PLUS ME Alumnus Hosts LISTEN 2026
PLUS ME’s first LISTEN event took place at Marlborough School in 2020. This past weekend, we returned to the same location for our 7th annual celebration—a full-circle moment marked by another first: a LISTEN alumnus serving as host.
Axel Duran sharing his story last year at LISTEN 2025 in Choi Auditorium of Occidental College.
Axel hosting LISTEN 2026 at Marlborough School.
Axel Duran, a senior at Middle College High School and LISTEN 2025 scholarship recipient, welcomed our community by sharing part of his story:
“I never imagined I would be standing in front of an audience. I was scared and all I wanted was to get it over with.
In the end, I felt joy and I was proud of myself.”
This year’s recipients then stepped into the spotlight and shared their stories. During the panel discussion that followed, audience members asked questions and shared that these young people had given them hope for our future. One insight that resonated throughout the room: we are never too old to listen and learn from the wisdom of youth.
LISTEN honors high school students not only for their stories of resilience, but the mettle it takes to share it with the world. As Axel put it,
“Telling your story is more than just speaking. It’s about being courageous and vulnerable, and letting those around you see you for who you are.”
Thank you, Axel, for showing us the lasting transformation that sharing your story can have.
And thank you to this year’s recipients for inspiring our community with your courage.
