BASIS Charter Schools is proud to celebrate three outstanding students who have been named Junior Achievement of Arizona 2026 18 Under 18 honorees: Nolan T. of BASIS Flagstaff, Iraj S. of BASIS Chandler, and Umar A. of BASIS Scottsdale.
About Junior Achievement Arizona and 18 Under 18
Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing young people for success in a global economy by teaching financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through engaging, hands-on programs. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, JA inspires students to see what is possible for their futures and to develop the skills to get there.
The JA 18 Under 18 program recognizes a select group of Arizona’s “best and brightest” teen leaders each year. Honorees are chosen for their creativity, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities. Rather than waiting for opportunities, these students are building their own – launching projects, leading peers, and tackling real-world problems with insight and empathy.
Each cohort of 18 Under 18 honorees is celebrated at a spring awards ceremony that brings together students, families, educators, sponsors, and community leaders. The event highlights the story behind each student’s achievements and amplifies their work through in-person recognition, program features, and digital storytelling on JA platforms and partner channels.
BASIS Charter Schools: A Foundation for Leadership
BASIS Charter Schools is a network of high-performing, tuition-free K–12 public charter schools that prepares students to succeed in college and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Students experience an advanced, globally benchmarked curriculum that emphasizes deep content knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving across disciplines.
In addition to rigorous coursework, BASIS students are encouraged to pursue independent research, service projects, and leadership roles that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. The recognition of three BASIS students as 2026 JA 18 Under 18 honorees underscores how this academic foundation supports meaningful innovation and community impact across the network.
Meet the 2026 JA 18 Under 18 Honorees from BASIS Charter Schools
Nolan T. – BASIS Flagstaff, Class of 2027
At BASIS Flagstaff, junior Nolan T. is being recognized as a 2026 JA 18 Under 18 honoree for building a thriving, student-run technology and innovation ecosystem on campus. Nolan played a leading role in organizing a high school hackathon experience for Flagstaff students, coordinating logistics, recruiting peers, and fostering collaboration among participants who used coding and problem‑solving skills to tackle real challenges. His work demonstrates how a motivated student can transform an idea into a large-scale event that expands access to STEM opportunities for others.
Nolan has helped create a space where students can explore their interests in computer science, design, and entrepreneurship in a hands-on way. He has shown that leadership is not just about personal achievement, but about designing experiences that invite more students into innovative work – and that is exactly the kind of impact Junior Achievement’s 18 Under 18 program is designed to celebrate.
Iraj S. – BASIS Chandler, Class of 2027
BASIS Chandler student researcher Iraj S. is a 2026 JA 18 Under 18 honoree for his work at the intersection of science, technology, and public health. Iraj developed a rapid, low-cost, smartphone-based water quality assessment concept aimed at making it easier for communities to monitor water safety using accessible tools. Building on his interest in chemistry and engineering, he has explored ways to detect and analyze contaminants with an approach that could be scaled or adapted for use in resource-limited settings.
Iraj’s project has earned recognition in science and engineering fairs and exemplifies how rigorous STEM learning at BASIS Charter Schools can evolve into applied research with real-world implications. By focusing on water quality – a critical issue in Arizona and beyond – he is using his academic strengths to address a tangible global challenge, which aligns closely with Junior Achievement’s emphasis on meaningful, community-oriented innovation.
Umar A. – BASIS Scottsdale, Class of 2027
At BASIS Scottsdale, 2026 JA 18 Under 18 honoree Umar A. is being recognized for his leadership and advocacy at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public health, and educational equity. As a researcher and youth advocate, Umar has partnered with organizations such as Arizona State University and the Mona Foundation to explore how AI tools and data can help address health and opportunity gaps for underserved communities.
Umar’s portfolio of work includes organizing campaigns and events that raise both awareness and funds, such as a Move4Mona initiative that brought together dozens of participants and generated thousands of dollars to support global education efforts. On campus, he serves in student leadership roles and helps his peers understand how emerging technologies like AI can be used responsibly to improve people’s lives rather than widen inequities. His recognition as a JA 18 Under 18 honoree reflects not just technical interest in AI, but a broader commitment to using those tools in service of public health, fairness, and community impact.
Celebrating the 2026 18 Under 18 Awards
The 2026 JA 18 Under 18 Awards ceremony offered Nolan, Iraj, and Umar the opportunity to share their stories alongside fellow honorees from across Arizona. Surrounded by family, educators, and community partners, the students are recognized not just for what they have accomplished, but for the way they think, persevere, and lead.
As part of this recognition, honorees are featured in event programs, online spotlights, and social media storytelling that expands the reach of their work. This platform helps students build connections, access new opportunities, and inspire younger students who see themselves reflected in these leaders’ journeys.
A Moment of Pride for BASIS Charter Schools
Having three students from BASIS Flagstaff, BASIS Chandler, and BASIS Scottsdale named to the 2026 JA 18 Under 18 cohort is a meaningful milestone for the entire BASIS Charter Schools network. Their accomplishments demonstrate how rigorous academics, strong support from teachers and families, and meaningful extracurricular experiences can combine to create powerful outcomes.
BASIS Charter Schools congratulates Nolan, Iraj, and Umar on this well-deserved recognition and thanks Junior Achievement of Arizona for its commitment to elevating student voices and leadership. We look forward to seeing how these honorees continue to grow, innovate, and lead – in college, in their careers, and in the communities they will shape in the years ahead.
