2026
Gen Z Champions Youth Literacy: Quade Kelley
October 22, 2026
By Nathalie op de Beeck
Quade Kelley, a high school senior who’s the captain of his San Diego water polo team this year, founded an organization for youth in sports, Reading Athlete. Guided by a youth mentor, participants in Reading Athlete gather as a team to read a picture book aloud and then talk about its relevance to their own lives. “I turn books into mental health tools,” Kelley said. “You can read a picture book in about eight minutes, and it’s a peer-led team reading. By the end of a good story, somebody usually says the thing that they walked in with, and it starts a conversation.”
Kelley already boasts a deep résumé: He was the first Random House Who Was? history bee co-champion in 2020, he reported for Scholastic Kids magazine until 2023, and he’s on the children’s book committee of the Bank Street College of Education, where he initiated the Robie Harris Youth Choice Award, named for the late author and right to read advocate.
A natural networker who wants to help young people experiencing anxiety and depression, Kelley serves on the youth advisory councils of the Kevin Love Fund, a mental health foundation established by Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz basketball player Love; Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit for athletes’ mental health and suicide prevention established in memory of Duke lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers; and philanthropic organization Athletes for Hope, a charity founded by elite athletes.
According to Ellie Haberl Foster, KLF’s co-director of education, “Quade has been a role model in showing how stories and books can be meaningful tools to support our mental health and well-being.” Haberl Foster co-presented with Kelley on team culture and kids’ wellness at the American Library Association Annual in June, and added, “We’re co-writing a lesson plan in our mental health curriculum, so we have been fortunate to collaborate closely.”
Susan Marston, editorial director of Albatros Media and the former editorial director of the Junior Literary Guild, also knows Kelley well. “I’m impressed with how he’s combining his passion for literature and for youth sports,” she said.
Encinitas Chamber honors five outstanding seniors at first Rising Star Breakfast of 2026–27 school year
September 10 , 2026
SAN DIEGO — The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce honored five exceptional high school seniors during its first Rising Star Student Recognition Breakfast of the 2026–27 school year on Sept. 2, at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus.
“These five students exemplify the qualities that define a Rising Star,” said Carol Knight, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, in the news release. “Their leadership, compassion, perseverance and commitment to their schools and communities give us tremendous hope for the future. We are honored to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate all that lies ahead for them.”
Now in its fifth year, Rising Star honors high school seniors who demonstrate character, integrity, school and community involvement, a love of learning or the ability to overcome challenging circumstances without compromising their education.
Students were also recognized with certificates presented by representatives from the offices of Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers also attended and addressed the honorees.
Quade Kelley, SDUHSD Requeza Online Learning Program (San Dieguito Academy)
“Quade is an exceptional student-athlete whose intellectual curiosity is matched by his extraordinary commitment to civic service, literacy and mental health advocacy,” said Principal Robert Coppo in the news release. “Through his Reading Athlete project, he connected literacy with mental wellness for student-athletes. He also served as Chair of the City of Encinitas Youth Commission, became the first member under age 18 in the 109-year history of the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee, and earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal after completing more than 1,700 hours of service, personal development and physical fitness.”
San Dieguito Academy student wins 2nd annual Teen Writing Contest
July 10, 2026
ENCINITAS — Three North County high school students were recognized on July 9 as winners of The Coast News’ 2026 Teen Writing Contest, which invited 11th- and 12th-grade students to reflect on the theme, “A Moment That Changed Me.”
San Dieguito Academy student Quade Kelley earned first place and a $1,000 prize, followed by Emma Lauren Benas of Mission Hills High School in second place with a $500 prize and Amelia Seibert of San Dieguito Academy in third place with a $100 gift card.
The winners were recognized during a ceremony on Thursday at the Encinitas Library attended by family members, friends and community leaders.
Kelley said the contest challenged him to tell a deeply personal story while reminding him of the value of authentic writing.
“Take a risk. Your story matters,” Kelley said, encouraging future contestants. “The version of life you are navigating is something no computer can honestly create.”
