An 18-year-old Mililani High School student has been recognized as one of the Nestle Very Best in Youth, Nestle USA has announced.

Kyle Monette was among 27 young people selected out of nearly 1,000 nominations nationwide. The award recognizes youth who are "committed to academic excellence and are devoted to leading a generation of positive change within their communities," Nestle said.

Nestle lauded Monette for launching "Kids Helping Kids With Diabetes" to draw students to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walkathon. The effort organized nearly 1,000 walkers and generated more than $30,000 for the foundation.