The Kids Hall of Fame Inductees
10-Year-Old Extraordinary Achievers
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Genesis Butler gave her TEDx Talk explaining how reducing the amount of meat humans eat will have a positive result on the environment. Genesis said that the choice we make can mean the difference between destroying or saving planet Earth.
(Long Beach, California: 2017)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
View her TEDx Talk.
Visit Genesis’ website.
Learn about Genesis as:
– an activist: age 8, age 11, age 13
ACTIVIST: ENVIRONMENT
Robbie Bond spoke to a crowd of over 7,000 people in front of the Utah State Capitol Building. Robbie, who is on a mission to save America’s parks and monuments for future generations, informed the crowd of the importance of preserving the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. It is a 1.35 million acre protected area, which President Barack Obama proclaimed a national monument on December 28, 2016.
Learn more…
(Hawaii: 2018)
Photo: Courtesy of Robbie’s Parents
Learn about Robbie as:
– a founder: age 9
– a memory whiz: age 2
ACTIVIST: LITERARY
Sidney Keys III, who loves reading, thought it was important to bring awareness to books with characters who look like him. To spread his love of reading and improve the literacy skills of African-American boys, Sidney started/founded his own book club, Books N Bros. It is the first and only youth led book club for boys to explore stories from African American books. The club’s motto is “Cool Bros Read”. Sidney explained, “Seeing a Black boy, on the cover of a book, who looked like me, let me know I could do anything.” The club evolved into a business.
(St. Louis, Missouri: 2016)
Visit Sidney’s Books N Bros website.
Learn about Sidney as:
– an author: age 15, age 17
ACTIVIST: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Brandon Paulin, a sixth grader at General Small Wood Middle School, wrote to his mayor requesting the town install traffic signs to help ensure the safety of pedestrians at various unsafe walkways. Brandon’s effort were so successful that it instilled his strong desire to help improve his community. This evolved into his successful campaign, at age 19, to become mayor of his town.
(Indian Head, Maryland: 2006)
Learn about Brandon as:
– a mayor: age 19
ACTIVIST: TRANSGENDER YOUTH
Rebekah Bruesehoff attended a transgender rights rally holding a large sign that read, “I’m the scary transgender person the media warned you about.” Rebekah’s message helps dissolve transphobia and the myth about transgender people.
(New Jersey: 2017)
Visit Rebekah’s website.
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Mary Badham became the Best Supporting Actress, Academy Award (Oscar) Nominee for her performance as Scout Finch (when she was 9) in To Kill a Mockingbird.
(California: 1963)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Vivien Lyra Blair made her first appearance as 10-year-old Princess Leia Organa in episode one of the Disney+ Star Wars series Obi-Wan Kenobie.
(United States: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Vivien as:
– an actress: age 9
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Julia Butters played the role of Trudi Frazer in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. For her performance, Julia won the Sierra Award in the Youth in Film (female category) at the 2019 Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards, as well as the 2020 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress.
(Los Angeles, California: 2019)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Quinn Cummings was nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar), in the best supporting actress category, for playing Lucy McFadden in Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl.
(Los Angeles, California: 1977)
Visit Quinn’s website.
Skylar Dunn played Young Charity in the movie The Greatest Showman.
(Branford, Connecticut: 2017)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Scarlett Estevez played the role of Megan in the film Daddy’s Home 2, which is the sequel to Daddy’s Home. Scarlett also played the recurring voice role of Esme Louise in 18 episodes of the TV show If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
(Los Angeles, California: 2017)
Learn about Scarlett as:
– an actress: age 3, age 6, age 8, age 9
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Federico Ielapi played the title character in the film Pinocchio, directed by Matteo Garrone. Federico also dubbed himself in the English version of the film.
(Rome, Italy: 2019)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Huck Milner landed his first professional acting job, which was as a voice actor. He played the voice of Dash Parr, the middle child of superhero parents Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, in the animated Disney sequel Incredibles 2. Dash’s special power was his super speed. Huck performed in other plays and musicals while attending a New York children’s acting academy.
(New York: 2018)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Tatum O’Neal won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Addie Loggins in the Paramount film Paper Moon. Tatum was 9 when she began acting in this American road comedy-drama. She played opposite her real-life father, Ryan O’Neal.
At age 10, Tatum became the youngest person ever to win any Academy Award (Oscar) category for over 48 years.
(Los Angeles, California: 1973)
Learn about Tatum as:
– an actress: age 9
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Elizabeth Taylor played her first film role in There’s One Born Every Minute.
(London, England: 1942)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Lulu Wilson played the role of Doris Zander in the American supernatural horror film Ouija: Origin of Evil.
(New York City, New York: 2016)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Archie Yates made his acting debut in the film Jojo Rabbit, in which he played Yorki, Jojo’s best friend.
(Kent, England: 2019)
ADVOCATE: UNICEF
Emanne Beasha served as a UNICEF Youth Ambassador and Youth Advocate.
(Amman, Jordan: 2018)
Illustrated by Liam Giblin
Visit Emanne’s website.
Learn about Emanne as:
– a musician: age 8, age 9
AMBASSADOR: GOODWILL
Samantha Smith served as America’s youngest Goodwill Ambassador to Russia. This resulted after she authored her influential letter to the Soviet leader Yuri Andropov, hoping to stop a nuclear war.
(Manchester, Maine: 1982)
Learn about Samantha as:
– an author: age 10 (below)
AMBASSADOR: RECYCLING
Ryan Hickman served as an Ambassador for Recycle Across America, a non-profit organization promoting recycling. Ryan visited Denali, Alaska as part of Recycle Across America’s campaign with Subaru and the National Parks Service. Ryan also hosted a video promoting sustainability in the park system.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2018)
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– an environmentalist: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 10 (see below), age 11, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 9, age 10 (see below), age 13, age 14
ANNOUNCER: SPORTS
Zach Spedden called an entire 9-inning baseball game between the Hagerstown Suns and the Kannapolis Intimidators, played at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, Maryland and broadcasted on WHAG 1410AM. He also announced the pre-game show and post-game analysis.
(Maryland: 2002)
APP DESIGNER / DEVELOPER
Yuma Soerianto had five of the computer games he created, featured in the Apple App Store. He has his own YouTube channel, Anyone Can Code, where he teaches coding skills. He taught a coding class at the Apple store in Singapore and was the youngest ever to teach coding at any Apple store around the world. He gave an oral presentation about computer coding and leadership at the Word Youth Forum. Yuma explained, “Anyone can learn to code. It doesn’t matter what age you are…If you don’t start coding, you might lag behind.”
(Melbourne, Australia: 2018)
Illustrated by Liam Giblin
Visit Yuma’s website.
Learn about Yuma as:
– an app designer/developer: age 6, age 9, age 11
ARTIST: PAINTER
Juliette Brindak began creating sketched characters that she called “cool girls”. By age 16, Juliette used her drawings to develop her website, www.MissOandFriends.com, which soon was valued at over a million dollars.
(Connecticut: 2000)
Learn about Juliette as:
– a website designer/creator: age 16
Akiane Kramarik
Visit Akiane’s website.
Alexandra Nechita created paintings that sold on the average of $50,000.
(California: 1996)
Visit Alexandra’s website.
Learn about Alexandra as:
– an artist: age 8
– an author & illustrator: age 10 (see below)
ARTIST
Michael White became a published artist. His drawing of a swan was published in the local newspaper.
(York, South Carolina: 1974)
Visit Michael’s website.
