Annual Youth Leadership Award
Winners exemplify standards of excellence in leadership to enhance life for individuals living with disabilities
The annual Youth Leadership Awards program recognizes outstanding Missouri youths (age 16-26) with a disability that have demonstrated exemplary leadership by making a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
A youth with a disability shall meet one or more of these criteria to be eligible for the award:
- Demonstrate leadership skills to improve the lives of individuals living with disabilities
- Advocate for positive changes and inclusive practices for the disability community
- Advocate for accessibility of programs or environments
- Engage in activities to promote disability awareness and etiquette
These leadership and advocacy efforts can be demonstrated at a local, regional, or state level.
The Governor’s Council on Disability selects one winner and one honorable mention from the submitted nominations. The winners will be invited to the awards presentation. (Date and location to be determined.)
The Youth Leadership Award winner and Honorable mention will receive a recognition badge that can be used to highlight their achievements on their resumes, email signatures, websites, LinkedIn profiles, etc.
The Governor’s Council on Disability has selected the winners of the 2025 Youth Leadership Awards.
2025 Youth Leadership Award
Youth Leadership Award Winner: Luke McKeon, St. Charles
Luke McKeon is being recognized for his remarkable integrity, academic achievements, and steadfast dedication to empowering others. Demonstrating a profound commitment to continuous growth and independence, he is the first blind student at his school to enroll in an AP course and apply to the Bridge to Success Program through the Embassy Suites Hotel in St. Charles. To further build his independence, Luke also successfully completed the S.O.A.R. program through the Lighthouse for the Blind to enhance his travel and adapted daily living skills. A passionate advocate and volunteer for accessibility, he evaluates digital materials for textbook publishers, secures audio descriptions for community events, and tutors younger students in the use of assistive technology. Driven by his compassion, Luke plans to continue improving the lives of individuals with low vision by pursuing certification as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist.
Youth Leadership Award Honorable Mention: Izabella Uccello, Springfield
Izzi Uccello, a dedicated advocate from Springfield, Missouri, works to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. After facing isolation in public schools, Uccello utilized educational choice programs to find an environment where she could truly excel both socially and academically. She now uses her personal story to seek legislative reform, testifying before government officials to support school flexibility and inclusive policies. Beyond the classroom, she champions the construction of accessible playgrounds to ensure all children can experience a sense of community and belonging. Her leadership roles, which include hosting a podcast and representing the Children’s Miracle Network, highlight her commitment to empowering others through resilience. Ultimately, Uccello’s efforts demonstrate how young leaders can spark systemic change and foster a more integrated, empathetic society.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Missouri Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Conference in Lake Ozark on May 28, 2026.
The Governor’s Council on Disability will be accepting nominations for the 2026 Youth Leadership Awards in the fall.
2025 Youth Leadership Award nominees
The Governor’s Council on Disability congratulates the following individuals on being nominated for the Governor’s Council on Disability’s 13th Annual Youth Leadership Awards.
Adelia Garcia – Lee’s Summit
For additional information, please contact the Council at 573-751-2600 or by email at gcd@oa.mo.gov.