The Kids Hall of Fame Inductees
11-Year-Old Extraordinary Achievers
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Genesis Butler, an animal right’s activist, began her foundation and corresponding website GenesisForAnimals.org. She explained, “I chose the name, Genesis for Animals, because my name means a new beginning and I want to help give animals a new beginning.”
As stated on her website, the foundation provides “funding to sanctuaries and rescues who provide animals with a permanent home. Funding will go towards the care of animals including food, shelter, transportation costs, surgeries, and vet visits.”
(Long Beach, California: 2018)
Illustrated by Jiani Ma
Visit Genesis Butler’s Website.
Learn about Genesis as:
– an activist: age 8, age 10, age 13
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Hunter Mitchell encouraged people to help raise an orphaned rhinoceros.
(South Africa: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Hunter as:
– an activist: age 8
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Truth Muller created Buddies for Bats, an educational outreach program to teach the public about the critical environmental importance of bats. (They are one of the world’s most important pollinators.) He also wants to dispel negative feelings many people have about bats. His inspiration came from learning that 93% of bats in New York State had died due to a new species of fungus.
Truth presented his research in classrooms, libraries, at street fairs, in a local newspaper column, and on his social media accounts. He explained, “I‘ve learned that in the world of environmental activism your age doesn’t matter; it’s your commitment that counts!”
(New York: 2011)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Cameron Oliver launched a campaign to stop the littering of plastic bags, because it caused death to camels in the Abu Dhabi Desert that consumed them.
(Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 2008)
Illustrated by Sofia Gomez
Zoe Rosenberg
See “Founder” below.
(California: 2014)
Visit Zoe’s website.
Learn about Zoe as:
– an activist: age 16
– a founder: age 12
– a speaker: age 12, age 15
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Emmett Rychner created a wheelchair for Leonard, the handicapped dog of his 5th grade teacher, Dana Holden. Emmett knew about “Lenny” from Ms. Holden’s computer screen saver. Emmett, who is often viewed as the class problem-solver, explained, “He was just the sweetest dog ever and I thought I’ve got to do something to help him.” Although Emmett’s first attempt didn’t work, Emmett persisted until he accomplished his goal. Emmett explained, “I just love finally seeing him walk.”
(Northfield, Minnesota: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Jordan Salama created the Kids Against Palm Oil website. His goal is to alert people that destroying rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia, to manufacture certain types of palm oil, will result in reducing the number of orangutans. There were 31,300 orangutans in Indonesia in 2004. By 2008, there were 20,032. Jordan explained, “Nobody is too young to make a difference in the world. No matter where we live or how old we are, we matter, and our choices matter.”
(New York: 2009)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Jordan’s website.
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: EDUCATION
Malala Yousafzai (you-sahf-ZIGH), who loved to read and learn, was devastated when Taliban militants began taking control of Swat Valley, Pakistan, where she and her family lived. The militants destroyed hundreds of schools. They banned girls from attending school, wearing colorful dresses, and from working outside the home. They banned owning a television, playing music, and dancing. People who defied the new laws were harshly punished and even threatened with death.
Learn more…
(Mingora, Swat, Pakistan: 2009)
Photo: Courtesy of Pass It On
Learn about Malala as:
– an activist: age 16, age 17, age 19
– an author: age 16
– a founder: age 16
ACTIVIST / ADVOCATE: GUN CONTROL
Naomi Wadler, an activist for gun control and social justice for girls of color, spoke in front of hundreds of thousands of people, during the 2018 March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C.
(Washington, D. C.: 2018)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
ACTIVIST: KINDNESS
ACTIVIST: VIDEO GAMES
Ashley Black wrote a petition that resulted in her state assemblyman introducing a bill making it illegal to produce or sell hate game videos in New Jersey. As Ashley explained, “Children can make a difference, if they have enough courage to speak up.”
(Malboro, New Jersey: 1992)
Learn about Ashley as:
– an author: age 11 (see below)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Ella Anderson played the role of Rachel Rawlings in the comedy adventure film The Boss. She also played Vicky in the Mother’s Day film.
(Ypsilanti, Michigan: 2016)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Roman Griffin Davis landed his first professional acting role. He played the title role of Johannes “Jojo” Betzler in the film Jojo Rabbit. His performance earned him nominations for several awards.
(London, England: 2019)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Warwick Davis was cast as an “extra” ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Warwick auditioned for the role based on the advice of his grandmother, who heard a radio announcement casting call from Lucas Film searching for people 4 feet (120 cm) tall or shorter to be in Return of the Jedi. Warwick, a big Star Wars fan, was the right height for the role, since he was born with SED (spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita), a rare bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism.
(Epson, Surrey, England: 1981)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Warwick’s website.
Learn about Warwick as:
– an actor: age 12, age 13, age 17
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Dakota Fanning played the role of Cale Crane in the sports drama film Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story. Dakota had to learn to ride a horse, but a stunt rider was used for the most intense scenes.
(Conyers, Georgia: 2005)
Learn about Dakota as:
– an actress: age 5, age 7, age 10, age 12, age 14, age 15
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Jake Gyllenhaal performed his first film acting role in City Slickers.
(Los Angles, California: 1991)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Shahadi Wright Joseph played the role of Little Inez Stubbs in the NBC musical television special Hairspray Live!
(Brooklyn, New York: 2016)
Learn about Shahadi as:
– an actress: age 14
Aidan McCann played the role of Daniel in the British Broadcasting Company’s (BBC) Channel 5 TV series “The Holiday”. The show was filmed in Malta under strict Covid guidelines.
(Ireland: 2022)
Story: Courtesy of Aidan, His Parents & Brennan Acting Agency
Learn about Aidan as:
– an actor: age 12, age 14
– a magician: age 8, age 9, age 10, age 11 (below), age 12, age 13
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Daniel Radcliffe played the leading role of Harry in the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which made him an international movie star.
(London, England: 2001)
Learn about Daniel as:
– an actor: age 18
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Matthew Royer and Benjamin Royer, identical twins, began acting the roles of the Marcus twin brothers in Disney’s television series Best Friends Whenever. Matthew played the role of Chet and Benjamin played Bret. The series ran for two seasons.
(Tarzana, California: 2015)
Visit Matthew’s and Benjamin’s website.
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Izaac Wang was cast as Owen Yu in the Paramount Pictures film Clifford the Big Red Dog.
(Minnesota: 2021)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Izaac as:
– an actor: age 13
ADVOCATE: UNICEF
YOUTH ADVOCATES FOR UNICEF
Meriam Amjoune (Morocco: 2020)
AMBASSADOR: GOODWILL
Arjun Ayyangar served as a goodwill ambassador for Empower the Children, a United States registered charity organization that supports educational and food programs for slum-dwelling and disabled children in Calcutta, Indian and other parts of the world. Arjun pledged to contribute $2 to the Empower the Children organization (ETC) for every subscriber to his YouTube channel.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2009)
Learn about Arjun as:
– 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 10, age 11 (below), age 13
AMBASSADOR: GOODWILL
Mattie Stepanek served as a goodwill ambassador and inspirational speaker for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
(Maryland: 2002)
APP DESIGNER / DEVELOPER
Yuma Soerianto developed his 11th iOS app. Yuma explained, “If you hit a brick wall, you might need to go around it or under it. There are so many ways you can solve a problem, but you just have to fine one solution.”