Learn about Michael as:
– an artist: age 11, age 14, age 17
ARTIST: CARTOONIST
Joe Whale, also known as “The Doodle Boy,” was hired by the local restaurant, Number Four, to decorate its dining room walls with his cartoon doodles. He posted his progress on Instagram. The job took Joe about 12 hours to complete.
Before that, Joe had displeased his teacher by doodling in class. To help Joe pursue his passion, his parents enrolled him in an after-school art program. The teacher there liked Joe’s doodles so much that she shared them online, which is how his artistic skill came to the attention of the Number Four staff.
Joe explains, “There is no right or wrong in art, just interpretation.”
(Shrewsbury, England: 2020)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Visit Joe’s website.
Learn about Joe as:
– an artist: age 9, age 12, age 13
ARTIST
ATHLETE
Adam Bender, a cancer survivor, who refers to himself as a “sports enthusiast” explained, “I hope that when others see me play, they will be aware that a physical challenge can be overcome when you have the desire and you believe in yourself.”
(Lexington, Kentucky: 2010)
Photo: Courtesy of Pass It On
View Adam’s video.
Learn about Adam as:
– an athlete: age 8
ATHLETE
Kelly Bruno played forward, fullback, and halfback in soccer. She competed in basketball and baseball and enjoyed in-line skating, skiing, and swimming. Kelly explained, “Most people don’t realize I have an artificial leg. When I tell them, they’re amazed…Don’t worry if something is artificial. Just think about how well you can do.”
(Virginia: 1994)
ATHLETE: BASEBALL PLAYER
Tommy Morrissey hit the winning home run for his baseball team. What makes his achievement so extraordinary is that Tommy was born without most of his right arm.
Tommy explains, “Baseball life is a good life, win or lose!”
(Florida: 2021)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Learn about Tommy as:
– an ambassador: age 6
– an athlete: age 3
ATHLETE:
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLIST
Daniel Mallinson, accompanied by his father, Geoff, broke the record for being the youngest person to bike across Australia. They began their journey when Daniel was nine and completed it when he was ten. They camped and stayed in motels along the way.
The 3-fold purpose of their journey was to: 1) break the record, 2) prove that too often adults underestimate what kids can do, and 3) raise money for the Elim Kids Orphanage in China. The orphanage is run by Geoff’s sister, and takes care of kids who are HIV positive. Daniel’s adopted cousin was the very first Elim kid. “We’re raising money to help get the drugs so they can go to school and get an education,” Daniel explained.
Dan and his father experienced some difficult days, when they got especially tired and missed home. More than once they questioned what they were doing and considered giving up. Daniel explained, “But the next day the sun comes up and it’s glorious out in the bush again and we get to meet interesting people and we keep pushing on.” The thought of riding no-handed through the finish line kept him going. “That, and holding my bike over my head at the end like all the champions do.” The pair raised $9,000 for Elim Kids.
(Point Clare, Australia: 2013)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Visit Daniel’s website.
Learn about Daniel as:
– an athlete: age 9
ATHLETE: FIGURE SKATER
Charles Tickner
(Lafayette, California: 1963)
ATHLETE: FOOTBALL PLAYER
Dana Galloway
(Baltimore: Maryland: 1992)
ATHLETE: GYMNAST - OLYMPIAN
Dimitrios Loundras, a Greek gymnast, became the youngest ever Olympic medalist. He received a bronze medal by competing in the team parallel bars event at the Summer Olympics.
(Athens: 1896)
ATHLETE: ICE HOCKEY PLAYER
Wayne Gretzky
Years later, Wayne explained, “The only way a kid is going to practice is if it’s total fun for him…and it was for me.”
(Canada: 1971)
Visit Wayne’s website.
Learn about Wayne as:
– an athlete: age 17
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Shauna Kopischka became one of the youngest to climb Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, which rises 865 feet (264 m) straight up. She scaled it with her father who had been her climbing instructor since she was six.
(Laramie, Wyoming: 1986)
ATHLETE: RACQUETBALL CHAMPION
Chris Coy won the Jr. World Racquetball Championship. He did not let his prosthetic left leg (below his knee) prevent him from achieving his goal.
(Elk City, Oklahoma: 1998)
Learn about Chris as:
– an athlete: age 11
ATHLETE: SWIMMER
Clark Kent Apuada swam the 100-meter butterfly race in 1 minute 9.38 seconds, beating the 1 minute 10.48 seconds meet record set by 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps in 1995. Clark, who has been swimming competitively for four years, explained, “That was one of my dreams, to beat Michael Phelp’s record, since I was seven.” Clark achieved this at the Far Western Long Course Championships in Moraga, California.
(California: 2018)
Carson Foster, of the Cincinnati Marlins, broke two National Age Group swimming records.
1) Carson became the youngest male to break 30 seconds in the 50-meter butterfly. This beat the historic Michael Phelps U.S. National Age Group record for 10-and-unders.
2) Carson swam the 100-meter butterfly in 1 minute 7.24 seconds, which broke Michael Phelps’ record of 1 minute 8.54 seconds set in 1996.
Carson achieved both records at the Ohio Long Course Junior Olympics in Oxford, Ohio.
(Ohio: 2012)
Andrew Rogers, of the Arkansas Dolphins’ Swim Team, twice within two days, broke the U. S. National Age Group for 10-and-under record for the 100-meter butterfly race set by Michael Phelps in 1996. Michael swam it in 1 minute 8.54 seconds. Andrew swam it in 1 minute 5.98 seconds, at the Bill Nixon Invitational in Lewisville, Texas.
(Arkansas: 2015)
ATHLETE: TAEKWONDO
Emo Rosa became a Taekwondo Junior Olympic Gold Medalist. Emo explained, “If you love something, you should never give up.”
(Texas: 1996)
ATHLETE: TRACK & FIELD
Jamaal Charles, diagnosed with a learning disability, explained, “I had trouble reading… People made fun of me. They said I would never go anywhere. But I learned I can fly… [competing in] the Special Olympics gave me my first chance to discover the talent I did not know that I had…I found out just how fast I was. I stood high on the podium, getting the gold medal in track and field.” Jamaal went on to be one of the best players in the National Football League (NFL).
(Port Arthur, Texas: 1996)
ATHLETE: TRACK & FIELD
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
David Roberts proposed legislation that helped convince Governor Bob Martinez to sign a bill making the American alligator the state’s official reptile.
(Tallahassee, Florida: 1987)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Samantha Smith wrote a letter to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov hoping to stop a nuclear war. Her letter appeared in newspapers around the world and resulted in an invitation to the Soviet Union in 1983.
(Manchester, Maine: 1982)
Illustrated by Carolyn Watson Dubisch
Learn about Samantha as:
– an ambassador: age 10 (see above)
AUTHOR: PLAYWRIGHT
Krshaana Rawat became the youngest practicing playwright in India. She wrote, planned and performed the lead role in Mystical Magical Adventures – The Lost Key. The play is about Tinky, a young girl, who is awakened by four mystical creatures. They take her on a magical adventure to save a kidnapped fairy. This Broadway style, 85-minute theatrical production was comprised of 40 performers, mainly children.
(Jaipur, India: 2018)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED ARTICLE
Rachel Carson, loved to write and wanted to become a writer. At age 10, in 1918, she entered a writing contest sponsored by St. Nicholas, a national children’s magazine, and won the silver badge. That encouraged her to enter the contest again the following year, at age 11. Rachel began to think that she could be a “real writer” someday.