BANK STREET CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ITS 2026 YOUTH CHOICE AWARD
May 6, 2026
This year, the Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature and the Children’s Book Committee (CBC) celebrated excellence in children’s literature through the release of several annual awards and booklists honoring outstanding titles across genres and age levels.
Most recently, the CBC announced its 2026 edition of the Best Children’s Books of the Year list, featuring over 600 books published in 2025 reviewed and selected by committee members. The list, organized by age range for readers from infancy through age 14 and older, includes titles selected for literary quality, excellence of presentation, and potential emotional impact on young readers.
“Each year, we are proud to celebrate children’s books that demonstrate literary and artistic excellence and resonate deeply with young readers,” said Cynthia Weill, Director of the Center for Children’s Literature, Bank Street College. “Through the dedicated engagement of our committee members, educators, and young reviewers, our awards and booklists reflect our core belief that high-quality literature is fundamental to fostering a love for reading and a deeper understanding of our world.”
(At age 17, Quade Kelley is the youngest voting member of the CBC since its founding in 1909. This curated list is available for free download.
BANK STREET CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ITS 2026 YOUTH CHOICE AWARD
May 6, 2026
The 2026 Robie Harris Youth Choice Award has been presented to All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis, a young adult novel about an autistic high school football player named Aiden who is sent reeling by the unjust arrest of his supportive older brother, Brandon.
“All the Noise at Once is the rarest kind of debut- a book that knows precisely what it is, who it is for, and why it matters. The characterization and emotional architecture of this novel resonated with young readers' experiences, even in places where a reader's story may differ,” said 17-year-old Quade, chair of the 2026 Robie Harris Youth Choice Award. “Aiden arrives on the page fully formed. His autism, his Blackness, his athleticism- all of them present, all of them in tension, all of them real. Davis penned a middle grade/young adult crossover novel that trusts each part of the characters, plot, and style equally. This book exhibits faith in young readers to understand sensitive topics through a new lens, and that is what distinguished writing looks like.”
He added, “We chose this book as a committee, not because an adult told us it mattered, but because every member of this committee lived it on every page. The 2026 Robie Harris Youth Choice Award is our way of saying: we saw it, all at once and out loud.”
Athlete Mental Health Alliance : AMHW2026
February 3, 2026
Five teens voices of resilience and raw honesty, each navigating the high-stakes world of student athletics while championing the importance of mental well-being.
On Tuesday, February 3rd join the Teen Panel during 2026 Athlete Mental Health Week.
"We speak up so student-athletes feel seen and supported," says 16-year-old Quade Kelley. "Navigating life’s complexities takes strength. Asking for help or advocating for a teammate is a sign of the depth and courage," he said.
"We’re coming together to amplify our voices because we know that mental health matters," said Quade who advocates for the use of books and reading as a mental health practice. "The future of sport and what athletes bring to communities all over the world are shaped by these conversations."
We’re getting real about:
• Identity: Balancing the "student" and "athlete" parts of who we are.
•The Culture: Moving past "tough it out" to find real tools that support our health.
•The Pressure: What we wish coaches and parents knew about the mental weight of youth sports today.
Our goal is to inspire more kindness and understanding in our communities. Because at every level, total health is what builds the strongest teams.
See you there.
@athletesforhope @morgansmessage @kevinlovefund
#mentalhealthawareness #hope #mentalhealth #amhw2026 #readingatlete
2025
USA Water Polo 2024-2025 Academic All-Americans
October 10, 2025
A USA Water Polo Outstanding Academic All-Americans is a student-athlete who has earned a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher. Academic All-American is a student-athlete who has earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Stundets must have completed the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the spring of 20245 and be a current Gold athlete USA Water Polo Member.
GPA is calculated using the following academic subjects: History, English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Foreign Language, and Computer Science. 4.0 scale is applied.
Bank Street College Celebrates Excellence in Children’s Literature
June 12, 2025
Bank Street Champions High-Quality Children’s Books with Annual Awards and free resources including Best Books of the Year list.
