Abigail Coussons: 2025 ATHENA Youth Leadership Award
Abigail Coussons, a senior at Linden High School, has been honored with the 2025 ATHENA Youth Leadership Award, which includes a $2,500 scholarship.
“I was initially shocked to be chosen for such an incredible honor, but that feeling quickly turned into gratitude to those who recognized my hard work and commitment to making Linden and our community a better place,” Abigail said.
Abigail is the daughter of Brad and Lisa Coussons; she has two brothers and one sister. The family also has two dogs, one of which Abigail rescued from the side of the road. “When I learned Abigail had won the ATHENA award, I was so proud and excited that she was being rewarded for all of her accomplishments,” said Lisa Coussons, adding that she thinks her daughter is just an amazing human being. “She works tirelessly to maintain her grades, help others and contribute to foster positive relationships throughout the community in any way she can.”
Lisa said Abigail has always been a leader, and much of that is due to the teachers, administrators and staff who have influenced her during her years attending Linden Unified School District. “Waverly Elementary staff pushed her to become the best version of herself and that was brought to even higher levels as a student at Linden High School, especially with the support, encouragement and mentorship she has received from teachers like Ms. Jana Colombini and Ms. Morgan Parker,” Lisa said.
Abigail has a 4.1 GPA and a class ranking in the top ten. To say that Abigail is involved in her school community is an understatement. She’s in her fourth term as class president, she is also spirit commissioner and is a student athlete who has been named captain of her high school girls’ golf team. Her nomination biography noted that she is a four-year member and officer of FFA, serving as vice president, treasurer and reporter. She earned first place in both team and individual divisions at the 2025 FFA State Ag Sales Competition, advancing to represent California at the national level, where the team placed third in the United States. After graduating from high school in May 2026, Abigail plans to attend a four-year university to study animal science in hopes of becoming a veterinarian.
Through the California Scholarship Federation, she contributes to community projects that benefit residents of all ages. “I am motivated to give back to my community because I am grateful for the support and opportunities it has given me,” she said. “Helping others allows me to create positive change and strengthen the sense of connection that makes our community thrive.”
As a Linden Cherry Queen Princess, she proudly represents her community, bridging generations and celebrating the heritage of her hometown. In addition, she is serving her second term as a Linden Unified School District’s Student Trustee.
“Abigail represents the very best of young leadership — authentic, courageous and committed to others,” said Scott McGregor, superintendent of Linden Unified School District. “She doesn’t just talk about leadership; she lives it, every single day.”
The ATHENA Youth Leadership Award is given to a girl under age 18 who embodies ATHENA’S Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™, which are to live authentically, learn constantly, build relationships, foster collaboration, act courageously, advocate fiercely, give back and celebrate. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce began presenting the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award in 2024.