(Melbourne, Australia: 2018)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
Visit Yuma’s website.
Learn about Yuma as:
– an app designer/developer: age 6, age 9, age 10
ARTIST: CARTOONIST
Jake Rugino was a professional cartoonist for one of his town newspapers, the Tribune. His character, Ernie Eagle served as a role model for kids and provided helpful safety tips.
(Bethpage, New York: 1998)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
ARTIST: COMIC BOOK
Michael White started his own original comic book company called Crusader Comics. He organized and headed a creative a staff of other kids to work on his original Cobra Strikes Back series. He still works on that very same series today.
(York, South Carolina: 1975)
Visit Michael’s website.
Learn about Michael as:
– an artist: age 10, age 14, age 17
ARTIST: PAINTER
Samantha Gillogly
(Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: 2000)
Learn about Samantha as:
– an entrepreneur: age 11 (see below)
– a musician: age 8
ATHLETE: BILLIARDS
Willie Mosconi became the juvenile straight billiards/pool champion and regularly held trick shot exhibitions. He learned to play billiards from his father who owned a billiards parlor. Sometimes Willie practiced using a broom stick and potatoes. From 1941 to 1957, Willie went on to win the World Straight Pool Championship 15 times, more than any other player. He set many records and helped popularize billiards as a recreational activity. Billiards was declared an Olympic eligible sport in 1998.
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 1924)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Willie as:
– an athlete: age 6
ATHLETE: GYMNAST
Jen Bricker
(Illinois: 2000)
Visit Jen’s website.
Learn about Jen as:
– an athlete: age 13
ATHLETE: GYMNAST: OLYMPIAN
Luigina Giavotti won the silver medal as a member of the Italian gymnastics team at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. She was the youngest medalist there and the youngest female Olympic medalist of all time at age of 11 years and 302 days. Her gymnastic age record cannot be beaten since the current Olympic rule states that gymnasts must be at least 16 years old to compete.
(Italy: 1928)
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Tyler Armstrong summited (climbed to the top of) Mt. Elbrus, a dormant volcano in Russia. At 18,510 feet high, it is the highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains and in Europe.
(California: 2015)
Illustrated by Liam Giblin
Visit Tyler’s website.
Learn about Tyler as:
– an athlete: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 12, age 13
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Jordan Romero climbed to the top of Mt. Elbrus, in Russia, Europe’s highest peak, 18,510 feet high. (2007)
Jordan, at age 11, in 2007, also climbed to the top of Mt. Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, 22,841 feet high. Also, at age 11, in 2008, he climbed Denali, known as Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak, 20,320 feet high.
(Big Bear Lake, California: 2007 & 2008)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Jordan as:
– an athlete: age 10, age 13
ATHLETE: RACQUETBALL CHAMPION
Chris Coy ranked second in the world for racquetball players in the 12-and-under division. Having had his leg amputated above the ankle when he was 4 years old, hadn’t stop him from becoming an athletic champion. His home town honored him by declaring January 5, 2000, Chris Coy Day.
(Elk City, Oklahoma: 1999)
Illustrated by Daniel Pacificador
Learn about Chris as:
– an athlete: age 10
ATHLETE: SKATEBOARDER: OLYMPIAN
Zheng Haohao participated in the women’s skateboarding park competition as China’s youngest Olympian ever and the youngest athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic in Paris.
(China: 2024)
Illustrated by Sofia Gomez
ATHLETE: SKATER: OLYMPIAN
Beatrice Hustin competed in singles figure skating at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.
(Romania: 1968)
ATHLETE: SWIMMER
Thomas Gregory swam the English Channel, prior to the ruling that 16 is the minimum age permitted to do so.
(United Kingdom: 1988)
ATHLETE: SWIMMER
Ismail Zulfic
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ATHLETE: YO-YO COMPETITOR
Brett Jurgens won first place in both the U.S. Open and in the World Yo-Yo Championships, competing against kids as old as 15. He and his physical education teacher, Mrs. Bernhardt, gave yo-yo clinics at school and at clubs. Although Brett enjoyed winning, the best part for him was teaching the sport to other kids, especially to kids who use a wheelchair. Participating in the sport made them very happy. “That’s when I really feel like a winner,” Brett explained.
(Longmont, Colorado: 1996)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln suggesting that if he grew whiskers, his thin face would look better, and more people would vote for him. Her letter got results. On the way to his inauguration, Lincoln stopped at Grace’s house to personally thank her.
(Westfield, New York: 1860)
Illustrated by Michael Dubisch
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Ashley Black wrote a letter and petition that resulted in her state assemblyman introducing a bill making it illegal to produce or sell hate game videos in the New Jersey.
(Marlboro, New Jersey: 1992)
Illustrated by Daniel Pacificador
Learn about Ashley as:
– an activist: age 11 (see above)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Olivia Bouler, an artist, wanted to help repair the damaged bird habitat caused by the BP’s oil spill along the United States gulf coastline. So, she wrote a letter to the Audubon Society offering to do 500 drawings of birds, which could be given to people who made donations toward helping with the bird rescue.
Olivia hoped her drawings would raise $200. Within a couple of weeks of media coverage, donations started pouring in. Olivia explained, “My mom was getting like one hundred emails an hour. One-hundred-and-forty-four-million people saw my story in two months.” It took Olivia three months to finish the drawings. Olivia explained, “It tells you that people want to help but they just don’t know how. That’s why I think they need a role model like a youth to say, ‘If a child can do it, so can I. I can make a difference.'” Shortly afterwards, Olivia authored and illustrated her book of bird illustrations.
Olivia’s message: “If you can do something to help, always do it.”
(Long Island, New York: 2010)
Story: Courtesy of the Bouler Family
Learn about Olivia as:
– an author & illustrator: age 11 (see below)
– a donor: age 11 (see below)
– an educator: age 12, age 15
– a speaker: age 12
– a visionary: age 11 (see below)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Lee Palmer and Janine Givens created a petition requesting that children (without an accompanying adult) be granted permission to use the adult section of the library. Their petition included numerous signatures supporting the Massachusetts law that public libraries must adopt the standards of the American Library Association Bill of Rights, that libraries “should not limit access because of origin, age, background or view.” Their petition worked!
(Andover, Massachusetts: 1992)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Zoe Parker-Geisman wrote a letter to a hotel company president suggesting he remove braised bear paws from the menu of its restaurants. Zoe’s letter worked.
