Announcing Live Oak’s 2026 Young Alumni Changemakers
We are happy to announce the recipients of this year’s Young Alumni Changemaker Award: Jacob Shaul ‘22, Savion Saint-Prix ‘22, Maya Jayaram ‘23, and Coleton Namie ‘23. The Young Alumni Changemaker Award began in 2022 to recognize that Live Oak students do not wait to make an impact in their communities. The award honors current high school juniors and seniors who graduated from Live Oak that model empathy and responsibility, demonstrate a capacity to create change in the community, and inspire actions in others. This year’s honorees are planning to be on campus for Changemaker Day on Monday, March 9, where they will share about their work during a special assembly and visit classes throughout the morning. Read about this year’s honorees below.
Jacob Shaul | Live Oak School ‘22 | University High School ‘26
Jacob founded Mode to Code in 2024 to empower the next generation of programmers and innovators. He and his fellow high school volunteers started out offering free courses to elementary and middle school students looking to learn about coding, AI, and video game development. His nonprofit has since expanded to include tech support and lessons for seniors in assisted-living facilities with the goal of bridging the intergenerational gap. Their goal is to teach students of all backgrounds, including those who have been historically underrepresented and under-resourced. Mode to Code currently partners with 30+ different institutions, teaching 1000+ students across 5 continents. They plan to extend their program to Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Bolivia in Fall 2026.
Jacob organized UHS Hacks, University’s inaugural hackathon, as an extension of Mode to Code. He has raised over $16,000 in cash and prizes and made it free for all Bay Area high schoolers to participate.
Savion Saint-Prix | Live Oak School ‘22 | Lick-Wilmerding High School ‘26
Savion has been a leader in building equitable and inclusive spaces throughout his time at Lick-Wilmerding. Using his experience from the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, he designed and facilitated a teach-in workshop for students and faculty to foster conversations around inclusion, reflection, and honest dialogue to build a more just school community. Additionally, as Co-President of the Black Student Union, Savion plans and leads meetings, working to create and sustain a supportive, inclusive environment for Black students and families.
Savion was featured in a student-led documentary, "From Stigma to Strength", which challenged misconceptions about learning differences. He hosted film screenings and discussions at schools across the Bay Area, speaking with students and educators about ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and how stigma shapes confidence, accommodations, and access to support.
Maya Jayaram | Live Oak School ‘23 | Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep ‘27
Two years ago, Maya was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and prescribed a brace to prevent its progression. To help ensure others receive the same care regardless of financial status, she created a campaign to raise money for Align Scoliosis Foundation which alleviates financial burden for families seeking treatment for scoliosis. Her goal is to help children access essential resources, like a brace, early on to try to prevent worsening pain and the need for major surgery. She continues to share her story to mobilize her community and has raised over $16,000 so far.
Maya also volunteers for Bay Area Tutoring Association which supports the learning and academic success of houseless, at-risk, and justice engaged youth.
Coleton Namie | Live Oak School ‘23 | Lick-Wilmerding High School ‘27
In 2025, Coleton co-founded Path to Play, a nonprofit that hosts free flag football clinics. He wanted to remove the financial barrier to accessing organized athletics. He and other high school volunteers design and run weekly skill-based clinics for kids aged 10 to 14. Path to Play is building community partnerships with schools in the Bay Area to extend their impact. He intends to share his love of flag football as well as the benefits of building confidence and lessons in teamwork.
Coleton also volunteers for local organizations like the Homeless Prenatal Program and various senior living facilities, playing music for members of the community.
Tinatanggap at tinatanggap ng Live Oak School ang mga mag-aaral ng anumang lahi, kulay, bansa at etnikong pinagmulan, katayuan sa pagkamamamayan, pagkakakilanlan ng kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, at pananampalataya sa lahat ng karapatan, pribilehiyo, programa at aktibidad ng Live Oak School. Ang Live Oak School ay hindi nagtatangi batay sa lahi, kulay, bansa at etnikong pinagmulan, katayuan sa pagkamamamayan, pagkakakilanlan ng kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, at pananampalataya sa pangangasiwa ng mga patakaran at programang pang-edukasyon nito, mga patakaran sa pagtanggap, programa ng Adjusted Tuition, at athletic at iba pang mga programang pinangangasiwaan ng paaralan.