Returning as a Team Leader

At the completion of each conference the Senior Team Leader and Assistant Senior Team Leader begin the selection process for new Team Leaders. All delegates are evaluated from the moment they arrive at AZYLC until the Awards Banquet on the last day by the staff, instructors, and current team leaders. Delegates are invited to return to AZYLC as a Team Leader based on their Team Leader application and evaluation. Every year we look to bring back the best delegates as Team Leaders; including the Outstanding Student and 1st Runner Up who automatically receive invitations. Previous Team Leaders are invited to return in addition to several new Team Leaders for each conference. We are constantly looking for those delegates who actively participate, demonstrate leadership ability, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm. 

• AZYLC Team Leader Application (Fillable PDF – email to [email protected])

AZYLC 2024 Team Leaders

Oktober – Red Team Leader I was a delegate in 2017 and this will be my fourth year as a Team Leader at AZYLC! During my first year as a Team Leader (2018), my team (orange) received the Outstanding Team Award! Last summer I received the award for Most Outstanding Team Leader. In high school, I was CO of my MCJROTC program, which is how I came to learn about AZYLC. For the last 3 years, I have worked for the Department of Homeland Security as a Federal Agent. I enjoy traveling, physical fitness, and Brazilian Jui Jitsu. I look forward to working with another team of young adults!

Andrew Mercado – Blue Team Leader Hey howdy! My name is Andrew and I am returning to AZYLC 2024 as Blue Team Leader, while in 2023 I was the Red Team Leader. Way back in 2013 I was on Lime Green Team and I found out about AZYLC through a JROTC event where my mother struck up a conversation with Col. Minor and his wife! In 2013 I was the first from my high school (Betty H. Fairfax) to attend AZYLC. I graduated from Fairfax in 2015, went to Grand Canyon University, and have worked various jobs across the Valley. I am looking forward to returning this summer to once again coach and work with another team of young whippersnappers!

Garrett Brabson – Green Team Leader Hi there! I am Garrett Brabson, I graduated from Chandler High School in 2024 as the Commander of my JROTC Program, IB Diploma Candidate, and with the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. I will attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to study Aerospace Engineering and Propulsion in the fall. Some of my interests include plants, hiking, 3d printing, and woodworking. I look forward to being a Team Leader at this year’s conference, and meeting all the new delegates!

Sara O’Neil – Orange Team Leader Second year team leader.

Teyla Izzo – Purple Team Leader Hello, my name is Teyla. I will be the Purple Team Leader this year. I discovered AZYLC through my JROTC program and I was a delegate on the Green Team last year. I currently attend Tombstone High School but I plan to study crime scene investigation and criminal justice once I graduate. I enjoy true crime, sewing, and baking. I’m excited to meet all of you and to watch you guys grow within this week!

Michael Binyaminov – Senior Team Leader Hello, my name is Michael and I am the Senior Team Leader for AZYLC 2024. I am an army veteran as well as an AZYLC delegate from 2013, team leader in 2014, and the senior team leader from 2023. I am native to Phoenix, Arizona and graduated with honors from Greenway High School in 2014. I am an alumni of Wentworth Military college and work in the world of insurance. I’m excited to train, mentor, and educate this years delegates!