Leadership is
what we leave
behind.

An annual award celebrating AvH students who turn empathy into action, bring people together, and leave their community stronger than they found it.

Meet the first recipient How to apply

Created by Michael Lecchino and Vanda Lecchino in partnership with the administration of the Alexander von Humboldt German International School.

Michael Lecchino and Vanda Lecchino with inaugural recipient Lara Marie Urschel at AvH — Inaugural recipient Lara Marie Urschel with Michael and Vanda, 2025–2026.

Begin here

A focused home for a growing tradition.

The award is one story with several meaningful parts. Explore its purpose, meet the people behind it, discover the students it honours, or begin an application.

The Award

Why it exists—and what it recognizes.

Discover the award 02

Recipients

One year. One remarkable story.

Meet the recipients 03

Applications

Your contribution deserves to be seen.

How to apply

Portrait of Lara Marie Urschel, the inaugural award recipient — Inaugural recipient · 2025–2026

The first recipient

2025—2026

Lara Marie Urschel

A thoughtful, community-minded leader whose initiative, empathy, and commitment to student participation left a lasting impact on AvH.

Read Lara’s story

“The courage to begin. The discipline to continue. The generosity to bring others along.”