As an adult, Rachel wrote an essay which was published in the Atlantic Monthly, and ultimately lead to her first book, Under the Sea Wind (1941). Ten years later, her book Sea Around Us, became a best seller and was translated into thirty languages.
(Springdale, Pennsylvania: 1918)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
“Tani” (Tanitoluwa) Adewumi co-authored two editions of his autobiography, My Name is Tani…and I believe in Miracles. The young readers’ edition was written with Craig Borlase. The other edition was a collaborative effort between Tani, Craig, and Tani’s mom (Oluwatoyin) and Tani’s dad (Kayode). Both books discuss Tani’s journey of escaping from a dangerous life in Nigeria, Africa and moving into a homeless shelter in Manhattan. They explain that he learned to play chess so well that within one year Tani won first place in the 2019 New York State Scholastic Chess Championship for grades K-3. Tain said, “I think the game (chess) is very creative. I like the strategy and the creativity.” He explained, “Hard work beats talent.” He added, “At the end of the day, my (chess) rating is just a number. It really depends how strong you are inside.”
(Manhattan, New York: 2020)
Book Cover: Permission from HarperCollins
Learn about Tani as:
– a chess player: age 8
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Sawyer Anderson wrote and illustrated her first book, Water Works. It was at the suggestion of her friend (Coiya Tompkins) and took Sawyer about five months to complete. Sawyer’s two-fold purpose was: 1) to create a water need awareness and 2) to raise funds for clean water in Africa. Sawyer wanted to present the problem (challenges African villagers face in obtaining clean water) and include a solution. She also wanted to show how one American child can change one small part of the world, by fundraising for water wells.
Sawyer, an Oak Grove Lutheran School student, explained, “I named the main character Sloane, after my little, 2-year-old sister, because I love her so much and her name means ‘warrior…I didn’t end the story because it’s not over yet.” The last words of the book are, “I guess a kid can make a difference.” Both a truism and a challenge. Sawyer adds, “I’m always up for a challenge. I like to read, I like to write, and I like to draw, so working on it a little every day wasn’t hard at all. I do like to do a lot of dancing and handstands, too, so those were my ‘brain breaks’ when working on the book.”
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Sawyer and Her Parents
Learn about Sawyer as:
– a donor: age 11
– a fundraiser: age 8, age 10 (see below), age 13
– a speaker: age 10 (see below)
– a volunteer: age 9
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Akiane Kramarik authored and illustrated her first published book: akiane: her life, her art, her poetry.
Visit Akiane’s website.
(2006)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Maxwell Clay authored his 40-page book, Game Over, published by Young Authors Publishing. It’s about a boy addicted to his video games.
(Georgia: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Addison Gordon had her 40-page book, Dinner Table Distractions, published by Young Authors Publishing. Through her book, Addison encourages families to spend more quality time together.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2020)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Alec Greven authored three, 48-page, self-help books which were published by HarperCollins: How to Talk to Moms, How to Talk to Dads, and How to Talk to Santa.
(Castle Rock, Colorado: 2009)
Learn about Alec as:
– an author: age 9
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Orion Jean, founder of Race to Kindness, authored his first book, A Kids Book About Leadership.
(Mansfield, Texas: 2022)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Orion’s website.
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9, age 10 (see above), age 11, age 13
– a donor: age 9, age 10 (see below)
– a humanitarian: age 10
– a speaker: age 9
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Noah McCullough authored his first book, The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia (279 pages) published by Random House. It shares brief bios and fun facts about America’s forty-three presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush. Noah’s achievement earned him the title of “One of America’s Youngest Presidential Historians.”
Two years later, at age 12, Noah published his second book, First Kids: The True Stories of All the Presidents’ Children, published in 2008 by Paw Prints. An updated edition, which includes Malia and Sasha Obama, was published in 2009 by Scholastic.
(Colorado: 2006)
Learn about Noah as:
– an author: age 12, age 13
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED DIARY
Muskan Virk became a published author. Her 402-page book, 365 Days of Gratitude: My Attitude of Gratitude, was published by Helping Hands Publishing.
(Vancouver, British Columbia: 2016)
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOKS
Owen Harris became the author and illustrator of his second book, Axeton’s Adventures Part 2: Ghost Pirates at Dawn.
(Knoxville, Tennessee: 2021)
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
David McAdoo authored and illustrated The Dragon of Ord.
(Springfield, Missouri: 1980)
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Alexandra Nechita had a book of her paintings, Outside the Lines, published.
(California: 1996)
Visit Alexandra’s website.
Learn about Alexandra as:
– an artist: age 8, age 10 (see above)
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
Dan Hirschman became the youngest player to earn the title of Life Master by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
(Southfield, Michigan: 1994)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
Adam Kaplan earned the title of Life Master, by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) the world’s largest organization dedicated to the card game.
(New York City, New York: 2006)
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Nadya Alborz won season ten of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. She was the youngest winner.
(Knoxville, Tennessee: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHESS PLAYER
Vinay Bhat became the youngest person ever to achieve the title of national master from the United Sates Chess Federation (USCF).
(Santa Clara, California: 1995)
CHESS PLAYER
Hikaru Nakamura, at age 10 years and 3 months, became the youngest person ever to achieve the title of national master from the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
(White Plains, New York: 1998)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Visit Hikaru’s website.
CHESS PLAYER
Praggnanandhaa “Pragg” Rameshabu, at age 10 and 10 months, became the youngest to achieve the title of international master (IM) of chess.
(India: 2016)
Learn about Rameshabu as:
– a chess player: age 12
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Kathleen Holtz began college at California State.
(California: 1999)
Learn about Kathleen as:
– a lawyer: age 18
Esther Okade enrolled at Open University, a United Kingdom based distance learning college, and became the youngest undergraduate student in the United Kingdom. She explained, “It’s so interesting. It has the type of maths I love. It’s real maths, theories, complex numbers, all that type of stuff. It was super easy. My mum taught me in a nice way…I actually wanted to start when I was seven. But my mum was like, ‘You’re too young, calm down.'”
(Walsall, United Kingdom: 2015)
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Alia Sabur enrolled at Stony Brook University in New York, to earn a science degree in applied mathematics.
(Stony Brook, New York: 1999)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
Learn about Alia as:
– a professor: age 18
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Gregory Smith enrolled in Randolph-Macon College where he studied advanced level physics, French, and calculus. He was the youngest student in the college’s history.
(Virginia: 1999)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Michael Kearney became the world’s youngest four-year college graduate. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology. He graduated cum laude (with praise), earning a 3.6 grade point average (4.0 being the highest possible grade). He ranked in the top 10 percent of his class of 1,200 students.
(Alabama: 1994)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Learn about Michael as:
– a college student: age 6
COMMISSIONER: TRAFFIC SAFETY
Kristina Swartwou, at age 9, wrote a letter to The Daily Tidings editor, explaining, “No one stops at crosswalks for kids.” Ashland’s mayor, Cathy Golden, then appointed Kristina to a government sub-committee on pedestrian safety. Kristina spoke her mind, proposed new ideas and helped organize events. The mayor then appointed her as Traffic Safety Commissioner. Kristina explained, “I like having a say in our community. I feel I can help make Ashland an even better place to live.”
(Oregon: 1993)
Learn about Kristina as:
– a lifesaver: age 4
COMPOSER
Alma Deutschner began writing her full-length opera, Cinderella. It had its European premier in Vienna when she was 12, and its United States premier when she was 13.
