Desert Ridge High Student Named 2026 Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassador
Desert Ridge High Student Named 2026 Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassador
Hailey Borden
GILBERT, Ariz. (April 20, 2026) - Five Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) students were selected to serve as 2026 Youth Ambassadors for Gilbert Sister Cities, following a rigorous four-month selection process. These high school juniors will participate in an international exchange, traveling either to Northern Ireland or China this summer to foster global understanding and represent the Gilbert community.
Amelia Bray of Desert Ridge High School will travel to Leshan, China, in July, getting immersed in the local culture before bringing visiting ambassadors back to Gilbert.
“This year’s ambassadors remind me that global understanding is built in curiosity, humility, hard work, and the courage to show up,” said Elaine Kessler, President of the Gilbert Sister Cities board. “Their dedication and exemplary effort transformed intention into meaningful connection, and aspiration into real accomplishment. Getting to know each student was not only a delight, but a warm reassurance – a promise that the values we steward today will be carried forward with wisdom, compassion, and purpose. Because of these youth, I know with certainty that our future is in thoughtful, capable, and inspired hands.”
The selected students represent a wide range of academic and extracurricular achievements. Amelia Bray is the Editor-in-Chief of the Desert Ridge High yearbook and a leader in the school’s Advanced Theater and FFA programs.
Before beginning their travels, the ambassadors participated in the Gilbert Global Village Festival on April 11. Upon their return, they will serve as community mentors, participating in the Gilbert Days Parade and visiting local schools to share their experiences.