Cited:
Director, Bank Street Center for Children's Literature, Dr. Cynthia Weill
Youth Ambassador and Youth Choice Award Chair, Quade Kelley (16, CA)
Director, Bank Street Family Center, Jeanette Corey
The award jury included experts in children’s literature, education, and medicine, who brought a range of perspectives to the selection process.
"High-quality children’s books invite young readers to explore new ideas, ask important questions, and discover joy in reading and learning as they develop a deeper understanding of the world around them." - Bank Street 6.12.25
Link to Best Books List: https://www.bankstreet.edu/library/center-for-childrens-literature/childrens-book-committee/best-childrens-books-of-the-year/edition/
Athlete's For Hope High School Champions
Quade Kelley Brings Hope to Rady Children’s Champions
Release Date: June 6, 2025
As part of Athletes for Hope’s Hospital Heroes program, High School Leadership Academy member Quade Kelley joined the Celebration of Champions to honor and uplift young cancer warriors in San Diego.
Quade's community Impact is leading discussions at the hyper-local and national level proving it's never to early to give back.
The Inaugural Youth Choice Award 2025
May 5, 2025
Louder than Hunger
Author: John Schu
Publisher: Candlewick
Youth Chair, Quade Kelley (15, CA)
Contributing-Chair, Vimala Albert (17, NY)
"The Children’s Book Committee (CBC) and the Young Ambassadors are delighted to announce the winner of the Inaugural Youth Choice Award winner, selected from the Best Books of the Year List honoring a book of outstanding literary merit on sensitive subjects written for a youth audience. This award is presented to Louder Than Hunger written by John Schu.
The Young Ambassadors developed criteria for selecting a shortlist of books that are inspiring and resonate with their peers from CBC-approved titles during 2024. The CBC is most grateful to the Young Ambassadors for their commitment to ensuring that youth choices are heard."
Link to Announcement: https://www.bankstreet.edu/library/center-for-childrens-literature/childrens-book-committee/young-reviewers-program/young-ambassadors/
2024 CPRS Community Champion, Quade Kelley
March 19, 2025
2024 California Parks and Recreation Champion of the Community.
Award Recipient: Quade Kelley
Submitted by: City of Encinitas
"Quade Kelley is a dynamic young leader whose commitment to civic engagement, cultural diplomacy and community service has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Encinitas.
Through his work as a youth commissioner, sister city delegate and dedicated volunteer, Quade has proven his dedication to making parks, recreation and cultural arts accessible, inclusive and vibrant for all community members. His efforts underscore his belief that parks and recreational spaces are essential to fostering community connection, wellness and cultural understanding."
California Parks & Recreation Magazine, Spring 2025 (page 50-52)
https://www.cprs.org/resources/publications/magazine/2025magazines
Link to CPRS video announcement of 2024 Champions:
https://youtu.be/aWEpPBUhNUo?si=NLRk-tiM2OkGFKpe
The Champion of the Community award honors and recognizes individuals or organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation. This statewide award recognizes the contributions of those who volunteer and provide support and services in their community that furthers the mission and quality delivery of park and recreation services, programs and facilities in their community.
Even among exceptional civic leaders with decades of experience, Kelley has risen as a passionate collaborator and advocate for his community. He was the only youth nominee to receive the California state honor.
2025 Boys ODP National Championship
Tri-Valley, CA - March 15-17, 2025
The 2025 Boys ODP National Championships took place this weekend with an impressive showing of top athletes around the country.
The undefeated Pacific Southwest Team from San Diego, California under the leadership of Coach Jorge Perez were named the 2025 Gold Medalists, Cadet.