(Wayland, Massachusetts)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Meghan Markle, after watching a Procter & Gamble soap commercial on TV, about women washing dishes, wrote to the company requesting they replace the word “women” with the word “people” to show that men, as well as women, wash dishes. Her letter got the results she wanted, although it’s not known, if years later, her husband, Prince Harry washes dishes.
Megan’s advice, “If you see something you don’t like on television or anywhere else, write letters and send them to the right people. You can really make a difference for not just for yourself, but for lots of other people.”
(Los Angeles, California: 1993)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Meghan’s website.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED ARTICLE
Emily Rosa, for a science fair project, devised an experiment challenging the therapeutic touch procedure. The result of her study was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, also known as JAMA. She was the youngest person to ever have a paper published in a major scientific journal.
(Loveland, Colorado: 1998)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Ritaj Hussain Alhazmi published her first book, Treasure of the Lost Sea. It’s about siblings, Natalya and Jame, who discover they’re guardians of a lost treasure and set off on a long adventure to unlock the secrets of their power. The same year, Ritaj also finished writing the sequel to her book. She started writing at age 6 and often visited libraries and read adventure books.
(Dhahran, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: 2019)
Visit Ritaj’s website.
Learn about Ritaj as:
– an author: age 12
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Justin Blount had his book, Differences Matter – Diversity Matters: A Story About My Brother and Me, published by Young Authors Publishers. This 52-page book discusses the racial differences between Justin and his brother Noah.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Rachel Chandler wrote and mailed letters to over 200 famous people around the world. The replies she received were published in the book The Most Important Lessons in Life: Letters to a Young Girl. Rachel explained, “Each lesson that you learn helps to make you who you are. Be yourself. Only you can know what life’s most important lesson is. Everyone has a different answer. You have to find it on your own.”
(Roanoke, Virginia: 1997)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Jack Dalton, who refers to himself as “kid conservationist,” authored Kawan the Orangutan: Lost in the Rainforest. Jack’s goal was to raise awareness of the endangered orangutan, his favorite animal.
(Manchester, New Hampshire: 2021)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Jack’s website.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Brittney Grimes had her second book published.
(Baldwin, New York: 2001)
Learn about Brittney as:
– an author: age 8
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Ashton Harris Hightower had his book, Sketches, published by Young Authors Publishing. This 40-page book is about a young artist who uses his art to help his mom.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Taylor Hightower had her 32-page book, Snack Attack, published by Young Authors Publishing. Taylor’s book empowers readers to practice healthy eating habits and spend quality time with their friends.
(Atlanta, George: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Matthew Miller had his 32-page book, A Week with Papa, published by Young Authors Publishing. The book character, Jackson, loves spending time with his grandpa, “Papa”, especially after Papa had leg surgery. Jackson learns how special it can be to take care of your loved ones during tough times.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Robby Novak and his brother-in-law Brad Montague, co-authored Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome. Their 254-page book, published by HARPER, became a New York Times Bestseller. Robby suggests, “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”
Robby was born with a rare bone disease called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as OI, or brittle bone disease, which makes his bones easy to break. Although he’s had more than 75 breaks and 13 surgeries, he refuses to let the disease stop him from living a normal life. He uses his sense of humor to make people laugh.
Robby explains, “This is life, people. You got air coming in through your nose; you get a heartbeat. That means it’s time to do something.”
(Henderson, Tennessee: 2015)
Learn about Robby as:
– an actor: age 8
– a social media star/internet celebrity: age 8
– a YouTube star: age 9
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Justin Oscikofi had his 40-page book, Jaylen’s Journey, published by Young Authors Publishing.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2019)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Joshua Parks had his 40-page book, Back Off, Bully! published by Young Authors Publishing.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2019)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Mathew “Mattie” Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek wrote his fourth book of poetry. He explained, “Your heartsong is your inner beauty. It’s the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person and to help other people do the same. Everybody has one…Poetry is a great way to express your feelings and life experiences so that others can understand and get through the same situation.”
(Washington, D. C.: 2002)
Illustrated by Michael Dubisch
Visit Mattie’s website.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Jacob Sussman, with his brother, Joshua, age 14, coauthored their first book. It discusses two of their inventions, a brief history of important inventions, as well as scientific and legal terms inventors need to know.
(2012)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Jourdan Urbach had his 108-page first novel, Leaving Jeremiah, published by Goose River Press. The main character, Daniel, lived his entire life in the Jeremiah Orphanage, and plans to escape.
(Long Island, New York: 2003)
Learn about Jourdan as:
– a founder: age 9
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Olivia Bouler wrote and illustrated her book, Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf. It was published by Union Square Kids (a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing Co,. Inc.) when Olivia was twelve.
(Long Island, New York: 2011)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of The Bouler Family
Learn about Olivia as:
– an author: influential letter: age 11 (see above)
– a donor: age 11 (see below)
– an educator: age 12, age 15
– a speaker: age 12
– a visionary: age 11 (see below)
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Isaac Whitlatch
(Casper, Wyoming: 1986)
BLOGGER: FASHION
Tavi Gevinson launched Style Rookie, her personal fashion blog. It featured photos of Tavi wearing distinct outfits (often considered outrageous by some) and included her comments about current fashion trends. Tavi’s fashion philosophy was, “More is more.” The blog ran from 2008 to 2011, and had nearly 30,000 viewers daily.
(Chicago, Illinois: 2008)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Tavi as:
– a founder: editor-in-chief: age 15
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
The youngest people to earn the title of Life Master, by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) which is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the card game were:
Joel Wooldridge (New York City, New York: 1990)
Sam Hirschman (Southfield, Michigan: 1988)
Doug Hsieh (New York City, New York: 1981)
CHAMPION / CO-CHAMPION:
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Jairam Hathwar won by correctly spelling “feldenkrais”. His brother, Sriram Hathwar, was the 2014 co-champion at age 14.
(Painted Post, New York: 2016)
Frank Neuhauser won the very first Scripps National Spelling Bee. He won by correctly spelling “gladiolus”.
(Louisville, Kentucky: 1925)
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Trevin Alford won season seven of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Washington, Indiana: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Paige Goehner won season six of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. At the time Paige won, she was the youngest winner to date.
(Blaine, Minnesota: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHESS PLAYER
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Ronan Farrow was accepted to Bard College at Simon’s Rock.
(New York City, New York: 1998)
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Carson Huey-You became a freshman at Texas Christian University.
(Texas: 2013)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Tanishq Abraham earned three associate degrees from American River College in Sacramento, California. They were in math and physical science, general science, and foreign language studies.
(Davis, California: 2023)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Visit Tanishq’s website.
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Elliott Tanner graduated with an associate of science degree from Normandale Community College, Minnesota.
(St. Louis Park, Minnesota: 2020)
Photo: Courtesy of Elliott and His Parents
Visit Elliott’s website.
