Queen Anne resident Trenton Scott, left, and Ben Wahl, the founder of Aspiring Youth and Delphi Young Adults Program, smile after Wahl presented Scott with the Youth Advocate Award at the Ryther’s NeurodiverseNW '23 event.
Laura Marie Rivera
Saturday night at historic Washington Hall, Queen Anne’s Trenton Scott received the Youth Advocate Award at Ryther’s NeurodiverseNW '23 event.
Rhyther is an organization that provides outpatient mental health programs to help young people who are struggling with trauma, substance abuse and autism spectrum disorders, according to the website. They serve more than 800 children, youth and young adults each month, regardless of ability to pay, gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity or place of origin. The annual event celebrates the neurodiverse community in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together hearts and minds from all over the region.
This year’s event featured Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo, an author with autism, psychologist and clinical director of Take This — a group supporting mental health and neurodiversity in the gaming industry Rhonda Smith-Banchero, director of organizational equity and inclusion at Downtown Emergency Services; ChrisTiana ObeySumner, founder of Epiphanies of Equity and autistic candidate for Seattle City Council, position 5; and also honored Dr. Cassie Martin, executive director of special education at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction OSPI, as a community champion.
Scott is a proud alum of John Hay Elementary School, McClure Middle School and Ballard High School and received his associate degree in hospitality management from Seattle Central College. He was honored with this year’s Youth Advocate Award to celebrate the many positive ways he affects his community. During COVID, he was an essential worker at the Magnolia Metropolitan Market, serving customers as a frontline deli clerk and sandwich maestro. More recently, Scott is employed as a peer mentor with Summit Community Center.
Ben Wahl, the founder of Aspiring Youth and Delphi Young Adults Program, described Scott as an inspiration to the community and a role model for community members with autism.
“Throughout the pandemic, Trenton always provided support and encouragement to his neurodiverse peers,” he said. “He would send them positive messages and always had a kind and uplifting word.” Scott first met Wahl at Aspiring Youth in 2009 and says their relationship has grown and evolved over the years.
“Back when I was a teenager, Aspiring Youth was a major help to me. I felt more accepted than ever before” Scott said.
After being bullied at the neighborhood summer camps, Scott said he was really excited at the chance to meet “other campers who were just like me and didn't feel like they were outcasts.” He said it’s an environment where your friendship circle grows and has multiple opportunities that are available. He is currently participating in the Delphi Young Adult's program.
Scott’s father, Joseph Scott, said that he’s really impressed with his son’s amazing strides in both his communication and organization skills.
“He has always been an empathetic and carrying individual, but the most growth that we have seen is in his ability to communicate with the neurotypical community." Joseph Scott said.
The theme of the evening was a celebration of the diverse talents and dedication of the larger community.
“When we come together, we can do incredible things,” Trenton Scott said.
To find out about upcoming Ryther events for the neurodiverse community or to get involved as a volunteer, go to Ryther.org, or call 206-517-0241.