At the Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) last month we announced the 2026 David Norr Youth Activist Award winner: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas! This annual award celebrates the youngest generation of activists for freedom without favor and equality without exception.
Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) is a youth-led organization leading a movement of young people fighting for education policy change in Texas and beyond, including religious freedom and church-state separation in public schools. They demonstrate tremendous leadership by not just being a voice at the table for youth in policymaking but by training and mobilizing young people from across the state to speak at school board meetings, testify at the capitol, share their stories in the media, and more.
SEAT is on the front lines every day fighting for the separation of church and state in Texas schools, acting with courage and persistence in the face of difficult odds. They have pushed back on local policies and state legislation such as those requiring chaplains in public schools and introducing bias into the curriculum.
Sumya Paruchuri spoke at SRF to accept the award on behalf of SEAT and shared, “When we set our mind to something, we get it done⊠As students, we are the only ones that acutely understand how the blurring of church and state is affecting young people in our schools today.” Click here to watch SEAT’s full acceptance speech at the Summit for Religious Freedom.
At the Summit for Religious Freedom to accept the award alongside Sumya were fellow activists and SEAT leaders Cameron Samuels, Hayden Cohen, Hudson Locke, Kayla Madrid, and Marshall Romero.
“The young people involved in SEAT have repeatedly shown courage and commitment by advocating for church-state separation, religious freedom, and public education in a very difficult political climate. They know the importance of organizing, telling personal stories, and building communities â even when the win now isnât guaranteed,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, in presenting the award.
Named in honor of the late David Norr, a staunch advocate and supporter of Americans United and church-state separation for over 35 years, this award goes to an individual or group who goes above and beyond to advocate for the separation of church and state.
At the award presentation, SEAT members and Laser were also joined by Amy Norr, chair of the board of trustees of Americans United and daughter of David Norr. “My dad valued equal opportunity, education, hard work, and continuous learning⊠He firmly believed in investing in young people’s education and work. This award was created to carry on his legacy and honor his dedication to ensuring the separation of religion and government for and by the next generation,” Norr shared.
We also are thrilled to recognize Anvika Jain and Kyria Santa with honorable mentions for their notable accomplishments as activists for church-state separation and inclusive religious freedom in their communities. Anvika is an advocate for religious freedom in Texas, serving as a leader in the Texas Youth Advocacy Program and on the Texas State Board of Education Youth Advisory Board. Kyria is the founder and president of Emory Secular Students at Emory University, where she has educated her peers, hosted events, and advocated for institutional change to protect religious freedom for all. Click here to read more.
“Students are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today,” Sumya said at SRF. “Students have always been at the forefront of movements and we continue to be. These decisions affect us and our future and we will not stand idly by while decisions are made about us without us in mind.”
We could not agree more about the importance of investing in youth activism! If you know a young person who, like these incredible activists, is a passionate advocate for church-state separation and wants to get even more involved as a leader and advocate in their community, please spread the word about another opportunity: AUâs Youth Organizing Fellowship â applications are open now until June 1.
Photo: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). Photo credit: Chris Line.
