2026 Oceanside High School
Richard and Anne Cass
“The greatest lesson I have learned through my experiences is that leading is helping others to see what it means to truly be inclusive and working with them to make that happen for me and others like me in the future.“
These words were spoken by Evan Riley as he was finishing his senior year. The words “like me” in his quote refers to the fact that Evan is wheelchair bound with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but manages, quite successfully, to be an active, giving young man who embraces life to its fullest
The list of Evan’s volunteer activities is endless. Through Key Club, he volunteers at the local food pantry and animal shelter, local elementary schools, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Canine Assistants and Trekkers, a youth mentoring organization, where he serves on the Board of Directors.
Keenly aware of accessibility issues, he works with others to navigate the many obstacles they encounter. This was demonstrated in his work with Hurricane Island where he attended a multiple day adventure and subsequently offered feedback which resulted in the program increasing their disability access. Concern, responsibility, integrity, and courage are part of who Evan is and who he will always be.
He will attend The University of Maine to study civil engineering.