DES MOINES, IOWA (July 23, 2026) — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate presented the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award to two groups of Iowans who have demonstrated meaningful commitment to addressing civil rights issues and bringing about authentic change in their communities. Nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award were open to Iowa residents aged 25 years or under.
This year’s honorees are:
- Mansur Kasali, a twenty-year-old student at Luther College. Kasali is being recognized for his leadership in civic engagement, economic policy, and fiscal responsibility, including founding Luther’s Up to Us chapter. His work focuses on expanding opportunity and civic participation for young Iowans.
- Mason City Alternative High School Key Club (Members: Brooklyn Andersen, Lyla Anderson, Payten Arndt-Terwilliger, Cashius Bagur, Daimien Chavez, Jade Calkins, Noelia Frank, Zachary Graven, Alexis Hanson, Rowan Hardy, Amaira James, Talia James, Caitlynn Krominga, Courtney Latham, Ezra Martz, Daniel Mora, Jazzlyn Pate, Lyric Reibsamen, Jaxon Rinnels, Carter Servantez, Cris Sicat, Aiden Simmer, Nicholas Wurtzel, and Natasha York), a student-led organization serving individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation. The club provides food donations and hot meals to those experiencing homelessness and regularly serves residents at local care facilities and animal welfare organizations.
“The young leaders we're recognizing embody the spirit of civic engagement and commitment to service that Congressman John Lewis represented throughout his life,” said Sec Pate.
“Whether supporting neighbors through local community service or driving conversations around civic duty and responsibility, these recipients are leading by example and making a tangible impact.”
“These students come from tough backgrounds and are struggling themselves, but they’ve proven that those who have the least often give the most,” said Cathy Spotts, advisor of the Mason City Alternative High School Key Club.
“Being able to help others gives them a real sense of purpose and pride, and we are proud to carry on John Lewis’s legacy right here in Mason City."
State Senator Doug Campbell also attended the ceremony, adding, “The Mason City Alternative High School is a bright and shining star in the Mason City school system.”
“John Lewis was twenty-five years old when he stood on that bridge — his greatest work still laid ahead of him,” said Kasali.
“That is what makes an award bearing his name so meaningful. It’s not recognition of arrival. It is recognition of direction.”
The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as a way for every state to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. Secretaries of State across the nation are encouraged to recognize gifted, civic-minded young people with demonstrated leadership abilities with the award each year.
