Everett Hogan, a student at Carson Middle School, has been named a finalist for Extraordinary Youth in the 2022 Spotlight Awards, an annual fundraiser for PBS Reno. The public broadcaster Thursday announced 15 finalists in five categories. The Spotlight Awards and Auction is PBS Reno’s annual fundraiser celebrating local businesses, community groups, educators, individuals, and youth who are making a positive impact in Northern Nevada, according to the news release. The winners will be announced during the PBS Reno Spotlight Awards and Auction on Friday, Sept. 16 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Throughout the event, PBS Reno will pay tribute to the Carano family, the recipients of the Extraordinary Philanthropists category, and highlight their philanthropic work in the region. Everyone in the community can vote online once per week through Aug. 15 for the following finalists: • The finalists for Extraordinary Local Business are edible Reno-Tahoe, KPS3, and Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment and Silver State International. • The finalists for Extraordinary Community Group are Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Northern Nevada HOPES, and Soulful Seeds. • The finalists for Extraordinary Educator are Don Angotti, principal of Poulakidas Elementary School; Jeff Batavia, principal of Melton Elementary School; and Kristy McMillan, a third grade teacher at Spanish Springs Elementary School. • The finalists for Extraordinary Individual are Denise Castle, CEO of JOIN, Inc.; Adrienne Santiago, executive director of Northern Nevada Literacy Council; and Ashlee Smith, founder of Ashlee’s Toy Closet. • The finalists for Extraordinary Youth are Benjamin Browder, a student at Sage Ridge School; Denali Cooke, a Girl Scout from Truckee; and Hogan. The Spotlight Awards and Auction will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Grande Exposition Hall at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Tickets are available for purchase online, with the proceeds benefiting PBS Reno and the station’s educational outreach and local productions. Go to https://www.pbsreno.org/events/spotlight-awards to vote.
