Six local high schoolers named 2026 MLK Humanitarians

Six of the 28 high schoolers selected as 2026 MLK Humanitarians were locals to the West Orange and Southwest Orange area. The youth humanitarians are selected for their traits resembling ideas produced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through their character and leadership. 

The City of Orlando dedicated a web page to recognize each of the 28 youth who were selected and provided each with a description, detailing why they were selected. 

Read below about each of the six youth leaders who were honored. 

Dr. Phillips High School’s Saki Anandanil is a member, speech captain and leader of DP’s Speech and Debate Team. She also volunteers at Orlando Health’s PCU Nursing Unit to support nurses and foster pleasant patient care. 

Horizon High’s Sydni Patrick balances her academics with sports and works as a student athletic trainer. She’s the vice president of Horizon’s debate team, vice president of the Black Student Union and other school programs. 

Lake Buena Vista’s Valeria Jimenez volunteered with A Gift for Teaching for four years and became an intern for Florida State Representative Johanna López. Her volunteer work is powered through her heart for all service projects through the Spanish National Honor Society or supporting families at the Orlando Science Center. 

Ocoee High’s Victoria Samedi has achieved a 5.9 weighted GPA and views learning as a tool to produce change. She wants to become a OBGYN and is the co-president of 3DE, leading 40 students.  

Olympia High’s Allyson Williams is an appointed representative on the Principal’s Student Advisory Committee. She’s committed to equality, respect and service and volunteers time to support Florida’s senior citizens. 

West Orange High’s Gustavo DaSilva leads by a quiet example and has a strong relationship in his religion. His perspective is if people were less judgemental than the world would be a better place.