(Basingstoke, England: 2015)
Visit Alma’s website.
Learn about Alma as:
– a composer: age 7, age 9, age 14
CRITIC: FOOD
Eli Knauer began Adventures of a Koodie, an online food review column (blog) of restaurants in and around Baltimore, as well as other areas he visits with his family. Eli explained, “A koodie is a kid foodie.” In addition to rating the food served, Eli also rates the restaurant’s “kid-friendliness”.
(Baltimore, Maryland: 2011)
Illustrated by Yuyang Zhang
CRITIC: FOOD
Nicky Zaccago, also known as Nicky Zooks, served as a food critic. He was posting videos of his reviews of local restaurants and establishments since 2020. He was recognized by his hometown of Bethel as being the first person in the United States to start helping restaurants, via his video, at the start of the pandemic. His YouTube channel, “Nicky Will Eat It”, had over 1,000 subscribers. Nicky explained, “We went to a lot of restaurants, and they called us back after we did the video.They said they sold out of whatever we boosted. That’s really cool to hear.”
(Danbury, Connecticut: 2021)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
Visit Nicky’s website.
CRITIC: FOOD
DANCER
Sky Brown and her ballroom dancing partner, JT Church, were the first winners of the United States television show Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, a spin-off of the original Dancing With the Stars. Their mentor was professional dancer Alan Bersten.
(Miyazaki, Japan: 2018)
Learn about Sky as:
– an athlete: age 2, age 13
– an author: age 13
DANCER: FANCY SHAWL
Chelaine Knudsen performed as a fancy shawl dancer at powwows, social gatherings where Native Americans come to dance, sing, and be together. Chelaine explained, “I think it’s easier to meet people when everyone is dancing together.” Chelaine was crowned Miss Yankton Sioux, at a dance competition that entitled her to represent her tribe. Chelaine learned fancy shawl dancing by watching other dancers. She explained, “For fancy shawl dancing, I have to keep the shawl moving at all times, because it doesn’t look good if the shawl is still.”
(Lake Andes, South Dakota: 1995)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
DJ / DISC JOCKEY
Jack Hill performed as a club DJ (disc jockey).
(Birmingham, England: 2007)
Illustrated by Hannah Umali
DONOR: BOOKS
Orion Jean, founder of Race to Kindness, launched Race to 500,000 Books, to help families who can’t afford books or live in “book deserts.” Orion collected and donated more than 500,000 books for kids in need across the United States. ThriftBooks supported Orion’s efforts by contributing over 300,000 books.
(Mansfield, Texas: 2021)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9, age 10 (see above), age 11, age 13
– an author: age 10 (see above)
– a donor: age 9, age 10 (see right column)
– a humanitarian: age 10 (see below)
– a speaker: age 9
DONOR: FOOD
Orion Jean, founder of Race to Kindness, launched Race to 100,000 Meals, to help food-insecure people in his community for Thanksgiving. Orion and his organization partnered with TangoTab, a Dallas-based non-profit organization, and surpassed his goal of 100,000 meals.
(Mansfield, Texas: 2020)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9, age 10 (see above), age 11, age 13
– an author: age 10 (see above)
– a donor: age 9, age 10 (see left column)
– a humanitarian: age 10 (see below)
– a speaker: age 9
DONOR: HAIR
Hailey Coates, for the third time, donated her hair to Wigs for Kids, a non-profit organization that makes free wigs for kids who lose their hair due to medical reasons. Hailey began donating her hair every two years, beginning at age 6 and continuing through age 16.
(New Providence, New Jersey: 2012)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Hailey as:
– a donor: age 6, age 8, age 12, age 14, age 16
ENTREPRENEUR
Alejandro Buxton began selling his Love Candles online and at various markets.
(Fairfax, Virginia: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Alejandro’s website.
Learn about Alejandro as:
– a donor: age 12
– an entrepreneur: age 12
– a podcaster: age 13
ENTREPRENEUR
Julianna Falasco and her sister, Kaitlyn Falasco (age 12), launched their business, Gentle Handz. It sells gentle, non-chemical, skin lotion bars, convenient to use while on the go. Their secret formula, comprised of raw organic ingredients, was inspired from wanting to make earth a better place. They explain, “Our lotion bars will make your skin buttery soft. The texture is light, smooth, and luxurious.”
(California: 2018)
Photo: Courtesy of The Falasco Family
Learn more…
ENTREPRENEUR
Hannah Grace accepted a casual challenge from her father to create her own bath bomb business, BeYOUtiful. Within weeks, her health and beauty products sold in stores. Hannah, who has Type 1 Diabetes, donates a percentage of her profits to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.
(Massachusetts: 2016)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Hannah’s website.
ENTREPRENEUR
Ava Kelly wanted to travel to see the theatrical production of The Lion King. Her mother suggested that Ava raise the money to do so. Within months, Ava raised the “dough” by selling her homemade cookies in signature mason jars.
(Wyoming: 2017)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENTREPRENEUR
Ryan Kelly began Ryan’s Barkery which sold healthy, all-natural dog biscuits and treats. Ryan’s original purpose was to please Barkery, the two-month-old beagle he adopted from an animal shelter. The puppy didn’t like traditional dog biscuits, so Ryan decided to create his own.
Ryan’s success pleased his puppy and many others as well. Ryan sold the treats door to door. After making $800 in sales, Ryan became one of the youngest kid entrepreneurs to ever appear on the television program, Shark Tank.
(Connecticut: 2017)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENTREPRENEUR
Sebastian Martinez and his brother, Brandon (age 12) run their own company, Are You Kidding, selling colorfully designed socks. They donate portions of their profit to charity.
(Florida: 2014)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENTREPRENEUR
Haruka Maruno, along with her father, began selling Take Out, which she invented at age nine. It is an earth-friendly, paper, pooper-scooper.
(Miyakonojo, Japan: 1998)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Learn about Haruka as:
– an inventor: age 9
ENTREPRENEUR
Ben Tollison and Sam Tollison, twins, designed, sewed, stuffed, and sold, adorable, hand-held Monsters to Love. For each monster the boys sold and mailed as a birthday gift, they created and donated its twin to a children’s hospital or a children’s help organization.
(Colorado: 2012)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Ben’s and Sam’s website.
ENTREPRENEUR
ENTREPRENEUR
Mikaila Ulmer won a $60,000 investment for her Bee Sweet Lemonade made from locally sourced honey and her great-grandmother’s secret recipe.
(Houston, Texas: 2015)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
Visit Mikaila’s website.
Learn about Mikaila as:
– an entrepreneur: age 13
ENVIRONMENTALIST
George Washington Carver, born into slavery, became known in his community as “The Plant Doctor” even though he was a kid. Frequently, his neighbors requested his help with nurturing their sick plants and flowers back to health. George, an avid reader, learned much useful information from the many books he read about plants. Later in life George became known as “The Peanut Man” because he wrote down over 300 uses of peanuts.
(Diamond Grove, Missouri: 1875)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENVIRONMENTALIST
Ryan Hickman and Ryan’s Recycling (the company he founded) recycled nearly 800,000 cans and bottles, after 7 years of daily recycling.
For that work and his worldwide recognized recycling efforts, Ryan was honored in numerous ways, such as:
* One of the 40 Kids Who Changed the World, listed by Good Housekeeping
* One of the Youngsters Who Are Changing the World, listed by MSN
* Recipient of the City of Irvine’s Future Leader Award
* Recipient of a Congressional Certificate of Recognition
Ryan was also featured in numerous TV programs such as:
* CBS Evening News
* The Pickler and Ben Talk Show
* Good Morning America
* The Today Show
Ryan explains, “Kids are more helpful by cleaning up the planet, because when they’re young and they get engaged with it earlier, it becomes a habit.”
