The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire recently hosted the 2026 Youth Programs Peacemaker Awards Celebration at Jenkins High School. The ceremony saw a number of SCCPSS students and schools honored for their commitment to peacebuilding. Marking the organization’s 40 year anniversary, The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire is dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict and creating a more conflict-resilient community.

This annual celebration recognized the remarkable contributions of young peacemakers, including Peer Mediators, Positive Peer Influencers and volunteers who are making a positive impact in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) elementary, middle and high schools as well as in the greater Savannah community. Outstanding educators and local organizations who support The Mediation Center’s Youth Programs were also recognized for their commitment to engaging youth in conflict resolution and developing future leaders who foster peace. 

“At The Mediation Center, we think it’s extremely important to recognize young leaders in our community who embody the spirit of peacebuilding in Savannah,” said Sherlisa Praylo, Director of Youth Initiatives at The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire. “Our annual Youth Programs Peacemaker Awards Celebration underscores the importance of investing in youth and helping them develop conflict resolution and leadership skills.”

Local SCCPSS students honored at the 2026 Youth Programs Peacemaker Awards Celebration include:

• Positive Peer Influencer of the Year - Atlas Gordon III, Groves High School
• Lead Positive Peer Influencer of the Year - Kiana Griffin, Jenkins High School
• Positive Peer Influencer Breakout Star - Samra Laister, Windsor Forest High School
• The Bridge Builder Award - Amayrani Ruiz-Gomez, Jenkins High School
• Peer Mediator of the Year - Olivia Jones, Jenkins High School
• Peer Mediation Bridge Builder of the Year - Addison Murphy, Charles Ellis  

Additional awards were presented to the following individuals:

• Youth Volunteer of the Year - Larry Kopczak, The Mediation Center volunteer
• Positive Peer Influencer Middle School Coordinator of the Year - Raesha Stanley, Hubert Middle School
• Positive Peer Influencer High School Coordinator of Year - Angela Corinthian, Jenkins High School
• Positive Peer Influencer Breakout Coordinator of the Year – Gabrielle Brundidge, Meyers Middle School
• Peer Mediation School Coordinator of the Year - Rhianna Brown, New Hampstead High School

In addition, Jenkins High School was honored as the Positive Peer Influencer Most Influential High School, Woodville-Tompkins High School was recognized as the Positive Peer Influencer Breakout School of Year and Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts was celebrated as the Peer Mediation School of the Year.

The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s Youth Programs are made possible with support from community partners including Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team and Chatham County Juvenile Court. To learn more about The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s Youth Programs, please visit mediationsavannah.com/youth-programs.