Francesca, who was diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal skin disease when she was 11, had the opportunity to attend a special camp in Minnesota for children with skin disease. Afterwards, she decided she wanted to provide a similar experience to kids in California. "Many of these children are born into a world of pain, disfigurement, and social rejection," she explains. With a camp of their own, "They would be free to swim and participate in camp activities without embarrassment."

At the age of 16, Francesca established a foundation, solicited donations, organized a Rubber Duck Derby fundraiser, and obtained the use of a camp for "Camp Wonder".

Next, she asked doctors and medical centers to recommend children with skin disease. Then she contacted medical schools for volunteer doctors and nurses, and also recruited counselors and other voluteers to coordinate camp activities. In addition, she secured a large quantity of medical supplies.

Eventually, 42 children attended Francesca's week-long camp, many of whom had never slept away from home except in hospitals. Francesca is planning a second session for next summer and hopes to establish similar camps in other states and countries.

As a senior at International High School of FAIS, Francesca was honored by Prudential as one of America's Top Ten Youth Volunteers of 2002.

Marcus, a star student and football player at his high school, was troubled by the number of freshmen in his school district who were ineligible for sports due to poor grades or conduct problems. He looked back on his achievements and thought about how he had become successful.

Then he prepared a 45-minute oral presentation on the subject, which he has since delivered to more than 800 middle level students. Marcus stresses the importance of values and goals, and tells his audiences that the way they dress, talk, and act often determine what teachers expect of them - and what they expect from themselves. His program strives to dispel the notion that academic and social underachievement should be a bond of honor among inner-city youth. He urges young people to "reach for opportunities instead of excuses."

Marcus also developed an essay contest in which students can win a $50 scholarship and pizza party(funded out of his own pocket) by describing their plans for success. In its third year, "Just Say Know" attracted financial support from individuals and local organizations, and is set to expand nationally.

As an 18-year-old senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, Marcus was honored by Prudential as one of America's Top Ten Volunteers for 2000.

While on a youth work trip to the Dominican Republic, "I realized that handouts were only a short-term solution for an impoverished people," she explains. "I had to think big enough to make long-term improvements."

Ashleigh contacted a core group of 40 people, asking each to enlist two more volunteers for her Army. She made flyers, spoke to civic and professional organizations, and "e-mailed anyone who I thought could help in any way."

After almost a year of work, Ashleigh and her Army, along with New Missions (a Christian volunteer group) were able to erect cinder-block homes, build a small bathhouse, set up a temporary clinic, and train adults in silk-screening and weaving. In addition, they helped sponsor the village's first elementary school. "In a time when the nation is grieving and focusing on the negatives that evil can do, I am comforted by the fact that so many people, young and old, can find it in their heart to make this kind of miracle happen for people they do not even know."

As a sophomore at SuffieldAcademy, Ashleight was honored by Prudential as one of America's Top Ten Youth Volunteers for 2002.

In 1997, after seeing her 10-year-old neighbor suffer through chemotherapy, Amanda realized that young children needed something to distract them from both the frightening aspects of their illness and the long periods of treatment. "When I saw a little kid carrying a handful of toys into the treatment room, I knew I could help." Amanda filled PositivePacks with toys, books, games, hope, and love. She sent out hundreds of letters, made phone calls, and visited newspapers and television stations all over the Miami, Florida area to obtain sponsors and donations. Delivering the backpacks and seeing the delightful surprise on small faces in the clinic assured Amanda that she had achieved her goal of "getting kids to see at least one positive thing about having to go to the hospital."

After her mother, aunt, and grandfather were all diagnosed with cancer, Amanda expanded her activities to include fundraising for cancer research and education. After five years of work, PositivePacks fundraisers have provided more than $30,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Children's Cancer Fund.

As a sophomore at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Amanda was honored by Prudential as one of America's Top Ten Youth Volunteers of 2001.