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Ryan’s Recycling
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– an ambassador: age 10 (see above)
– an environmentalist: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 11, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 9, age 10 (see below), age 13, age 14
FOUNDER
Sir Darius Brown founded Beaux & Paws (pronounced Bows and Paws). He sews and sells bow ties for cats and dogs in animal shelters to help make them look cuter and increase their chances of getting adopted.
(Newark, New Jersey: 2016)
Illustrated by Lisa Subryan
Visit Sir Darius Brown’s website.
FOUNDER
Declan Cassidy founded Socks For The Streets (SFTS), a non-profit organization that collects new socks to help people suffering from homelessness and substance use disorder, throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Declan, who was always by his mother’s side as she tried to help save his sister who was homeless and suffering from substance use disorder, explained, “I wanted to help people like my sister. I like helping my mom and dad when they do volunteer work. I like helping out in my community.”
During journeys with his mother, Declan often noticed people with signs asking for socks. One day, he asked his mother if he could start a sock drive to help. With the support of his parents, he created a flyer and posted it on social media, reaching out to family and friends. Declan explained, “My first sock drive I was able to collect 1,000 pairs of socks.” He donated them to Never Surrender Hope, St. France’s Inn and Women’s Against Abuse. He also handed socks out to people on the streets. Declan explained, “It was an amazing feeling to see the joy on people’s faces…I will be collecting new socks every year from September to December 20th, to warm the feet and the hearts of those in need.”
Declan’s message: “Warm their soles… Socks are the most needed and least donated item at homeless shelters.”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2019)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Socks For The Street
Visit Declan’s website.
Learn about Declan as:
– an ambassador: age 14
– a donor: age 11, age 15
– a fundraiser: age 12
– a visionary: age 9
FOUNDER
Riley Gantt founded Rainbow Pack with the mission to deliver a backpack filled with the necessary homework supplies to every student who needed them, so s/he could be ready to learn on the first day of school.
Over 8 years, Rainbow Pack gave out more than 23,000 Rainbow Packs (over 575,712 individual supplies) to elementary school students in need.
(Los Angeles, California: 2011)
FOUNDER
Stacey Hillman founded Pennies to Protect Police Dogs, a charitable organization that raises funds to provide bulletproof/stab-proof vests for police dogs. Stacey’s message: “Police dogs have just as dangerous a job as the officers and they need to be protected too.”
(Florida: 2000)
Illustrated by Anahita Erfani
Kate Klinkerman, an environmentalist, co-founded the Don’t be Crude Team.
(Texas: 1997)
FOUNDER
Anthony Leanna formed the Heavenly Hats Foundation which collects and distributes brand-new hats to people who lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. Anthony’s goal is to help patients who are in need of head wear for warmth, comfort, courage and strength. He started the program to help people smile as they go through a rough time in their life. The first year 6,000 hats were distributed. By 2020, that number rose to 4,500,000.
(Green Bay, Wisconsin: 2001)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
Visit Anthony’s website.
FOUNDER
Casandra Lin founded the program Turn Grease Into Fuel (TGIF) which collects used cooking oil so it can be recycled into biodiesel fuel that can be used to heat homes.
(Rhode Island: 2008)
Lyle Solla-Yates founded Pals of Wildlife. Lyle explained, “I really wanted to do something to help the manatees…We’ve gotten people to see they can change things. And we learned that helping the environment can be fun!”
(Florida: 1989)
FUNDRAISER
Sawyer Anderson, within 2 years, by the summer of 2019, raised over $40,000 from the sale of the book she authored and illustrated, Water Works. That amount funded 16 new clean water wells and impacted 5,000 human lives.
Sawyer says, “Buy a book, save a life – it’s an offer you can’t refuse.” She explains her co-venture agreement, “All the money from the sales of Water Works goes to Wellspring for the World (a non-profit organization). [One hundred percent of public donations go directly to building, maintaining and educating people about wells and sanitation.] We sell a copy of Water Works for $9.99. Wellspring for the World matches that. Then, World Vision triples that. So, the $10 (unless you want your penny back) becomes $60. That’s amazing because $50 provides clean water to one person for life. That’s how I came up with the inscription I put in every book: #1Book1Life. That’s because every book saves a life through clean water.My goal is to not stop until everyone has access to life’s most basic and essential need. Water is life.”
Sawyer thinks globally and acts locally.
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Sawyer as:
– an author & illustrator: age 10 (see above)
– a donor: age 11
– a fundraiser: age 8, age 13
– a speaker: age 10 (see below)
– a volunteer: age 9
FUNDRAISER
Joris Hutchinson raised over $14,000 to buy special tracking collars for cheetahs, to help protect them from being killed and becoming extinct. Joris raised the money by selling lemonade, flowers and tee-shirts and organizing skating parties and a garage sale.
Joris donated the money to a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, Africa where he and his mother volunteer during the summer.
Joris explained, “I’ve learned that everyone can make a difference, even if you’re just a kid! You just have to start somewhere.”
(West Woodland, Washington: 2017)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
FUNDRAISER
Matthew Nonnemacher knew that every penny counts. He conducted a penny drive for the United Way in his area and collected nearly 2 million pennies (more than $18,000) during a two-month period.
Learn more…
(Hazleton, Pennsylvania: 1998)
Story: Courtesy of Prudential Spirit of Community Awards 2000
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
FUNDRAISER
Dana Perella and Cookies4Cures, the organization she founded, launched Cookies4SMA to fund research into spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that her friend, Ben, has. Dana explains, “We are partnering with CureSMA, the leading SMA organization in the U.S., to help fund a research grant that will advance scientific knowledge of this disease and hopefully lead to new treatments that will benefit Ben and the thousands of people in the world like him.”
Through Dana’s GoFundMe account, she reached her $50,000 goal. Dana excitedly announced that, “with our partner, Cure SMA, we are helping to fund a critical research project on spinal muscular atrophy.” Dana added, “Cookies4SMA will continue to fundraise for Cure SMA because the needs of SMA families are always changing.”
(Boulder, Colorado: 2020)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Cookies4Cures
Visit Dana’s website.
Learn about Dana as:
– a founder: age 7
– a fundraiser: age 7, age 8, age 13
FUNDRAISER
Dana Perella and Cookies4Cures, the organization she founded, launched Cookies4Sophie to help fund research to cure 3-year-old Sophie’s rare bone-dissolving disease, Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis (MCTO).
(Boulder, Colorado: 2020)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Cookies4Cures
Visit Dana’s website.
Learn about Dana as:
– a founder: age 7
– a fundraiser: age 7, age 8, age 13
FUNDRAISER
Justin Sather raised $20,000 to help save frogs, which are an indicator species. Since frogs breathe and drink through their skin, they are very sensitive to their surroundings and show signs of illness sooner than other animals. This helps alert humans to the problems of pollution. Justin explains, “This means the frogs are telling us the world needs our help.”
(Carlsbad, California: 2020)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Visit Justin’s website.
Learn about Justin as:
– an activist: age 12
GAMER
HUMANITARIAN
Ella Beaudry asked her friends and family to bring a toy donation to her “dog theme” birthday party. After the party, Ella donated more than 30 toys to The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, for children fighting cancer.
