The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has announced the top three graduates of the 2026 Young Marines National Leadership Academy – Senior Leadership School (SLS) held at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Young Marine Olivia Medina of Front Royal, Virginia as one of the top three graduates for this year’s class. Demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities at the school and in her unit, she is a member of the Manassas Young Marines in Manassas, Virginia.
At SLS, held June 16-26, Young Marine Sgt Medina (YM/Sgt Medina) and other Young Marines from throughout the country were chosen based on their leadership, creative problem solving, self-discipline, and the ability to coach other Young Marines in their units. The goals of the school included leadership development, mentorship, management skills, and competition in physical challenges. After being evaluated on their knowledge, skills, and abilities, YM/Sgt Medina was named as one of the top three graduates.
YM/Sgt Medina,14, is a rising ninth grade student at Randolph Macon Academy. After high school, she plans to study fashion and achieve her goal of owning her own business.
The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) youth leadership and development program for boys and girls, age eight through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so they can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
SLS is the second school in the National Leadership Academy. Junior Leadership School (first school) provided YM/Sgt Medina with invaluable experience in teambuilding, self-discipline, and character-building. SLS builds on these skills and works to grow and hone their skills exponentially.
“SLS provides a foundation these youth need to work well with others, have self-discipline in school and other activities they participate in, and begin to show some leadership traits,” said Col. William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “By teaching leadership development along with self-discipline, the academy shapes Young Marines like YM/Sgt Medina into capable, moral leaders prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”
“Senior Leadership School was one of the most challenging and meaningful experiences I have had as a Young Marine,” said YM/Sgt Medina. “It taught me that leadership is not just giving directions, it is setting the example, earning trust, and helping others succeed. The lessons I learned at SLS will stay with me as I return to my unit, continue in school, and prepare for my future. I know this experience has helped shape the kind of leader and person I want to become.”
The top three graduates for the 2026 Young Marines Senior Leadership School are:
Honor Graduate YM/Sgt Kierra Pierre, Lancaster, California; Quartz Hill Young Marines in Quartz Hill
YM/Sgt Evy Quijano, Gordonsville, Tennessee; Music City Young Marines in Nashville, Tennessee
YM/Sgt Olivia Medina, Front Royal, Virginia; Manassas Young Marines, Manassas, Virginia
About the Young Marines
Young Marines History
Since the Young Marines’ humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 200 units with over 5,000 youth and 1,950 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan (Okinawa), and affiliates in a host of other countries.
For more information on the Young Marines, visit the website at https://www.YoungMarines.org.
