Axlen Gonzalez Clase, Multicultural HS Principal Peter Ng-A-Fook This year, CSA introduced a new award: The Donald Singer Scholarship, in recognition of his enduring contributions to CSA and his distinguished tenure as CSA president. This scholarship is awarded to the student whose essay among the Five Borough winners most powerfully reflects the values of integrity, resilience, and service. Raised by a single mother, Axlen came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant and worked to support his family while caring for a brother with special needs. Amid these challenges, Axlen has grown into a thoughtful, disciplined, and self-aware young man. Axlen wrote that the most important quality in a leader is the ability to listen and learn from others. He sees leadership not as control but as collaboration, defined by curiosity, respect, and quiet confidence. He’s a student journalist, chess player, track athlete, event organizer, babysitter, skateboarder, farmer, and even a calisthenics enthusiast. This fall, Axlen will attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice, bringing his critical thinking, ethical compass, and resilience to his next chapter.