Amari Young
Miss Marion-Polk’s Teen 2025
Amari is an 18-year-old Freshman at Chapman University studying business with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. She eventually plans to become an entrepreneur and own her own business! Amari has played volleyball all her life and has participated in various leadership programs.
Amari is passionate about creating lasting change and helping others, which lends to her community service initiative focused on empowering Black American children to stand in their purpose so that all children have the tools to embrace their identity and make a difference.
Amari always has a smile on her faces and it is important to her to have a positive outlook on life! Her favorite color is pink, she loves to bake gluten-free treats, and hopes to travel the world.
Tessa Bonelli-Sanquist
Miss Linn-Benton’s Teen 2025
Tessa is an 18-year-old with dreams of getting a degree in theater arts and becoming an actress. She hopes to go to school at New York University, and someday get a lead role in film or on Broadway. Tessa has co-authored a children’s book with her mom and is an honorary member of her local Kiwanis Club.
Tessa is active in advocacy for her community service initiative, I Have Dyslexia, Dyslexia Does Not Have Me. She has spoken in schools, club meetings, and even city council meetings about awareness and her experience with dyslexia.
Tessa has lots of pets at home and hopes to go to Disneyland. She is very involved in her community theater, playing roles such as The Little Mermaid, Alyse, Rizzo, and Winnie the Pooh throughout over 30 shows.