(Illinois: 2019)
Orion Jean, after winning a national speech contest in which he encouraged people to “Race to Kindness,” Orion collected more than 600 toys for kids at a children’s hospital. He also provided over 40,000 meals for people in need. Orion was then honored with the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
(Fort Worth, Texas: 2021)
Visit Orion’s website.
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9, age 10 (see above), age 11, age 13
– an author: age 10 (see above)
– a donor: age 9, age 10 (see above)
– a speaker: age 9
HUMANITARIAN
Hailey Richman placed more than 10,000 jigsaw puzzles in nursing homes and other senior living facilities over a three-year span. She also created an online support group for kids around the world who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Hailey was awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
(New York: 2018)
INVENTOR
Bishop Curry V invented Oasis to keep babies safe. “It senses when a baby is left alone in a hot car. Then it blows cool air on the baby. It also calls the parents and the police for help.”
(McKinney, Texas: 2017)
INVENTOR
Casey Golden invented the biodegradable golf tee. Casey explained, “The most challenging part is to realize that nothing happens overnight. It can take a long time and a lot of work.”
(Evergreen, Colorado: 1989)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
INVENTOR
Kathryn KK Gregory invented Wristies to keep her hands and forearms warm and dry during the winter. Now they’re worn for all different uses, from people working in cold offices and musicians to postal workers!
(Massachusetts: 1994)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of KK Gregory
Visit Kathryn’s website.
INVENTOR
Taylor Hernandez invented Magic Sponge Blocks, large building blocks made of sponge embedded with magnets to hold them together and compress almost like a pancake for easy storage, and that can safety stack high without worry that they could fall and hurt a child.
(Ohio: 2005)
INVENTOR
Lino Marrero, a cellist, invented the String Ring. It protects a sting musician’s fingers from blistering while maintaining sound quality.
(Ridgefield, Connecticut: 2017)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Learn about Lino as:
– an inventor: age 15
INVENTOR
Stephanie Mui invented See and Tweezz, a device for removing splinters and ticks. It’s a magnifier, tweezers, and light all in one.
(New Brunswick, New Jersey: 2013)
INVENTOR
Josh Parsons designed and sewed a cone-shape leather glove so his friend, who had lost a hand, could catch and throw a baseball.
(Texas: 1992)
Illlustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Dustin Satloff invented a fantasy baseball game with trading cards.
(Manhattan, New York: 2004)
Learn about Dustin as:
– a patentee: age 10 (see below)
INVENTOR
Rebecca (Becky) Schroeder invented the Glo-Sheet, an acrylic board covered with phosphorescent paint which enables the image to be viewed/read in the dark. Becky patented her invention at age 12.
(Ohio: 1972)
Ellie Skalla invented the strategy board game GalactiQuest. Players try to “win the race to conquer space” by taking over as many planets as possible. In 2017, Ellie won the Annual Young Inventor Challenge, in the “Most Marketable Concept” category, at Chicago Toy Game Week (ChiTAG).
(Chicago, Illinois: 2017)
INVENTOR
Richie Stachowski invented the Water Talkie which enables swimmers to talk with one another underwater from as far as 15 feet away. Richie’s inventive idea originated while swimming with his dad during a vacation in Hawaii. Richie needed to communicate about the many beautiful things he was seeing underwater.
(Orinda, California: 1995)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
JUGGLER
Rudy Cardenas performed a juggling act at the La Urca Casino in Rio de Janeiro.
(Brazil: 1941)
JUGGLER
Anthony Gatto began a professional juggler performing in Las Vegas. He juggled seven balls, four in one hand, three in the other.
(Nevada: 1983)
JUGGLER
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Stuart Crang was rowing his 8-foot boat near Fishcombe Cove when he spotted two people flailing and bobbing in the water. Despite his father’s rule to stay close to shore, Stuart rowed out to them and helped the couple patch their dinghy enough for it to float. He towed them and their boat 30 minutes to shore. The couple didn’t get into Stuart’s boat for fear of capsizing it. Stuart explained, “They were cold and scared…I was there, and I care about people, and they were in danger.”
Stuart’s father, Nigel, wasn’t annoyed that his son had broken the rules.
(Devon, United Kingdom: 2012)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Matthew Dewey saved the life of his friend who was choking. Matthew did so by one forceful upward abdominal thrust, which enable the hard candy, lodged in his friend’s throat, to pop out. Matthew used this method, which he learned in Cub Scouting, after his first 5 attempts of hitting his friend on the back weren’t successful in dislodging the candy.
(San Diego, California: 2019)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Danny DiPietro was in the car with his parents, going home from a sports event. As they drove passed a neighbor’s house, Danny thought he saw a dog move in the open garage, but the figure seemed too big to be a dog. Since the outdoor temperature was well below freezing, Danny was concerned.
With much persistence, he convinced his parents to go back and see if something was wrong. When they arrived, they found a barefoot, 80-year-old woman on the floor, waving her hands for help. Danny’s concern and efforts saved her life.
Due to Danny’s actions, rescuers from 911 arrived and rushed the woman to the hospital, where she was treated for frostbite and hypothermia. Later, the Howell Police Department presented Danny with a certificate for his life-saving efforts.
(Michigan: 2014)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Kyle Forbes was alone in a Hyde Elementary School classroom with his art teacher, Ms. Sheri Lowe, when she began choking on an apple. Kyle quickly implemented the Heimlich Maneuver. When Kyle’s first attempt didn’t work, he reassuringly said, “I got it, Mrs. Lowe,” and tried again. Kyle’s second attempt dislodged the apple and saved his teacher’s life. Kyle had learned this life-saving technique in Cub Scouts, which was reinforced by his dad.
Ms. Lowe said, “Kyle is my hero.”
Kyle, who has autism, explained, “That’s the first time I’ve ever done it…Before I was just like a normal kid, always being picked on. Then I was like a superhero. Everybody was cheering me when I came down to the office to get an award. Everyone clapped at me when I got back.”
(Houston, Texas: 2009)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Kelsey Pojafsk was traveling home with her dad, Paul, after spending the day helping him at his auto repair shop. Rush hour was compounded by a torrential thunderstorm. Suddenly Paul passed out behind the steering wheel and his foot was pressed on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was spinning into on-coming traffic. Kelsey knew she had to act.
Learn more…
(North Fort Myers, Florida: 2000)
Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Piper Rolfe, her 11-year old friend, Irie Campbell, and Irie’s 5-year-old brother, Felix, were playing together in the woods behind the Campbell’s home. Suddenly a raccoon charged at Irie and began biting her face.
Piper, who is legally blind, could hear Irie screaming, but couldn’t see what was happening. When Irie yelled that a raccoon was attacking her, Piper grabbed a stick and warded off the animal, who then fled into the woods.
Irie was bitten on her hands and legs. She was taken to the hospital and treated for exposure to rabies. She explains, “I think if Piper didn’t help me out, then it would have eaten me more. She really helped out a lot. She’s a good friend.”
(Kirby, Vermont: 2013)
MAGICIAN
Brynn Cummings has been performing magic and ventriloquism since she was 8 years old. She was inspired by Darci Lynne who performed on America’s Got Talent.
(Michigan: 2021)
Visit Brynn’s website.
MAGICIAN
Aidan McCann performed magic tricks. Having been given an invitation on The Ellen Show to travel to Las Vegas and appear in Shin Lim’s Magic Show “Limitless”, Aidan became the youngest magician to perform in Vegas. That same year, The Ellen Show gave Aidan his own magic show as part of The Ellen Show. It was called Aidan’s Magic Corner and he performed magic with celebrities such as Colin Farrell, Emily Blunt and the Jonas Brothers. At age 10, Aidan also performed magic alongside Melissa McCarthy on NBC’s Little Big Shots.
