Pictured from left: Grace Wing and Itzel Contreras Montiel
In February, two Battle Ground Public Schools students were honored at the 2026 Marshall Youth Leadership Awards. Grace Wing, from Battle Ground High School, and Itzel Contreras Montiel, from Prairie High School, were among the six students who reached the final round of consideration. Grace was named a finalist and Itzel was selected to receive this year’s award! Itzel is the third BGPS student to receive the award since it began in 2001, and only the second Prairie student to earn this recognition.
About Itzel Contreras Montiel
Itzel has served as a student representative on Battle Ground Public Schools' board of directors since her junior year of high school. In this role, she advises the board on policies, budgetary decisions and initiatives. Along with another student representative, she also visits schools around the district to gather input from peers and present the students' perspectives to the board. Outside of her commitments with the board, she is active in planning many school events, participates in track and soccer and volunteered at the Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.
After graduation, Itzel plans to attend a university and major in psychology and education.
About Grace Wing
Through her involvement in the Air Force Junior ROTC program, Grace rose to leadership roles including squadron commander and chief of staff, overseeing support staff and mentoring younger cadets. She is also an accomplished musician and has received awards such as Battle Ground High School's Outstanding Musician and recognition from the Clark College Jazz Festival.
Outside of school, Grace volunteers at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, where she has contributed more than 180 hours supporting patients and training new volunteers. After graduation she will attend the University of Portland to study nursing and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
Awarded by the Historic Trust, the Marshall Youth Leadership Award recognizes Clark County high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving the greater good.
Pictured above: Honorees at the 2026 Marshall Youth Leadership Awards. From left: Grace Wing, Battle Ground High School; Nathan Kim, Ridgefield High School; Itzel Contreras Montiel, Prairie High School; Abeal Sihel, Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School; and Sadie Walters, Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School. Photo courtesy of The Historic Trust.