Learn about Elliott as:
– a college freshman: age 9
– a college graduate: age 13
COLUMNIST
Sammie Vance became the first-ever columnist for Kids News & Reviews. She explains, “…this was offered to me because of all the work I have done for my community through my own initiative with SammiesBuddyBenchProject.“
(2020)
Learn more about Sammie as a columnist.
CRITIC: FOOD
Luca Marconi
(Brooklyn, New York: 2018)
Illustrated by Yuyang Zhang
Learn about Luca as:
– a critic: age 12
CRITIC: FOOD
DANCER: BALLET
Anthony Mmesoma Madu believes that ballet is also for boys. After a video of him dancing in the rain went viral, he received scholarships from around the world to pursue his passion.
(Nigeria, Africa: 2020)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
DANCER: FANCY SHAWL
Chelaine Knudsen performed fancy shawl dances at powwows on the Yankton Sioux Reservation where she lived. A powwow is a gathering of Native Americans to dance, play, and sing. Chelaine taught herself to dance by watching other dancers. She explained, “I think I will be dancing forever, because it’s so much fun. Dancing just makes me feel proud of myself.”
(Lake Andes, South Dakota: 1996)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
DISCOVERER
Mary Anning, after one-year of searching, discovered the first fossil remains of a complete prehistoric ichthyosaurus.
(England: 1811)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
DONOR: BOOKS
Sawyer Anderson donated 3,000 copies of Water Works, the book she authored and illustrated, to United Way’s School Supply Drive. Sawyer, a fifth grader at Oak Grove Lutheran School, explained, “Most of these kids…maybe all of them, don’t even have good books, or don’t even have books. They will know that they might do something like this, that might help out people in need. They might love the story and it might impact them.”
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2020)
Photo: Courtesy of Sawyer and Her Parents
Learn about Sawyer as:
– an author & illustrator: age 10
– a fundraiser: age 8, age 10, age 13
– a speaker: age 10
– a volunteer: age 9
DONOR: HAIR
Dillon DeWitt donated his shoulder-length hair to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan. It took Dillon two and a half years to grow it to the minimum required length of twelve inches. He liked the thought that his donation would be helping kids who live in Michigan and that the organization made the wigs in the United States rather than in other countries. Dillon explained, “There were times I definitely struggled to push through the challenges of growing my hair out, mainly when getting made fun of or mistaken for being a girl. As I finished, I realized it was outweighed by the reward of pride knowing my hair donation would be making a difference in a child’s life who was experiencing hair loss.”
(Michigan: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Dillon, His Parents and Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Learn about Dillon as:
– a fundraiser: age 11 (see below)
– a visionary: age 9
– a volunteer: age 11 (see below)
DONOR: HAIR
Marshall Hobbs, after letting his hair grow for nearly three years, had it cut, and donated it to Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, an organization that makes wigs for kids with a medically-induced hair loss. Marshall also raised $235 through an online campaign to help pay the costs involved with donating hair and making wigs.
Marshall became inspired to grow out and donate his hair after watching a video of a cancer patient in Israel. The patient’s mother said, “Once your kid gets cancer, your world falls apart.”
Marshall explains, “It got to me. I was so sad.”
(Gulf Breeze, Florida: 2018)
Conor Rogers had more than 12 inches of his hair cut off and donated it to be made into wigs for kids in need. Conor explained, “It makes me feel very good.”
(Kalispell, Montana: 2021)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
DONOR: PAINTINGS
Olivia Bouler, an artist, donated many of her original paintings of birds to the Audubon Society, to help raise funds for the Gulf oil spill recovery.
(Long Island, New York: 2010)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of The Bouler Family
Learn about Olivia as:
– an author & illustrator: age 11 (see above)
– author: influential letter: age 11 (see above)
– an educator: age 12, age 15
– a speaker: age 12
– a visionary: age 11 (see below)
DONOR: SOCKS
Declan Cassidy and the non-profit organization he founded, Socks For The Streets (SFTS), held its second annual fundraiser. They collected 9,223 pairs of new socks which they donated to homeless shelters.
Declan’s message, “People always give food and clothes, never socks. Socks are one of the most needed things… It feels really good, because when you see people smile, you feel really good for yourself.”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2020)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Socks For The Streets
Visit Declan’s website.
Learn about Declan as:
– an ambassador: age 14
– a donor: age 15
– a founder: age 10
– a fundraiser: age 12
– a visionary: age 9
ENTREPRENEUR
Caroline Bercaw, and her 12-year-old sister, Isabel Bercaw, created and sold bath bombs, which are powdery, fist-size balls that, when dropped into a bathtub, release an eruption of fragrance, color and fizz. The sisters learned how to make them by reading books and searching the Internet. They placed a fun, surprise item in each bath bomb and shared the bombs with their friends. The bombs were such a hit, that Isabel and Caroline borrowed $150 from their parents to purchase supplies needed to sell their product at the kid’s division at a local art fair. The bombs sold out on the first day, and the sisters went home to make more until one o’clock the next morning.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota: 2013)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Caroline’s and Isabel’s website.
Learn about Caroline as:
– an entrepreneur: age 12
– a millionaire: age 17
– a philanthropist: age 18
– a visionary: age 10
ENTREPRENEUR
Brandon Bozek started the Bloomin’ Express Flower Delivery Service. He explained, “I sell flower arrangements the way other people sell magazines, by subscription. Finding new subscribers is the hardest part of my business.”
(Miami, Florida: 1990)
ENTREPRENEUR
Moziah Bridges won a mentorship offer from Daymond John for his Mo’s Bows friendly bowties. (Shark Tank)
(Tennessee: 2014)
Visit Moziah’s website.
Learn about Moziah as:
– an author: age 17
Samantha Gillogly
(Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: 2000)
Learn about Samantha as:
– an artist: age 11 (see above)
– a musician: age 8
ENTREPRENEUR
Naomi Porter launched her first business, Spice it Up. It sells portable kits to transport spices for cooking when camping or traveling. The kits are reusable, waterproof, and lightweight. Since Naomi needed such a product, and one wasn’t on the market, she decided to create her own.
(Los Angeles, California: 2015)
Learn about Naomi as:
– an entrepreneur: age 13, age 15
ENVIRONMENTALIST
Ryan Hickman, after 8 years of daily recycling, reached the one million items recycled goal with his company, Ryan’s Recycling. For his efforts and achievements, Ryan was honored in numerous ways.
Ryan was included in:
* Reader’s Digest list of Top Kids of the Decade Changing the World
* Diversity in Action magazine’s list of 20 Under 20 Young Innovators
* Good Housekeeping’s list of 40 Kids Who Changed the World
Ryan was a recipient of:
* The Daily Points of Light Award
* WasteExpo’s 40 Under 40 Change Maker Award
Ryan was featured in:
* Time magazine and was named a Time magazine Kid of the Year top ten finalist
* THE 25, a German television show that highlights top stories around the world. The audience ranked Ryan’s story in second place.
