financial challenges while maintaining strong academic progress, and he is dedicated to pursuing a career in environmental policy that bridges science, community needs, and equitable decision-making.