Cadet Silver Medalists, Pacific Southwest (PSW ) Red
Ben Neal, Ethan Diep, Hanrui Liu, Diego Dantas, Grayson Taylor,
Quade Kelley, Max Kellerman, Jack Davis, Maximus Bruhn, Calvin Lubsen, Sungwon "Aiden" Shin, Keagan Hill, Liam Zarcu, Luke Andserson (front)
Coach Jorge Perez (left)
PSW Cadet (White) Coach, Spencer Rodman (right)
2025 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Award Committee
January 2025
Quade Kelley returns as the only Youth Book Reviewer in 17 years named to the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Award Committee.
Presented by: School Library Journal
Event Date and Time: Friday, January 24, 2025 | NOW ON DEMAND
Duration: 90 minutes
The Newbery Committee chooses the Medal winner behind closed doors, but here’s your chance to see how it works. Our expert Mock Newbery panel, the Heavy Medal Award Committee, discusses five of the best books of the year, following the process of the real Committee.
“The HMAC is a valuable opportunity for the book community to experience the fascinating, complex and otherwise secret process of choosing the most celebrated books in Children’s literature. I hope in the future the HMAC will continue to find new youth reviewers and give them a place in this super special space.” Quade Kelley, 15-years-old, High School Youth Reviewer
To read more about the SLJ Heavy Medal Mock Newbery committee and their top books of the year, go to: https://heavymedal.slj.com/
2023- 2024
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER: NPPA Magazine
October 2024
The 2023-2024 NPPA mentors and mentees discuss their year-long collaborations.
NPPA's Mentorship Program matches mentors to mentees based on geography and need.
Based in Seattle, NPPA Mentor Michael Crowe has been telling compelling visual stories for more than a decade, and been honored for his work with 10 Emmys, and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards.
He was paired with student service leader, athlete and youth ambassador Quade Kelley of San Diego. Together the worked on Quade's coverage as the only youth sports reporter for the Women's Pro Volleyball Federation inaugural season in 2024.
Local high school student honored with national volunteer awards
April 15, 2024
The Coast News Group
Dr. Sally Zoll and Mayor Tony Kranz decorated Encinitas high school student Quade Kelley withThe Congressional Award, Bronze Medal and President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold Medal at Encinitas City Hall on April 9, 2024. This awards honor 718 hours of personal development and volunteer service from October 2022 to September 2023.
Faces of San Diego
January 1, 2024
Faces of San Diego
Written By Host Brad Webber, Umbrella Media
Quade Kelley is one named one of rising Faces of San Diego.
Q & A with the honors student athlete who is juggling a diversity of extraordinary experiences to make a positive impact in the San Diego Youth Community.
2024 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Award Committee
December 20, 2023
Quade Kelley becomes the 1st youth book critic named to the School Library Journal Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Award Committee.
2024 Heavy Medal Award Committee (HMAC) is officially set and will publicly debate the best books of 2023 for Mock Newbery Live Zoom Discussion, which takes place on Friday, January 19th at 1:00 pm EST/ 10:00am PST
Inspiring Students of 2023
December 14, 2023
Inspiring Students We Met in 2023
As the world's largest publisher of Children's literature, Scholastic, meets "phenomenal kids from all over the world who have enacted real change in their communities, faced challenges head-on, and have gone above and beyond to accomplish their goals."
Check out five of the many inspiring students we’ve worked with and learned from this past year below.
Scholastic Magazines+ / Scholastic News 5/6
April 10, 2023
Over 8 million students read Scholastic News every week. *
This week, kids all over the world will meet Kids Press reporter, Quade "Q" Kelley as he interviews #1 New York Times best-selling author, Brian Selznick about his new book Big Tree.
Women Who Inspire a New Generation: A Chat with Kid Reporter Quade Kelley
March 27, 2023
This post for OOM is part of a series highlighting the voices of Scholastic's kid reporters and their experience covering national news. This story by senior reporter, Quade Kelley reflects on his experience covering stories about notable women in celebration of Women's History Month. Scholastic Inc. is the world's largest publisher of children's books. As a global leader in the educational industry the produce an internal blog for international leadership teams.
Written by Michelle Pastor
Water For South Sudan
October 7, 2022
465 Cheering 5th Grade students welcomed world water advocate, Salva Dut, founder of Water For South Sudan. Special guest Quade Kelley asked questions about how students can raise awareness and make a difference for world communities.