* NBC’s TV show Little Big Shots
Ryan continues making his positive mark on the world.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2020)
Photo: Courtesy of Ryan’s Recycling
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– an ambassador: age 10
– an environmentalist: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 10, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 9, age 10, age 13, age 14
FOUNDER
Kyle Amber founded a student-run organization that raised $50,000 to help kids with life-threatening illnesses. Kyle explained, “You can’t imagine how rewarding it is to help other people until you try it. Once you start, you can’t stop.”
(Miami-Dade County: 2001)
Barbara Brown, an environmentalist, co-founded the Don’t be Crude Team.
(Texas: 1997)
FOUNDER
Kelly Davis founded Maine Vest-A-Dog, a non-profit organization that provides bulletproof vests for police dogs in Maine. Kelly explained, “Police dogs do not choose their role in life and deserve to be protected, just like their human partner.”
(West Bath, Maine: 2000)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Learn about Kelly as:
– a fundraiser: age 12
FOUNDER
Winston Duncan founded Wheels to Africa, a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to collect bicycles for needy communities in Africa. Winston came up with the idea after visiting Africa with his parents. He realized that traveling by bike would be helpful to many of the people in Africa who had to walk long distances for food, water, and medicine. Their motto is, Changing Lives One Bike at a Time.
(Arlington, Virginia: 2005)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit the Wheels to Africa website.
FOUNDER
William Dunckelman founded FAME (Fine Arts Motivating the Elderly) that brought theatrical and musical programs to nursing homes and senior centers. William explained, “While volunteering at local homes for the elderly, I realized the deepest pains of aging actually aren’t a result of physical constraints, but rather the lack of motivational stimulation.”
(Houma, Louisiana: 2002)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
FOUNDER
Zoe Rosenberg, with her mother (a veterinarian), founded a chicken sanctuary which they called Happy Hen Chicken Rescue. Shortly after it expanded, they renamed it Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary.
(California: 2013)
Visit Zoe’s website.
Learn about Zoe as:
– an activist: age 11, age 16
– a speaker: age 12, age 15
FOUNDER
Wyatt Tyler, founder of Wyatt’s Ruff Rescues, used his saved allowance, money from his family’s yard sales plus donations, to pay animal adoption fees at the pound. Then Wyatt brought the dogs to a kennel at his home. A local vet spayed or neuter the dogs for free. Wyatt then advertised in the newspaper, on the radio, and the Internet to find a loving home for each dog. Wyatt’s efforts were very successful but created mixed emotions for him. He was sad to see the dogs leave but happy they would be living in a better place than the pound.
(Wauchula, Florida: 2000)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
FOUNDER
Josiah Utsch (left) founded Save the Nautilus when he learned that this sea creature was becoming endangered, partly due to the shell trade, which involves killing the nautilus for its shell to make jewelry and decorations. Josiah explained, “I’ve been fascinated with the nautilus since I was seven years old…I felt compelled to help. But, after finding no charities that addressed the plight of the nautilus, I decided to create my own.” Josiah was quickly joined by 11-year-old Ridgely Kelly (right) who is his close friend and budding artist. Their goal is to raise awareness and funds to protect the nautilus.
(Maine: 2012)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit the Save The Nautilus website.
FOUNDER
Annie Wignall became the founder, director, and president of the Care Bags Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps abused, disadvantaged, and displaced kids. Read more to learn how she did it.
Learn more…
(Newton, Iowa: 2002)
Visit Annie’s website.
FUNDRAISER
Dillon DeWitt was inspired, by a child fighting leukemia, to start a fundraiser. With the help of Facebook, many generous donors, friends, family members and community supporters, Dillon’s fundraiser raised $3,900. These donations were able to provide sponsorship for four of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan recipients, and make a contribution toward the building of that organization’s new Wellness Center. Though the good feeling in his heart was enough of a reward for his efforts, it was extra special to receive thank you letters from the kids Dillon was able to support from the funds he helped raise.
(Michigan: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Dillon, His Parents and Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Learn about Dillon as:
– a donor: age 11 (see above)
– a visionary: age 9
– a volunteer: age 11 (see below)
HUMANITARIAN
Erica Bellini, within the month of November, collected more than 300 coats for the homeless and the needy. She put up handmade fliers at her local stationery store. Erica explained, “It’s not just me. A lot of generous people live in my community, and they helped me out.” Among them were Erica’s classmates, neighbors, and teachers.
(Stony Brook, New York: 2000)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
HUMANITARIAN
Isaac Winfield used his birthday money to open a food bank from his family’s garden shed in front of his house. Isaac collected donated food and gave it to people in need.
(Worcester, United Kingdom: 2020)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
INVENTOR
Lily Born invented The Kangaroo Cup, a spill-proof cup with 3 legs or handles. Lily designed and named her cup based on the fact that kangaroos often use their tail as a third leg for support. The cup helps her grandfather and other people with Parkinson’s disease drink without spilling the liquid inside the cup.
(Skokie, Illinois: 2014)
Illustrated by Hannah Umali
INVENTOR
Frank Epperson accidentally invented the Popsicle. He had forgotten that he left a container of powdered soda pop mix, water, and stir stick, out on his porch overnight. The next morning, Frank called the frozen soda pop, the Epperson Icicle which he soon changed to Epsicle. He patented his idea under Eppsicle. The next summer, Frank made them in the family icebox and sold them in his neighborhood at five cents each.
Years later, Frank renamed his invention Popsicle, since it was made from soda pop and because his kids started calling them Pop’s Sicles. Frank’s invention gained popularity in 1922, when he gave it out at a fireman’s ball.
(California: 1905)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
INVENTOR
Benjamin Franklin invented a pair of swim fins/flippers (a set of wooden hand paddles) to help him swim faster. He realized he could more easily cut through water while swimming, if he had more surface area through which to push.
(Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay: 1717)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
INVENTOR
Cassidy Goldstein invented the Crayon Holder. This multi-purpose plastic tube prevents crayons from breaking, makes it easier to color with broken crayons, and helps kids with fine motor difficulties to hold and draw with crayons. It is sold in Walmart Stores.
When designing her invention, Cassidy originally used the plastic tube that florists used to keep roses fresh during shipping. She inserted a crayon, created her first prototype, and then filed for a patent.
(Scarsdale, New York: 2002)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
INVENTOR
Natalie Jarod invented the No Drip Dip Spoon. It has a larger spoon underneath a smaller spoon to catch spills. Her inspiration came from wanting to prevent gravy stains that ruined her aunt’s tablecloths during Thanksgiving dinner.
(Parma, Ohio: 2021)
Jana Kraschnewski invented the Stalk Board, plywood made from cornstalks. Jana’s advice, “Don’t give up! I didn’t give up when the companies I wrote to didn’t respond. I didn’t give up when experiments didn’t work out at first. Sometimes the most obvious things work the best…When you have an idea, go for it! Work with it and be persistent. By inventing something, you help to make the world a better place.”