(Ireland: 2020)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Aidan, His Parents & Brennan Acting Agency
Learn about Aidan as:
– an actor: age 11, age 12, age 14
– a magician: age 8, age 9, age 11, age 12, age 13
MAGICIAN
Max Schmalhofer, known as Magic Max, became the youngest member of the Magic Circle, Germany’s magician’s society.
(Germany: 2017)
Issy Simpson performed magic tricks on America’s Got Talent.
(Great Britain: 2019)
MUSICIAN: COMPOSER
(SEE "COMPOSER" ABOVE)
MUSICIAN: DRUMMER
Millo Castro Zaldarriaga broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers; “Girls and women cannot be drummers.”
Millo, born into a family of 14 kids, so loved the sound and rhythm of drumbeats in the world around her and inside her, that she practiced in secret, often in front of nearby animals, who served as her audience. Although Millo was invited to become the drummer in Anacaona, Cuba’s first ever all-girl dance band (which her sister, Cuchito organized), Millo’s father forbid her to join. After much convincing and hearing Millo play, he consented. Not only did Millo change the way people viewed drummers, she went on to become a world-famous musician.
(Cuba: Circa 1930)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Learn about Millo as:
– a musician: drummer: age 15
MUSICIAN: PIANIST
Arjun Ayyangar, from memory, played on the piano, the national anthem of every United Nations country (over 170 songs). For this achievement, he was spotlighted in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! GoComics, September 17, 2008 edition.
Arjun’s achievement was also listed in India’s national, Limca Book of Records for 2008, 2009, and 2010.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2008)
Visit Arjun’s website.
Learn about Arjun as:
– an ambassador: age 11
– a college freshman: age 15
– an intern: age 18
– a memory whiz: age 1, age 2
– a musician: age 3, age 4, age 6, age 8, age 9, age 11, age 13
MUSICIAN: PIANIST
Evan Kuei doesn’t let much stop him from reaching his goal of entering piano competitions…He explains, “Playing the piano clears out my mind. It helps me forget everything, good and bad, and makes me feel confident.”
Learn more…
(Middle Village, New York: 2000)
Photo: Courtesy of Rose Liu
MUSICIAN: PRODUCER
Konomi Yamasaki became a professional music producer.
(Japan)
MUSICIAN:
SANTUR & TOMBAK PLAYER
Arjun Ayyangar began learning to play the santur and tombak, Persian musical instruments.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2008)
Photo: Courtesy of Arjun and His Parents
View Arjun playing Taraneh on the santur.
Visit Arjun’s website.
Learn about Arjun as:
– an ambassador: age 11
– a college freshman: age 15
– an intern: age 18
– a memory whiz: age 1, age 2
– a musician: age 3, age 4, age 6, age 8, age 9, age 11, age 13
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Jamie Lynn Bench became the first person to sing America’s national anthem in all 30 major league baseball stadiums. She practiced up to 2 hours every day.
(Wisconsin: 1998)
Dylan Gilmer, popularly known by his stage name of Young Dylan, became a rapper. He performed “Humble” by Kendrick Lamafr on The Ellen Show and at the NBA All-Star Weekend. He also performed on America’s Got Talent.
(Annapolis, Maryland: 2009)
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Ashanti “Lil Shan Shan” Johnson-Baiden became a finalist in the Voice Kids UK, after performing “Supersonic“, a rap originally released in 1987 by the all-female hip hop group JJ Fad.
(United Kingdom: 2019)
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known mononymously as Shakira, sang at birthday parties and company meetings.
(Columbia: 1987)
Visit Shakira’s website.
Learn about Shakira as:
– a musician: age 8, age 13
Kimberly Scott became a five-time winner of New York’s Showtime at the Apollo. She explained, “If kids really dream of something, they can succeed. The main thing is to concentrate and always keep your self-esteem.”
(Maryland: 1996)
Willow Smith sang her hit song, “Whip My Hair“, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
(California: 2010)
Visit Willow’s website.
MUSICIAN: TRUMPET PLAYER
Jahmir Wallace, who played the trumpet, explained, “My older sister used to play the piano. So, I thought maybe I should try an instrument. I thought maybe I could try and figure out new things.” Jahmir, born without arms, remembers the joy and excitement he felt with the very first note he played. Teachers and employees at a local music store made a stand to hold the trumpet so Jahmir could press the valves with his toes.
(Phillipsburg, New Jersey: 2014)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
MUSICIAN: VIOLINIST
Isabella Nicola Cabrera didn’t let the fact that she was born without a left hand and part of her forearm prevent her from playing the violin. Following her mothers’ advice, Isabella doesn’t say, “I can’t,” but rather “I can’t yet.” With the help of five George Mason University bioengineering seniors, using 3-D printing technology, they created a prosthetic bow arm for her. Isabella uses the muscles in her shortened forearm and shoulder to move the bow. Technicians at the Potter Violins shop in Maryland, reversed the strings so she could touch them right-handed. “The students gave her one bonus gift: A plug-in adaptor that will allow her to hold the handlebars on a bike.”
(Fairfax County, Virginia: 2017)
Illustrated by Leila Kazemzadeh
PATENTEE
A patentee is a person, or an organization, that has been granted a patent, which is the legal right to make or sell a specific item and prevents others from doing so.
PATENTEE
Dustin Satloff received his first patent for a new way to play fantasy baseball using special trading cards and an electronic network such as the Internet.
(New York: 2004)
Learn about Dustin as:
– an inventor: age 10 (see above)
PATENTEE
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Zahra Abbas
(Ohio: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Zabra’s articles.
Adam Davé-Bouhlel explained, “I am passionate about culture, current affairs, and the global village in which I live—the world.”
(Watford, United Kingdom: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Adam’s article.
Xander Dorsey
(Virginia: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Xander’s articles.
Varun Kabra explained, “I want to learn about new things and share my stories with people so that they can learn too.”
(Tennessee: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Varun’s articles.
Sadie Kiel explained, “If ordinary people can make a difference, then lots of ordinary people can make a big difference.”
(Memphis, Tennessee: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Sadie’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Marigold Grace Mioc explained, “It is good for people to be informed about what is happening in the world.”
(Canada: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Marigold’s articles.
Zoe Adele Mirchandani explained, “I want to learn about other people’s perspectives and share stories about my community.”
(Washington: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Zoe’s articles.
Siroos Pasdar explained, “Listen, learn, change, and grow.”
(New York: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Siroos’ articles.
Brandon Peterson explained, “I hope to learn about all the things that are happening in our community.”
(Britt, Iowa: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Brandon’s articles.
Giona Pratelli explained, “I am interested in traveling because it gives me the chance to visit new places, meet new people, and have new experiences.”
(Guangzhou, China: School Year: 2016 – 2017)
Read Giona’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Gemmy Somboontham explained, “I want to express the exciting news in my community to kids all over the world.”
(Thailand: School Year: 2019 – 2020)
Read Gemmy’s articles.
Victoria Tang explained, “I am passionate about exploring exciting discoveries and sharing brilliant ideas with people.”
(Shanghai: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Victoria’s articles.
Visit Victoria’s website.
Hinekerangi Waaka explained, “Young people getting involved with journalism means we will know more about the world’s strengths and struggles, which is good because then we can make a better future for ourselves.”
