Welcome to
National Youth
Story
To empower the nation’s youth through storytelling
Our Mission:
Strengthen Storytelling by promoting and teaching the art of story among young tellers
What’s happening in 2023
Get ready for an exciting adventure like no other. This year, our storytellers are in for an unforgettable experience. With some amazing updates in store, we’re thrilled to bring you even more moments of inspiration, connection, and growth.
Storytellers will participate in two Showcases, learn about the art of storytelling, participate in public humanities discussions, and record their stories with The Apple Seed radio and podcast. Storytellers will attend studio recordings for adult tellers Donald Davis and Diane Ferlatte. Tour local sites and eat yummy food from some of our sponsors. Share some bonding time at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. All before sharing their stories at Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Join us in person or jump on virtually for one of our Facebook Live Showcase events. Please help us thank our sponsors.
Storytellers 2023
Aashi Bhakta
Texas
Cohen Botkin
Utah
Abigail Dieter
Utah
Hannah Lancto
Texas
Lenna Malek
Texas
Amber Richards
Utah
Kamden Botkin
Utah
Madeline Rollins
Arizona
Claire Burnham
Utah
Keren Lee
Texas
We appreciate our
Sponsors!
These individuals & organizations provide financial donations, goods and services to make youth storytelling come alive!
This program has received funding from Utah Humanities (UH). UH empowers Utahns to improve their communities through active engagement in the humanities.
Aashi Bhakta
Aashi Bhakta, a St. Mary’s Hall, San Antonio student, is a passionate storyteller inspired by her brother’s 2018 NYS performance. With a love for soccer, reading, science, theater, dance, piano, and creativity, she excels in diverse artistic pursuits, crafting unique stories and captivating audiences.
Abigail Dieter
Abigail Dieter, a spunky and imaginative 10-year-old, finds magic in words. Enthralled by books and storytelling, she weaves captivating tales and enjoys acting them out with friends and siblings. With a passion for drawing, swimming, softball, and discussing Star Wars with her dad, she embraces the joy and enrichment stories bring to life.
Amber Richards
Amber Richards, inspired by a book about Hank the cactus, spreads kindness through storytelling. She’s pursuing her passion for reading, writing, illustrating, and sports like gymnastics, dance, and soccer. With a love for nature and animals, particularly horses, she finds joy in the outdoors.
Claire Burnham
Claire is delighted for her second year at Timpanogos Storytelling Festival after a busy year as a National Youth Storyteller torchbearer. She shared stories at schools, events, and even on a superintendent’s podcast, while also embracing her love for acting, improv comedy, and various fandoms.
Cohen Botkin
Cohen, a Utah native, thrives in his imaginative world. With a love for the outdoors, he can be found with a bag of treasures, pockets full, and a well-thought-out plan. In his fourth year as a National Youth Storyteller, Cohen enthusiastically brings his tales to life.
Hannah Lancto
Hannah, a talented ballet dancer, ukulele player, and chess enthusiast, recently published her debut children’s book driven by her passion for storytelling. Residing in wild West Texas, she embraces travel and new adventures. Hannah eagerly anticipates her first performance at the NYS festival with boundless joy.
Kamden Botkin
Kamden, a certified birder from Utah, enjoys spotting and identifying birds. He’s an avid snow skier, baseball catcher, and passionate about fishing. Thrilled to return as a National Youth Storyteller for the fourth time, Kamden enthusiastically shares captivating tales.
Keren Lee
Keren Diane, a Texan high school sophomore in Dallas/Ft. Worth, started storytelling at age eight. She captivates young children and seniors with her tales. As a proud Drill Team member and Dallas ISD Advanced Academic Services Scholar, she finds relaxation in dancing, painting, and crafting with friends.
Lenna Malek
Lenna, a third-grader, thrives in basketball, achieving club champion status. She was a published author in second grade. With a passion for performing in Ballet San Antonio, auditioning for ensembles and plays, and reporting for Magik Theatre, Lenna is an enthusiastic storyteller, aspiring to become the future President and create positive change.
Madeline Rollins
Madeline, hailing from Arizona’s scorching desert, has an insatiable passion for stories. Whether watching, writing, acting, or reading them, she’s immersed in the world of storytelling. With a constant companion of a book or pen and notebook, she also indulges in martial arts, playing multiple instruments, and embarking on quests for Narnia’s magical wardrobes.