(Wisconsin)
Tessanie Marek invented The Easy Crutches which includes an adjustable knee support that allows users to rest their injured leg directly on the crutch. This can help prevent muscle strain and cramps.
(Salado, Texas: 2011)
INVENTOR
Alison Mueller invented the Teeth Floser. She threaded dental floss through a plastic mouth guard, leaving space for her teeth. Then all the user needs to do is put the guard in his/her mouth and move it up and down, for a time-saving floss.
(St. Louis, Missouri: 1998)
Nikita Rafikov invented a way to light homes without the use of electricity. This is done by embedding GFP into windows to create efficient glass and lighting. GFP is the green florescent protein found in certain jellyfish that creates the bioluminescence effect seen in nature photography.
(Evans, Georgia: 2015)
Gitanjali Rao invented the Tethys, a 3D-printed box (about the size of a deck of cards) that uses carbon nanotubes to detect lead, a similar technology to using carbon nanaotubes to detect hazardous gas in the air.
(Lone Tree, Colorado: 2017)
Visit Gitanjali’s website.
Learn about Gitanjali as:
– an advocate: age 16
– a reporter: age 11 (see below), age 15
Paul Simmons invented the Anti-Soggy Cereal Bowl, which measures out just the right amount of milk.
(Rochester, New York: 2003)
INVENTOR
Kylie Simonds, a throat cancer survivor, invented and designed a IV backpack that helps kids feel stylish while they undergo chemotherapy. Kylie thought of the idea when her fifth grade teacher asked her class to “create something to solve an everyday problem.” Kylie recalled having to pull around a big IV pack when she underwent chemotherapy at age 8.
Kylie’s invention includes a drip bag protection cage so kids can move around without being afraid of puncturing the medicine bag. It also has an IV controller built into the bag to control the bag’s flow rate. Kylie explained, “I worked with my mom and dad to actually make it and my nurses and doctors gave me some tips…I would have loved this thing for myself.”
Kylie and her parents created “A Go Fund Me” page to raise money to make her design a reality. Within two months they raised $47,000.
(Naugatuck, Connecticut: 2013)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
INVENTOR
Richard Turere invented the Lion Light, a simple, low-cost, solar powered device that safely scares hungry lions away from his family’s cows, goats, and sheep. Since Richard was nine years old, he was responsible for herding and safeguarding his family’s cattle, but lion attacks were becoming more frequent. Richard’s invention helped to correct this problem.
(Kenya, Africa: 2013)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
JUGGLER
Slav Bokhman became a juggler in the Russian-American Children’s Circus.
(Brooklyn, New York: 2001)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Keith Corbett performed the Heimlich maneuver on his mother, Genene, when she was choking on a piece of a chocolate bar. After a couple of tries, the piece popped out and his mom was safe. Keith, who had learned the Heimlich maneuver at school, explains, “I don’t know why I was so calm. It is not like this is something that is normal for me. I can’t explain it. I kind of just knew what to do, so I just did it and my mom was fine.”
(Orangeville, Ontario, Canada: 2012)
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: 2022)
Visit Brynn’s website.
MAGICIAN
Aidan McCann took part in Britain’s Got Talent, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He performed from his bedroom for his semi-final act. It was challenging for many reasons, but he made it to the final where he got to perform in the BGT studio in London.
(Ireland: 2022)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Aidan, His Parents & Brennan Acting Agency
Learn about Aidan as:
– an actor: age 11 (see above), age 12, age 14
– a magician: age 8, age 9, age 10, aged 12, age 13
MAGICIAN
Ryan Oakes became the youngest contestant and member of the Society of American Magicians. He won first prize at its national convention. Ryan explained, “The most important thing for those who want to become a magician is to read, read, read. There are hundreds of books on magic for kids. You don’t need anything fancy. Just get a hat and a deck of cards, and you’re all set. If you mess up, try to laugh off your mistakes. The real trick is to stay calm.”
(Stamford, Connecticut: 1990)
Illustrated by Dawn Jones
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– a magician: age 13
MAGICIAN
Joshua Wright performed magic shows to raise money for UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Fund). He explained, “I read a book about kids in Lebanon and decided to do something to help them.” Joshua raised hundreds of dollars to help their pain and suffering disappear, at least for a brief time. As Joshua explained, “That’s the magic of volunteering.”
(Pennsylvania)
MIME
Dominique Nogic performed as a mime, an entertainer who acts but does not speak. During his performances at schools, senior citizens’ homes and parties, he played a character who found musical instruments and tried to figure out what to do with them. Since Dominique played various musical instruments, including the cello and recorder, he included them in his act.
(Reston, Virginia: 1991)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
MUSICIAN: DRUMMER
Nandi Bushell performed “Everlong” with the American rock band, Foo Fighters, at The Forum in Englewood, California.
(Ipswich, Scotland: 2021)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Learn about Nandi as:
– a musician: age 9
MUSICIAN: HARMONICA
Stevland Hardaway Judkins (Stevie Wonder)
(Detroit, Michigan: 1961)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
MUSICIAN: PIANO PLAYER
Stevland Hardaway Judkins (Stevie Wonder)
(Detroit, Michigan: 1961)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
MUSICIAN : SANTUR PLAYER
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Capri Everitt, in one year, sang 80 national anthems, in their respective languages, in their host countries. She traveled with her parents, Kerrie and Tom, and her brother, Bowen, who wrote a blog documenting their travels.
(Canada: 2016)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
Learn more…
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Stevland Hardaway Judkins (Stevie Wonder)
(Detroit, Michigan: 1961)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Satyam Upadhyay performed in a live concert at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon.
(Gurgaon, Haryana, India: 2016)
MUSICIAN: TABLA PLAYER
Truptraj Atul Pandya received India’s highest award for children under age 18, The National Pradhan Mantri Rashtriva Bal Puraskar Award. It was formerly known as The National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement. Truptraj received the award for Excellence in the Field of Arts and Culture. It was presented to him by President Ram Nath Kovid. Afterward, Truptraj had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modiji.
(Mumbai, India: 2016)
Visit Truptraj’s website.
Visit Truptraj’s YouTube Channel.
Learn about Truptraj as:
– a musician: age 2, age 3, age 4, age 6, age 12
MUSICIAN: TABLA PLAYER
Parvathy Unnikrishnan performed in an event organized by Bharathiya Mazdoor Sangam to celebrate BMS Foundation Day.
(Ernakulam, Kerala, India: 2022)
Visit Parvathy’s website.
MUSICIAN: TRUMPETER
Niccole Meza Ramos learned and plays the trumpet by ear. She does not read music. When her musical family fled their home in Venezuela, due to political unrest, and relocated in the Dominican Republic, Niccole had to leave her trumpet behind.
After seeing a video of her playing on Facebook, Dale C. Crow, of Crow Custom Brass, flew to the Dominican Republic to find her. He signed her to a two-year sponsorship deal, matching her with the best instruments, and helping her bring her talent to American audiences.