(New Zealand: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Hinekerangi’s articles.
Enya Yang
(California: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Enya’s articles.
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Aiden An
(Los Angeles, California: 2022 – 2023)
Kellen Bhatt
(Alpharetta, Georgia: 2022 – 2023)
Milo Bhushan
(Johns Island, South Carolina: 2024 – 2025)
Victoria Hanson
(Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania: 2020 – 2021)
Rory Hu explained, “It’s easy to start something, but challenging to finish it…Don’t give up in the middle and get discouraged. Keep learning and practicing…I learned that if I really want to do something and try hard, I can do it.”
(Cupertino, California: 2020 – 2021)
Gabrielle Hurd
(St. Louis, Missouri: 2017 – 2018)
Luke Joachim
(Palo Alto, California: 2017-2018)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Dylan Landaw
(Bronx, New York: 2024 – 2025
Miguel Madero explained, “Everyone should have equal rights.”
(San Antonio, Texas: 2020 – 2021)
Donnell Meekins explained, “A summer day is the perfect time to chill out with a good book…A hometown hero gives back. He or she stands up for justice and raises awareness to better the community.”
(Carson, California: 2020 – 2021)
Tyler Mitroff
(Bethesda, Maryland: 2019 – 2020)
Pranav Mukhi
(South Setauket, New York: 2020 – 2021)
Christopher Nguyen
(Hilton Head, South Carolina: 2017 – 2018)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Abby Rogers
(Lahaina, Hawaii: 2020 – 2021)
Lucy Sandor
(Caldwell, New Jersey: 2021 – 2022)
Raunak Singh explained, “That’s the good side of this pandemic. People are becoming more sympathetic to each other.”
(Fair Lawn, New Jersey: 2019 – 2020)
Maria Suarez said, “We should teach people to properly dispose of trash so it doesn’t end up on beaches or in waterways.”
(Bellaire, Texas: 2018 – 2019)
Zara Wierzbowski
(New York City, New York: 2019 – 2020)
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR / INTERNET CELEBRITY
Cora Bennett achieved a following of 3.7 million on YouTube as part of her family’s YouTube channel. She is also the youngest member of the family’s vlogging channel The Ohana Adventure.
(Hawaii: 2022)
SPEAKER
Sawyer Anderson has given more than 90 presentations to organizations, schools, businesses, and church groups. She explained, “I have had so much fun doing Water Works presentations…In addition to saving lives in Africa, each book is touching the lives of children right here in our own community. It is a book about faith, strength, perseverance, hard work and hope. It’s my prayer that this book touches the hands of many kids that so truly need a source of hope and inspiration.” Sawyer added, “Every kid can make a difference.”
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2019)
Story: Courtesy of Sawyer and her parents.
Learn about Sawyer as:
– an author & illustrator: age 10 (see above)
– a donor: age 11
– a fundraiser: age 8, age 10 (see above), age 13
– a volunteer: age 9
SPEAKER
Brynn Cummings, who has been performing as a magician and ventriloquist since age 8, explains, “I was asked to speak and perform at the 2021 TEDxDetroit. I presented my Ted Talk of How to Dream Like a 10 Year Old. I feel so honored they wanted me to give this talk.”
(Michigan: 2021)
SPEAKER
Ryan Hickman (above), founder of Ryan’s Recycling, spoke to numerous groups about the importance of recycling.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Ryan’s Recycling
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– an ambassador: age 10 (see above)
– an environmentalist: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 10 (see above), age 11, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 9, age 13, age 14
SPEAKER
Ishita Katyal delivered her talk, What do you want to be now? at the TED Youth Conference in New York. She was the youngest Indian to speak at the conference. Her firm advice was, “Stop asking kids what they want to do when they grow up. Ask them what they want to do right now.”
(Pune, India: 2015)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Ishita as:
– an author: age 8
SPEAKER
SURVIVOR
Juliana Ossa was sitting in a shallow part of a designated swimming area at a lake in Moss Park in Orlando, Florida. Her family was nearby, and a lifeguard was on duty.
After a while, a nearly nine-foot-long alligator chomped onto Juliana’s left leg and wouldn’t let go. Julianna screamed but didn’t panic. She immediately began punching the alligator in the forehead. When that didn’t work, Julianna remembered a life-saving strategy she learned on a recent field trip to Gatorland. She explained, “I put my two fingers up its nostrils, so it had to breathe from its mouth, and it let my leg out.”
Juliana was taken to the hospital, where she received about a dozen stitches for multiple puncture wounds and was released. Juliana’s advice to other people in a similar alligator emergency, “Do the same thing. Don’t be scared.”
(Florida: 2017)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
TV HOST
Roman McConn began hosting the new Disney XD series, Roman to the Rescue, which aired in 2022. Roman profiles rescue dogs in need of adoption, and finds the perfect family, with kids, to adopt them.
(Augusta, Georgia: 2021)
Photo: Courtesy of The McConn Family and Project Freedom Ride
Visit Roman’s website.
Learn about Roman as:
– an activist: age 4, age 5, age 7, age 12
– a founder: age 5
– a speaker: age 7
– a TV host: age 8
VENTRILOQUIST
Marnie Bowman won first place in the National Junior Ventriloquist Contest. Marnie explained that Clark, her “dummy” partner, “will says things I won’t say.” Marnie adds, “I get a little nervous before a show, but once I’m on stage, and the people are laughing, I’m not nervous anymore.”
(Pennsylvania: 1988)
VENTRILOQUIST
Brynn Cummings has been performing magic and ventriloquism since she was 8 years old. She was inspired by Darci Lynne who performed on America’s Got Talent.
(Michigan: 2021)
Visit Brynn’s website.
VENTRILOQUIST
VISIONARY
Caroline Bercaw and her 11-year-old sister, Isabel Bercaw, loved using fragrant, fizzing bath bombs to relax their sore muscles after playing sports. But both sisters were always disappointed that the product dissolved quickly and sometimes stained their skin. So, Caroline and Isabel decided to create their own bath bombs and make them as good as they possibly could. By focusing on their vision, as well as working hard and intelligently, they soon became successful entrepreneurs, published authors, multimillionaires, and philanthropists.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota: 2012)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Caroline’s and Isabel’s website.
Learn about Caroline as:
– an entrepreneur: age 11
– a millionaire: age 17
– a philanthropist: age 18
VISIONARY
Ann Makosinski, who invented the Hollow Flashlight at age 15, explained, “I wanted to make the flashlight after visiting Damilag, a town in the Philippines where my mom is from…one of my friends there told me she was held back an entire year at school. The problem was that her house had no electricity and no light to study at night. I wanted to come up with a solution so she could study without any worry about electricity or batteries.”
(Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: 2007)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Ann’s website.
Learn about Ann as:
– an inventor: age 15, age 18
VOLUNTEER
Sagen Woolery said, “I wondered where children who depend on the free lunch program at school could eat lunch during the summer.” With help from the director of a local soup kitchen, and permission from a food bank and her church, Sagen operated The Kids’ Kitchen every Wednesday during the summer. She organized, planned menus, and solicited donations of food and funding. She recruited more than 120 youth volunteers and scheduled their work time. Within the first two months, The Kids’ Kitchen served lunch to more than 3,200 children and their families. Two years later, Sagen received The Prudential Spirit of Community Award honoring America’s Top Ten Youth Volunteers. Sagen explained, “I think we are all responsible for each other.”
(Georgia: 1998)