Award-Winning Scholastic Kids Press Program Announces 2022-23 Kid Reporters
September 28, 2022
29 Students from Around the Globe Will Report "News for Kids, By Kids"
Popverse
July 24, 2022
Teenage reporter, joins the Press Corps for San Diego Comic Con 2022.
Scholastic Magazine: Reporting the News
March 31, 2022
Quade is chosen to teach kids the fundamentals of writing a compelling news story.
North Coast Repertory Theatre
February 7, 2022
North Coast Rep theatre social media and news page- Highlight of Kid Press Reporter coverage of recent benefit event.
Quade Kelley LIVE on Local Umbrella Media with Brad Webber
October 26, 2021
Joining Host Bread Webber with IQ podcasts and Umbrella Media is 12 year-old Kid Reporter, Quade Kelley. This is Quade’s 2nd year in the Scholastic Kids Press program. He has interviewed Olympic athletes, and covered stories including biochemist Jennifer A. Doudna and microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier receiving Nobel Prizes, and the SpaceX Crew Dragon heading to the International Space Station.
2021-2022 Scholastic Kids Press team selected
September 27, 2021
- 36 kids from all over the world are chosen to the Scholastic Kids Press Corps
Kid Reporter: Stories from San Diego to Space
March 1, 2021
San Diego Kid Reporter is sharing San Diego features for the National Kids Press Corps.
Zelvely Zone, CBS 8 News San Diego
CBS Reporting team Jeff Zevely & Scott Hall, Photojournalist
2020-2021 Kid Reporters Announced
September 28, 2020
San Diego boy is selected to the National Kids Press Corps.
CBS 8 News, San Diego
July 13, 2020
Encinitas boy becomes 'Who Was?' History Bee winner
Feature story with Feature Reporter, Jeff Zevely
ABC 10 News, San Diego
July 3, 2020
Local boy wins national contest.
by Natay Holmes
News-O-Matic
June 2, 2020
Quade spotlights as a reporter for a day with News-O-Matic, the first daily newspaper just for kids. A fun review of The Who Was? Book series.
Print News
San Diego Union Tribune
October 15, 2020
North County Community News
"Sixth-grader Quade Kelley will join the Scholastic Kids Press, an award-winning team of “Kid Reporters” ages 10-14 who report news for kids, by kids."
Encinitas Advocate
October 7, 2020
By Luke Herald, Staff Writer
"Sixth grader Quade Kelley from Encinitas was selected by the Scholastic Kids Press to serve on a team of “Kid Reporters” that will write stories for the Scholastic Kids Press website and print issues of Scholastic Classroom Magazines. Forty-five students ages 10 to 14 from 21 U.S. states and 10 countries around the world were selected for the Kids Press program for the 2020-21 year. "
Times of San Diego
July 1, 2020
Encinitas Boy is All the Buzz After Winning History Bee
by How Quach
The Coast News
July 1, 2020
Encinitas local wins national student history bee
by Luke Herald
Times of San Diego
July 30, 2020
Encinitas Boy is All the Buzz After Winning History Bee
Education
The San Diego Union Tribune
July 16, 2020
Local Boy Wins History Contest
Community News
Encinitas Advocate
July 1, 2020
Encinitas fifth-grader named history bee champion
by Samantha Nelson
The Vista Press
June 25, , 2020
ENCINITAS 5TH GRADER WINS THE FIRST EVER WHO WAS? HISTORY BEE!
Community News
United Through Reading
June 10, 2020
WHO WAS? HISTORY BEE CHAMPION SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES
Publishers Weekly Article
June 3, 2020
Publishers Weekly
"Jeff Kinney Names 10 Inaugural Who Was? History Bee Champions"
News-O-Matic
June 3, 2020
Edition #1983
Are You A History Champ?
by
Russell Kahn
Subject of current news article and video.
(accessible with student membership)