2026 McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge

On Friday, May 1, 2026, the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s annual celebration of Law Day took place. Part of that celebration was the final stage of the McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge for the top four middle and high school student competitors. 

In its ninth year, the McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge (MYLC) provides 6-12th grade students with an opportunity to learn more about their community and address an issue they observe. Participants are encouraged to speak with local leaders, fellow citizens, and representatives of various organizations to fully understand the issue. Then, they brainstorm solutions and present their findings in a 3-5 minute video submission. The top four submissions are selected by NCBA YLD judges, who invite the finalists to present in front of Court of Appeals judges in downtown Raleigh on Law Day. This year, students were lucky to have Chief Judge Chris Dillon, Judge Donna Stroud, and Judge April Wood preside over the final stage of this Challenge.

First was Apex High School’s Vaishnavi Tummalapalli. Vaishnavi discussed the low political efficacy of the public. She argued that the lack of non-biased news sources has led to a sense of disillusionment and apathy among citizens, which could be addressed through adult and student education. One such educational resource is a site she created, LawLens, which allows users to learn about bills being discussed at state and federal levels. 

Saanvi Ailani from Green Level High School followed. Saanvi’s presentation discussed the levels of homelessness in the Triangle. She discussed local organizations that are working to address the issue, but argued that an increase in funding to expand affordable housing is needed, along with education for students and teachers to improve awareness of these resources.

The third presenter was Atharva Sekharan from Green Hope High School. His speech focused on using chess as a way to combat both cognitive decline and loneliness for senior citizens. In Atharva’s presentation, he argued that having students teach seniors chess would provide companionship for participants and introduce seniors to a game that requires mental stamina. The Cary nonprofit, DOC NC (Dedicated to our Community of North Carolina) was mentioned as a group that could help Atharva bring this idea to his community.

Last was Avalina Frankenstein from Hilburn Academy in Raleigh. Avalina discussed the youth mental health crisis and how it could be addressed through peer to peer intervention. She believes that by educating students on how to identify and address problems their classmates are having, fewer instances would rise to the level of crisis situations. She used the phrase “mental first aid” and believes that providing this type of education to students is logical and practical. To achieve this goal, Avalina believes school safety grants funds could be utilized.

All four finalists impressed the audience with their passion, research, and presentation skills. While it was a difficult decision, the judges awarded Vaishnavi Tummalapalli with first place and Avalina Frankenstein with second. A donation of $1,000 will be made to Vaishnavi’s nonprofit of choice, Generation Citizen, thanks to the Douglas Carmichael McIntyre II Justice Fund.

We are grateful for all the assistance provided by Congressman McIntyre, Chief Judge Dillon, Judge Stroud, Judge Wood, Hunter Walsh, Ashley Oldfield, Sarah Mink, and the NCBA Young Lawyers Division.