(Venezuela: 2019)
Illustrated by Leila Kazemzadeh
MUSICIAN: UKULELEIST
Grace VanderWaal decided to learn to play the ukulele, after listening to a person playing one and watching a Twenty One Pilots video on YouTube. Grace asked for a ukulele for her 11th birthday present, but her mother didn’t oblige because she thought Grace would never learn to play it. So, determined Grace used the money she received as birthday presents to buy a ukulele for herself and taught herself to play it by watching more videos. It wasn’t long before she became well know as a singer who accompanied herself playing the ukulele.
(Suffern, New York: 2015)
Learn about Grace as:
– a musician: age 3, age 14
MUSICIAN: VIOLINIST
Midori Goto, a violinist, performed with the New York Philharmonic in the orchestra’s annual New Year’s Eve concert.
(Hirakata, Osaka, Japan: 1982)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Midori’s website.
Learn about Midori as:
– a musician: age 14, age 19
NOMENCLATOR / NAME CREATOR
Venetia Burney and her grandfather were discussing a newspaper article about the newly discovered ninth major planet in our solar system. When he asked Venetia what she thought the planet should be named, she excitedly suggested, “Why not call it Pluto?” Her answer was based on four points.
Learn more…
(Oxford, England: 1930)
Illustrated by Blanca Laikin
POLYGLOT
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Zain Abbas explained, “I would like to connect with others in my community through hearing and telling their stories.”
(Ohio: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Zain’s articles.
Natalie Bendix
(Winconsin: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Natalie’s articles.
Theodora Bradley explained, “I want to help share the truth so that children really understand what’s happening and can have a reliable source.”
(New York State: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Theodora’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Sophia Dal Magro Leite explained, “I think I can make a difference by showing people more about my community and making them think differently about it.”
(Brazil: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Sophia’s articles.
Lucia Dong explained, “I’d like to learn more about my community and share my writing about life on the island of Oahu.”
(Hawaii: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Lucia’s articles.
Amanda Erbe explained, “I truly believe that by reading the news and being curious, one child can change the world.”
(Puerto Rico: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Amanda’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Gavin Gracey explained, “I adore the different ways people do good things, and how those good things can really change the world. I want to tell more of those stories.”
(Maryland: School Year 2021 – 2222)
Read Gavin’s articles.
Logan Gracey explained, “A good sports article has challenges, grit, and perseverance. I’d like to write those stories someday when I grow up.”
(Maryland: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Logan’s articles.
Claire Olivia Handler explained, “I want to inspire kids to make changes in their communities. If enough kids are making changes, the world will be a better place.”
(Massachusetts: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Claire’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Cort Johnson
(Washington, D.C.: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Cort’s articles.
Jaxon Jones explained, “I love a good story.”
(California: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Jaxon’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 2021 – 2022)
Read Varun’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Quade Kelley explained, “I am excited for the opportunity to talk with people and write their stories while learning about the world.”
(California: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Quade’s articles.
Visit Quade’s website.
Minji Kim
(Idaho: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Minji’s articles.
Laya Kotihal explained, “I love to express myself through my art and writing.”
(Oklahoma State: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Laya’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Luke Lamour explained, “I don’t think anyone is ever too young to ask important questions that matter to people.”
(Connecticut: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Luke’s articles.
Brian Kan King Lun explained, “I hope that what I write will help others understand what was happening in the world during my childhood.”
(Hong Kong: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Brian’s articles.
Learn about Brian as:
– a reporter: age 13, age 14
– a spokesperson: age 12
Lincoln Miller explained, “I would love to be able to explore ways to bring people closer together, understand and appreciate our uniqueness, and celebrate differences and similarities.”
(Florida: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Lincoln’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Zoe Adele Mirchandani explained, “I want to learn about other people’s perspectives, and share stories about my community.”
(Washington: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Zoe’s articles.
Ronit Mitra explained, “The things that make me happiest are reading books and writing.”
(India: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Ronit’s articles.
Maya Mukherji explained, “I want to investigate problems around me and fix things that need to be changed by letting people know what’s going on.”
(New York State: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Maya’s articles.
Rosie Muller explained, “I want to inspire other people to write.”
(Michigan: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Rosie’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Nora Onovo explained, “I want to show other kids that we can help make the world a better place with the art of writing.”
(New York State: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Nora’s articles.
Ava Park-Matt explained, “I’d like to show other kids that they can help make the world a better place and have fun doing it.”
(Hoboken, New Jersey: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Ava’s articles.
Siroos Pasdar explained, “Listen, learn, change, and grow.”
(New York State: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Siroos’ articles.
Kennedy Phifer explained, “I hope to learn how to collaborate with my peers to help motivate other children to be good humans and make the world a better place.”
(Wisconsin: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Kennedy’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Luis Reyes explained, “I want to be a Kid Reporter because I enjoy new experiences…and I like meeting new people.”
(Wyoming: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Luis’ articles.
Dylan Koji Co Roxas-Chua explained, “I would love to have the opportunity to gain new perspectives on the world.”
(The Philippines: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Dylan’s articles.
Clara Lopes Salim explained, “I love researching, interviewing, writing, and encouraging others to make a change.”
(Brazil: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Clara’s articles.
Michael Shen explained, “I hope to learn about the world.”
(Guangzhou, China: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Michael’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Munveer Singh explained, “As a reporter, I’ll be able to spread my love of learning about events, people, and topics impacting young people.”
(California: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Munveer’s articles.
Titus Smith III explained, “My energy and determination will shine as I report the news.”
(Southfield, Michigan: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Titus’ articles.
Gemmy Somboontham explained, “I want to express the exciting news in my community to kids all over the world.”
(Thailand: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Gemmy’s articles.
Victoria Tang explained, “I am passionate about exploring exciting discoveries and sharing brilliant ideas with people.”
(Shanghai: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Victoria’s articles.
Visit Victoria’s website.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Zhoriél Tapo explained, “No matter your age, you can make a difference.”
(Louisiana: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Zhoriél ‘s articles.
Anya Teruya explained, “I want to learn the art of journalism.”
(Hawaii: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Anya’s articles.
Caroline Tracy explained, “Words are a beautiful thing to me. You can teach, communicate, learn, and grow with them. That’s why I love to write.”
Caroline said, “Even the smallest help from young volunteers can make the biggest difference in lives of people in need.
(Falmouth, Maine: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Caroline’s articles.
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 2020 – 2021)
Read Hinekerangi’s article.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Charlotte Sze Wai Wong explained, “Journalism is an effective and powerful tool to spread awareness and knowledge of situations and problems worldwide.”
(Canada: 2021 – 2022)
Read Charlotte’s articles.
John Woo explained, “Reporters risk a lot to let us know what is happening.”
(South Korea: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read John’s articles.
Lai Qi Xuan explained, “I hope to raise awareness about important issues among my teachers, fellow classmates, and even their parents.”
