Celebrating the 2026 Class of Next Generation Philanthropists

Riley Children’s Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 class of Next Generation Philanthropists. These high school seniors and juniors displayed exceptional leadership and character through their contributions to their school’s Riley Dance Marathon or Kids Caring & Sharing™ program.

This ninth annual class serves as shining representatives of the high school students in Indiana who fundraised for Riley Dance Marathon and Kids Caring & Sharing™ during the 2025-2026 school year. They have been a part of established Riley fundraising programs and started new fundraising efforts. They are Riley kids and Riley siblings. They have spent hundreds of hours raising thousands of dollars—all for the children and families who depend on Riley Children’s Health.

Introducing the 2026 class of Next Generation Philanthropists:

Addison Wright, Junior, Carmel High School (Carmel, IN) – Addison became the first transfer student to earn a leadership team position with Carmel Dance Marathon. “Leadership is not reserved for those who already feel established,” she said. “It belongs to those who care deeply enough to try.”

Amber Ault, Senior, Seymour High School (Seymour, IN) – As Co-President of her school’s program, Amber’s creativity helped break records for event attendance and fundraising. “Being able to see exactly how I am contributing and finding other ways to benefit Riley kids has changed my perspective,” she said.

Ella Bradway, Junior, Fishers High School (Fishers, IN) – Ella created a weeklong fundraiser with a different activity each day leading up to a football game against their rival school. “Being a leader means working even when no one is watching,” she said.

Ellen Volz, Senior, Westfield High School (Westfield, IN) – Ellen wrote a research paper about the impact of high school Dance Marathon participation on college students’ engagement with philanthropy, and she used her findings to increase student participation in Westfield Dance Marathon. “Riley kids don’t get to choose their battles, but we can come together and choose to fight for them,” she said.

Emerson Dierkes, Senior, Westfield High School (Westfield, IN) – Emerson decided to coordinate three summer carwashes instead of one, which dramatically increased fundraising and connected more community members to their cause. She said, “Philanthropy through Riley has taught me the power of asking ‘what if?'”

Emma MacDonald, Senior, Terre Haute North Vigo High School (Terre Haute, IN) – As her school’s first Vice President of Riley Relations, Emma shaped a culture of advocacy through securing 14 Riley families to share their stories at this year’s Dance Marathon. “Philanthropy through Riley has taught me that true impact is not about recognition, but about responsibility,” she said.

Frankie Allen, Junior, Edgewood High School (Ellettsville, IN) – As co-founder, Frankie helped to build her school’s Dance Marathon program from the ground up. “Dance Marathon has shown me that leadership is about accountability,” she said. “This has helped me understand how I should build teams, fix challenges, and support those who are stepping into leadership roles.”

Hadley Klein, Junior, Carmel High School (Carmel, IN) – Hadley nearly doubled attendance and fundraising records for Carmel Dance Marathon’s annual middle school football tailgate. “Fundraising should not feel like a chore, but a privilege. I want my legacy to be shifting that perspective,” she said.

John Cason, Senior, Westfield High School (Westfield, IN) – When registration numbers dwindled due to scheduling challenges, John taught his Dancer Relations committee members to recruit new participants through building personal connections. “This experience taught me the power words can have, the impact of kindness, and how real connection can bring people together in a world that often feels divided,” he said.

Molly O’Neil, Junior, Carmel High School (Carmel, IN) – Molly generated more than ten new corporate sponsorships for Carmel Dance Marathon, and last year she was the 4^th highest fundraiser for high school Riley Dance Marathons statewide. “Finding creative ways to fundraise has become one of my favorite things and greatest challenges,” she said.

Samantha Francis, Senior, Hamilton Southeastern High School (Indianapolis, IN) – Samantha partnered with multiple school departments and clubs to make Dance Marathon a larger part of her school’s culture. “Every child deserves access to healthcare, and if my efforts help one person live a better life then it is all worth it to me,” she said.

Will Henning, Senior, Hamilton Southeastern High School (Indianapolis, IN) – Will created a hugely successful fundraising event against a rival school’s dance marathon. “I’ve always believed we are all born with abilities and skills that define who we are and that we should use those abilities for good,” he said. “Riley gave me the opportunity to apply the leadership skills we learn in school and sports to do real good in the world.”

Interested in learning more about this class of Next Generation Philanthropists? Check out the @RileyKidsDM Instagram this summer to see each recipient highlighted.

On behalf of all of us at Riley Children’s Foundation, congratulations to the 2026 class and thank you for all you’ve done for Riley kids and families!