(Singapore: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Lai’s articles.
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Marley Alburez
(New York City, New York: 2017 – 2018)
Ronak Bhatt
(Alpharetta, Georgia: 2021 – 2022)
Gabri Blankson
(Lewisville, Texas: 2021 – 2022)
Priscilla L. Ho
(Glendale, California: 2019 – 2020)
Vivian Goldhirsh
(Santa Barbara, California: 2024 – 2025)
Sophia Hou
(Short Hills, New Jersey: 2020 – 2021)
Orion Jean
(Fort Worth, Texas: 2022 – 2023)
Visit Orion’s website.
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Tabitha Kho
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2021 – 2022)
Elisha Lee
(Wilmette, Illinois: 2022 – 2023)
Mira McInnes
(Leawood, Kansas: 2019 -2020)
Aanand Mehta
(Phoenix, Arizona: 2017 – 2018)
David Murtagh
(Alexandria, Virginia: 2021 – 2022)
Evelyn Peng
(New York, New York: 2024-2025)
Roman Peterson
(New York City, New York: 2018-2019)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Gitanjali Rao
(Lone Tree, Colorado: 2017 – 2018)
Visit Gitanjali’s website.
Learn about Gitanjali as:
– an advocate: age 16
– an inventor: age 11
– a reporter: “Time for Kids” magazine: age 15
Kyle Romain
(New Orleans, Louisiana: 2020 – 2021)
Bellen Woodard
(Leesburg, Virginia: 2021 – 2022)
Visit Bellen’s website.
Learn about Bellen as:
– an activist: age 8
SCHOLAR
Bill Gates (who years later became co-founder of Microsoft) memorized chapters 5-7 of The Book of Matthew, also known as the Sermon on the Mount. It totals approximately 2,000 words. Although other students in Bill’s church confirmation class achieved the same goal, Bill was the only student of Reverend Dale Turner’s 31 students who recited it without an error. Rev. Turner helped inspire his students to memorize the work by treating each achiever to dinner atop of the Space Needle.
(Seattle, Washington: 1966)
Visit Bill’s website.
Learn about Bill as:
– a computer programmer / coder: age 13
– a scholar: age 9
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR / INTERNET CELEBRITY
DeLayNee Nelson achieved a following of 1.8 million on YouTube as part of her family’s YouTube channel. Her family includes 18 people, comprising five biological siblings, ten adopted siblings, the mother, the father, and herself.
(St. George, Utah: 2022)
SPEAKER
Arianna Fox was chosen as a keynote speaker and video spokesperson for the Microsoft/Dell National STEM Event, DigiGirlz Day. This one-day event is designed to provide high school girls with a better understanding of careers in technology.
(Delaware: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Mike Fox
Visit Arianna’s website.
SPEAKER: TED TALK
April Qu gave her TEDx Youth Talk, The Power of Reading.
(Beijing, China: 2018)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
SPOKESPERSON
SPOKESPERSON
Nkosi Johnson spoke, as an AIDS patient, before the world’s AIDS conference.
(South Africa: 2000)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
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: 2022)
Visit Brynn’s website.
VENTRILOQUIST
Ana-Maria Margean, a singing ventriloquist, auditioned for Romania’s Got Talent with her puppet, performing “I Put a Spell on You” and “You Don’t Own Me.” She got a standing ovation, earned a Golden Buzzer, and ended up winning the entire competition.
(Romania: 2012)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Learn about Ana-Maria as:
– a ventriloquist: age 13
VENTRILOQUIST
VISIONARY
Isabel Bercaw, and her sister (10-year-old Caroline Bercaw) enjoyed using fragrant, fizzing bath bombs to relax their sore muscles after playing sports. But both girls were always disappointed that the product would dissolve quickly, sometimes stain their skin, and leave a grimy residue in the tub. Isabel and Caroline decided to create a better bath bomb. By focusing on their vision and working hard and intelligently, they soon became successful entrepreneurs, published authors, multi-millionaires, and philanthropists.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota: 2012)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Isabel and Caroline Bercaw’s website.
Learn about Isabel as:
– an entrepreneur: age 12, age 13
– a millionaire: age 18
– a philanthropist: age 19
VISIONARY
Olivia Bouler, an artist who loves and enjoys painting illustrations of birds, envisioned a dangerous result that would occur when 49.5 million barrels of oil began spilling into the gulf from the BP’s offshore Deep Horizon well. Olivia explained, “When I first heard of the oil spill, it broke my heart. I knew those birds were going to be affected and that some of them won’t make it.” Olivia envisioned a way that her paintings of birds could be helpful.
(Long Island, New York: 2010)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of The Bouler Family
Learn about Olivia as:
– an author: influential letter: age 11 (see above)
– an author & illustrator: age 11 (see above)
– a donor: age 11 (see above)
– an educator: age 12, age 15
– a speaker: age 12
VISIONARY
VISIONARY
Blair Breazeale envisioned a light to brighten and cheer up the inside of her middle school locker. “A chandelier might help,” she jokingly told her sister, Sloan. The sisters visited many stores in search of something “cool” to decorate the inside of Blair’s locker, but when they couldn’t find what they were looking for, Blair decided to create it herself. She explained, “I decided to light up my locker.”
(Bentonville, Arkansas: 2009)
Learn about Blair as:
– an inventor: age 12
VISIONARY
Jake Reher envisioned illustrating a book, If I Had SuperPowers.
Illustrated by Jake Reher
VISIONARY
Taylor Swift explained, “When I was eleven years old, it occurred to me that the national anthem was the best way to get in front of a large group of people if you don’t have a record deal. So, I started singing the national anthem anywhere I possibly could — 76ers’ games, the US Open, and I would just send my tapes out everywhere. I would sing the national anthem at garden club meetings. I didn’t care. I figured out that if you could sing that one song, you could get in front of 20,000 people without even having a record deal.”
(Wyomissing, Pennsylvania: 2001)
Learn about Taylor as:
– a musician: age 12
VOLUNTEER
Dillon DeWitt volunteered his time to be “Tinker the Elf” at one of the annual children’s holiday parties held by Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, a nonprofit organization. He created a lot of joy and smiles at the event. Maggie explains, “Dillon sets a great example of a child who believes in giving back and helping his peers.” For Dillon’s efforts as a volunteer and fundraiser, he was honored as the organization’s “Outstanding Youth Volunteer for the Year for 2019”.
(Michigan: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Dillon, His Parents and Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Learn about Dillon as:
– a donor: age 11 (see above)
– a fundraiser: age 11 (see above)
– a visionary: age 9
VOLUNTEER
Ashlee Vann was the coordinator of one of the three Kids Cafes in Springfield, Missouri. They provided free meals to children, and were funded by Second Harvest, a national charitable hunger-relief organization. Although, at the time, there were 185 such cafes in 21 states, the one where Ashlee served meals was the only one operated by a kid.
(Springfield, Missouri: 1999)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin