The Kids Hall of Fame Inductees
13-Year-Old Extraordinary Achievers
ACTIVIST: AFRO HAIR
Zulaikha Patel
(Pretoria, South Africa: 2016)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Genesis Butler
(Long Beach, California: 2020)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit Genesis’ website.
Learn about Genesis as:
– an activist: age 8, age 10, age 11
ACTIVIST: CLIMATE
Haven Coleman, along with 13-year old Alexandria Villaseñor and 16-year-old Isra Hirsi, became co-founder and co-executive director of the United States Youth Climate Strike in 2019. It is part of the youth-led international Fridays for Future movement, inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
(Denver, Colorado: 2019)
Visit Haven’s website.
Alexandria Villaseñor, along with 13-year old Haven Coleman and 16-year-old Isra Hirsi, became co-founder and co-executive director of the United States Youth Climate Strike in 2019. It is part of the youth-led global Fridays for Future movement, inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
(Denver, Colorado: 2019)
ACTIVIST: DIVERSITY
Bassam Maaliki started the #uBelong campaign, which he calls “a simple message of embracing diversity.” He explained, “Being Muslim and having a Lebanese background means I’ve lived through a lot of intolerance. I’ve been called a terrorist and told to go back to my own country. But going through a lot of discrimination motivated me to make a positive change.”
Bassam sold key-shaped badges and raised $10,000 for refugee support groups. His goal was to help ensure that all refugees and migrants, of any background and ethnicity, feel a sense of belonging in Australia.
(Australia: 2015)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
ACTIVIST: GUN CONTROL
Mary-Pat Hector launched Just Think Twice, a campaign aimed to convince youth to think twice before picking up a gun. To spread the message, she installed 65 billboards in her Atlanta hometown and spoke to more than 6,000 kids at schools, churches, and conferences across the United States.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2013)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
Learn about Mary-Pat as:
– a founder: age 10
– a politician: age 19
– a speaker: age 19
ACTIVIST: PRIDE RIGHTS
Molly Pinta organized the very first Pride Parade in her hometown of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and served as its Grand Marshall.
(Buffalo Grove, Illinois: 2019)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Molly as:
– an ambassador: age 13 (see below), age 14
ACTIVIST: VIDEO GAMES
Danielle Shimotakahara worked to prevent coin-operated violent video games.
(Coos Bay, Oregon: 1999)
ACTIVIST
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Ever Anderson played young Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel film Black Widow.
(Los Angeles, California: 2021)
Erin Broderick played the role of Maureen in the television series Law & Order, Special Victims Unit.
(New Fairfield, Connecticut: 2002)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Millie Bobby Brown played the role of Eleven in the Netflix science fiction drama series Stranger Things, for which she earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
(Orlando, Florida: 2016)
Learn about Millie as:
– an ambassador: age 13 (see below), age 14
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award/Oscar, for her role as Paikea in the film Whale Rider.
(Australia: 2004)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Warwick Davis played as the lead Ewok, Wicket, in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, which premiered in 1983. Warwick, who was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), a rare bone growth disorder that results in dwarfism, went on to star in other films, such as Willow. As an adult, in addition to acting, Warwick also runs Willow Management, a talent agency specifically for shorter actors.
(Epsom, Surrey, England: 1983)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Warwick as:
– an actor: age 11, age 12, age 17
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Kirsten Dunst earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role as the angelic looking child vampire in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles.
(Los Angeles, California: 1994)
Jodie Foster starred in Taxi Driver, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award/Oscar.
(Los Angeles, California: 1974)
Learn about Jodie as:
– an actress: age 3
Bonita Granville played the role of Mary Tilford in These Three, an American drama film. For her performance, at age 14 she became an Academy Award/Oscar Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
(Manhattan, New York: 1939)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Hayley Mills made her film debut in Tiger Bay. She performed alongside her father, renowned British actor Sir John Mills.
(London, England: 1959)
Natalie Portman starred in Leon: The Professional.
(Nassau County, New York: 1994)
Visit Natalie’s website.
Amanda Seyfried had her first acting gig on the soap opera As the World Turns. She went on to appear in 27 episodes.
(Allentown, Pennsylvania: 1998)
Hailee Steinfeld was chosen to play the role of Mattie Ross in the western drama film True Grit.
(Los Angeles, California: 2010)
Learn about Hailee as:
– an actress: age 14
Izaac Wang was cast as Sam Wing in the HBO Max streaming series Gremlins.
(Minnesota: 2021)
Learn about Izaac as:
– an actor: age 11
AMBASSADOR: MARCH OF DIMES
Ismael Torres-Castrodad served as the national ambassador for the March of Dimes for 2016. He and his family traveled throughout the United States sharing his inspirational story and raising awareness of premature birth.
(San Juan, Puerto Rico: 2016)
AMBASSADOR: HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
Molly Pinta served as a youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign.
(Buffalo Grove, Illinois: 2020)
Learn about Molly as:
– an activist: age 13 (see above)
– an ambassador: age 14
AMBASSADOR: HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Jordyn Hernandez served as the national youth ambassador for Hyundai Hope On Wheels.
(Concord, California: 2020)
AMBASSADOR
Clinton Brown III, born with a rare form of dwarfism, competed in the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged since he was 5 years old. He’s won numerous gold medals in track and field events.
Clinton participated in Alabama’s First Games for the Physically Challenged, served as its Junior Good Will Ambassador, and helped “kick off” the games. He was a guest speaker on TV talk shows during which he explained the concepts of the games.
(Hicksville, New York: 1995)
Photo: Courtesy of Clinton and His Parents
Learn about Clinton as:
– an actor: age 11
– a spokesperson: age 10, age 14
ARTIST: CARTOONIST
Joe Whale, popularly known as “The Doodle Boy”, had a series of coloring books published.
(Shrewsbury, England: 2022)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Visit Joe’s website.
Learn about Joe as:
– an artist: age 9, age 10, age 12
ARTIST
ATHLETE: BASEBALL PITCHER
Mo’ne Davis became the first female to win a Little League World Series game as a pitcher. She threw a fastball clocked at 70-plus miles per hour and pitched for the Taney Dragons of Philadelphia. That year, 2014, they won 4 to 0 over South Nashville, in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Learn more…
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2014)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
ATHLETE: DIVER - OLYMPIAN
Marjorie Gestring won the springboard diving title at the Olympics in Berlin.
(Los Angeles, California: 1936)
ATHLETE: GOLFER
Tiger Woods won the Optimist International Junior World Golf Championship for the fourth time. He was competing against boys in the 13-14 age group. He also won second place in the Insurance Youth Classic National Golf Classic. Tiger went on to become one of the most accomplished athletes of all time.
(Cypress, California: 2010)
Visit Tiger’s website.
Learn about Tiger as:
– an athlete: age 2, age 3, age 6, age 8, age 9, age 12, age 14, age 15, age 16, age 17, age 18, age 19
– a visionary: age 9
ATHLETE: GYMNAST
Jen Bricker
Book Cover: Permission from Baker Publishing Group
(Illinois: 2002)
Visit Jen’s website.
Learn about Jen as:
– an athlete: age 11
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Tyler Armstrong became the youngest person to climb the Cascade Triple Crown, back-to-back: Mt. Hood (11,250), Mt. Adams (12,280), Mt. Rainier (14,409). By age 13, Tyler also had climbed 5 of the world’s tallest mountains.
(California: 2017)
Visit Tyler’s website.
Learn about Tyler as:
– an athlete: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 11, age 12
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Poorna Malavath became the youngest girl in the world to climb to the top of Mount Everest (29,032 feet high).
(India: 2014)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Jordan Romero climbed to the top/summit of Mt. Everest, Asia’s highest peak, 29,032 feet high, a feat that killed 220 climbers before him. Jordan was accompanied by his father, Paul Romero, his step-mother, Karen Lundgren, and three Sherpas (members of Tibetan ethnic groups native to the mountainous regions of Nepal.) At age 13, Jordan also climbed the Carstensz Pyramid, Oceania’s highest peak which is 16,024 feet high.
(Big Bear Lake, California: 2010)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Jordan as:
– an athlete: age 10, age 11
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Lucy Westlake, with her father, Rodney Westlake, climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tanzania, the highest mountain on the continent of Africa (19,340 ft. / 5,895 m). It was the first of their Seven Summits Goal, and served as a test to see how Lucy’s body would handle high altitudes.
(Naperville, Illinois: 2017)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
Visit Lucy’s website.
Learn about Lucy as:
– an athlete: age 7, age 8, age 12, age 15, age 17, age 18
ATHLETE: SKATEBOARDER - OLYMPIAN
Sky Brown represented Great Britain in the 2020 Summer Tokyo Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the women’s skateboarding park event. This made Sky Great Britain’s youngest Summer Olympics competitor ever and the country’s youngest medalist ever. This made Sky especially happy since when training the previous year she suffered a fractured skull and other broken bones. Sky explains, “It’s okay to fall sometimes and I’m just going to get back up and push even harder.” She advises, “Don’t let anybody stop you. Get out there and prove people wrong.”
(Miyazaki, Japan: 2021)
Note: The 2020 Olympics were held in 2021 due to Covid.
Learn about Sky as:
– an athlete: age 2
– an author: age 13 (see below)
– a dancer: age 10
ATHLETE: SKATEBOARDER - OLYMPIAN
Rayssa Leal won the silver medal in skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This made Rayssa the youngest Olympic medalist in 85 years, and Brazil’s youngest ever Olympic medalist.
(Imperatriz, Maranhao, Brazil: 2021)
Note: The 2020 Olympics were held in 2021 due to Covid.
Learn about Rayssa as:
– a good sport: age 13 (see below)
ATHLETE: SKATEBOARDER
Shaun White became a professional skateboarder.
(San Diego, California: 1998)
Illustrated by Callie Clinch
Learn about Shaun as:
– an athlete: age 9
ATHLETE: SURFER
Bethany Hamilton had been surfing since age 7 and surfing competitively since age 8. She explained, “…at eight years old, I set my sights on becoming the best surfer I could be.” Bethany’s journey to her dream career nearly ended at age 13, when a 14-foot tiger shark bit off her left arm.
Learn more..
(Lihue, Hawaii: 2003)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
Visit Bethany’s website.
Learn about Bethany as:
– an author: age 14
ATHLETE: SWIMMER - PARALYMPIAN
Qian Hongyan won a gold and two silver medals at the Chinese National Paralympics Swimming Competition. It wasn’t long before locals began calling her “Fish Girl” rather than “Basketball Girl” due to the trimmed basketball she wore to steady her as she walked on her hands.
Qian, who lost both her legs at age 4, due to a car accident, had joined the local swimming club for the disabled at age 11. She often trained 4 hours a day.
At age 15, Qian explained, “I used to envy my classmates a lot. After school, they always went home running and jumping and I couldn’t do that. But when I’m in the water, I’m the same as them, and this is why I love swimming.”
(Luliang, Yunnan, China: 2009)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Qian as:
– an athlete: age 8
ATHLETE: SWIMMER - PARALYMPIAN
Sevilay Ozturk competed in the Rio Paralympic Games and became the youngest athlete in the history of the Olympics. Born without arms, she started swimming at age 6. She had been subjected to peer bullying due to her disability, but thanks to swimming, she started to shine brightly, “like a pearl stripped from her oyster leaving all the broken memories of her childhood behind.” She made peace with life and engaged in life.
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 2016)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
Learn about Sevilay as:
– an athlete: age 17
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
McKenna Pope successfully petitioned Hasbro toy manufacturer to design and market their Easy-Bake Oven to both boys and girls, rather than just to girls. McKenna’s inspiration came from her 4-year-old brother, Gavin. He wanted to be a chef but became discouraged when he saw the Easy-Bake Oven box and commercials featured only girls. McKenna created a petition (using Change.org) and a video, which she posted on YouTube. After obtaining 45,000 signatures and being interviewed by national news and press outlets, she was invited to Hasbro headquarters for the unveiling of their new, gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven.
(Garfield, New Jersey: 2012)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
John Romita Jr. wrote to Stan Lee, of Marvel Comics, suggesting that Stan use his idea for a Spider-Man character, and Stan did. The new character was called The Prowler. John’s father, John Romita Sr., worked as a Spider-Man illustrator at the time.
(East Farmingdale, New York: 1969)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Visit John’s website.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes wrote her first book, In the Forests of the Night, a vampire novel, which was published 2 years later.
(United States: 1999)
Beau Bauman wrote letters asking famous people to tell him the most important thing they learned, then edited and compiled their answers into the book Most Important Things I’ve Learned in Life: 370 Lessons to Live By, published by Fireside.
(Southold, New York: 1994)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Sky Brown, the world’s youngest professional skateboarder, had her book published by Penguin Workshop. Sky’s The Limit: Words of Wisdom From a Young Champion contains some of Sky’s inspirational photographs and quotations. She explains, “My goal is to build confidence in all girls around the world…” Sky advises, “I think it’s important to not just do one thing. Do all different kinds of things because life’s too short.”
(Miyazaki, Japan: 2020)
Learn about Sky as:
– an athlete: age 2, age 13 (see above)
– a dancer: age 10
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Derrick Cain had his 42-page book, Dreams of a Young Zookeeper, published by Young Author Publishing. After the Komodo dragon escapes from its cage and eats two rare birds, Derrick realizes that he needs more space to keep the animals happy, healthy, and, most importantly, safe.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2019)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Marley Dias explains, “Kids need to know that changing the world should not be something that feels imaginary, but something that you have the power to do today and always.”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2018)
Visit Marley’s website.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Grant Geddes had his 32-page book, Angela Makes a Friend, published by Young Authors Publishing. This book encourages children to find similarities amongst themselves and it demonstrates how to form new friendships.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2022)
Piyush Jaiswal authored Fulfil of Cosmos, a book on astrophysics containing information about the solar system, space, and celestial objects.
(Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India: 2021)
Amana J. Kumar published her second poetry book, World Amidst the Words. She explained, “As you know, poetry is a clever play of words. As you weave themes into words or letters, they create a world of their own.” She advises, “Chase our dreams. Don’t let anyone persuade you to leave your passion.”
(Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: 2021)
Learn about Kumar as:
– an author: age 12
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Noah McCullough had his third book published, which is an updated edition of his second book of the same title, First Kids: The True Stories of All the Presidents’ Children. This newer edition includes information about Malia and Sasha Obama.
Noah had his first book, The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia, published when he was 10 years old.
(Colorado: 2009)
Learn about Noah as:
– an author: age 10, age 12
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Morgan Miller had her 24-page book, Pick a Job – Any Job, published by Young Authors Publishing. Aaron, the book’s main character, tours the Career Museum with his dad. Aaron learns that there are many more career options than he originally thought.
(Cleveland, Ohio: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Abhimanyu “Abhi” Mishra had his 203-page book published by New In Chess. It’s a revealing self-portrait of Abhi’s successful attempt, against all odds, to beat a nineteen-year-old world record, to become The Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the World.
(Englishtown, New Jersey: 2022)
Book Cover Photo: Courtesy of New In Chess
Visit New In Chess.
Learn about Abhi as:
– a chess player: age 2, age 5, age 7, age 9, age 10, age 12
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Vishikha Tripathi authored Ink on Papers, published by Notion Press. It’s an anthology of chapters starting with stories and followed by poems.
(Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: 2019)
Learn about Vishikha as:
– an author: age 16
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHED BOOK
Elizabeth Haidle
(Beaverton, Oregon: 1988)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED DIARY
Zlata Filipovic had her wartime diary published, which describes many of her thoughts, feelings, and actions from September 1991 until October 1993. After Zlata and her family left Sarajevo in December 1993, they used proceeds from the sale of Zlata’s Diary to start a charity for child victims of the Bosnian war.
Zlata explained, “My diary became more than a place to record daily events. It became a friend, the paper that it was made of was ready and willing to accept anything and everything I had to say.”
Zlata wrote, “Some people compare me with Anne Frank. That frightens me, Mimmy. I don’t want to suffer her fate.”
(Sarajevo: 1994)
Note: “Mimmy” is the name Zlata gave her diary.
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED DIARY
Anne Frank received her diary from her parents on her 13th birthday, June 12, 1942. She wrote about her experiences, hopes and fears, as she, her family, and four others hid in “The Secret Annex” during the Holocaust. Anne, who aspired to be a journalist or author, hoped her diary would be published after the war. She explained, “I want be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met.”
Two years after Anne died in a concentration camp, a family friend gave the diary to Anne’s father, Otto, who had it published. It became a classic of war literature and a symbol of more than one million children who died in the Holocaust. Anne’s diary has been translated into more than 70 languages and became popular after it was adapted for the stage in 1955. It won the Pulitzer Prize the next year.
Anne wrote, “If I haven’t any talent for writing books or newspaper articles, well, then I can write for myself.”
(Germany: 1942)
Illustrated by Don Landgren Jr.
Learn More Anne Frank Quotations…
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:
Meredith Beck (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:1999)
Billy Hsieh (New York City, New York: 1980)
Andrew Kaufman (Bowie, Maryland: 1981)
BUILDER
Luke Thill, in approximately 18 months and for just $1,500, built his own tiny home in the backyard of his parents’ four-acre property. Luke’s father, Greg, often worked alongside him and helped guide him. Luke’s grandmother made the curtains.
Learn more…
(Dubuque, Iowa: 2017)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
CHAMPION / CO-CHAMPION:
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Pratyush Buddiga correctly spelled “prospicience”.
(Colorado Springs, Colorado: 2002)
Sean Conley correctly spelled “succedaneum”. He finished second in the 2000 spelling bee.
(Anoka, Minnesota: 2001)
Rishik Gandhasri correctly spelled “auslaut”.
(San Jose, California: 2019)
Nihar Saireddy Janga correctly spelled “gesellschaft”.
(Austin, Texas: 2016)
Anurag Kashyap correctly spelled “appoggiatura”.
(Poway, California: 2005)
CHAMPION / CO-CHAMPION:
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Arvind Mahankali correctly spelled “knaidel”.
(Bayside, New York: 2013)
Sameer Mishra correctly spelled “guerdon”. Sameer was an eighth grader at West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School.
(West Lafayette, Indiana: 2008)
Evan O’Dorney correctly spelled “serrefine”.
(Danville, California: 2007)
Shruthika Padhy correctly spelled “aiguillette”.
(Cherry Hill, New Jersey: 2019)
Rohan Raja correctly spelled “odylic”.
(Dalla, Texas: 2019)
Christopher Serrao correctly spelled “cernuous”.
(Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: 2019)
CHAMPION / CO-CHAMPION:
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Kavya Shivashankar correctly spelled “laodicean”. Kavya’s sister, Vanya, became champion in 2015.
(Olathe, Kansas: 2009)
Vanya Shivashankar correctly spelled “scherenschnitte”. Kavya’s sister, Vanya, became champion in 2009)
(Olathe, Kansas: 2015)
Ansun Sujoe correctly spelled “feuilleton”.
(Fort Worth, Texas: 2014)
Sohum Sukhatankar correctly spelled “pendeloque”.
(Dallas, Texas: 2019)
Saketh Sundar correctly spelled “bougainvillea”.
(Clarksville, Maryland: 2019)
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Rebecca Beale won season two of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Graham, Texas: 2016)
Natasha Jiwani won season five of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Bellevue, Washington: 2018)
Visit Natasha’s website.
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Linsey Lam won season four of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Closter, New Jersey: 2018)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Flynn McGarry
(New York City, New York: 2010)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Graysen Pinder won season eight of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Wilmington, North Carolina: 2020)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
CHESS: GRANDMASTER
Nodirbek Abdusattorov became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 1 month, and 11 days old.
(Uzbekistan: 2018)
Visit Nodirbek’s website.
CHESS: GRANDMASTER
Robert James “Bobby” Fischer beat Donald Byrne in a match. Hans Kmoch, a famous chess writer and journalist, proclaimed it “The Game of the Century”. Bobby later explained, “Chess is a war over the board.”
(Brooklyn, New York: 1956)
Learn about Bobby as:
– a chess player: age 6, age 8, age 14, age 15, age 16
Parimarjan Negi became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. (India: 2006)
CHESS: GRANDMASTER
Richárd Rapport became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 11 months, and 15 days old.
(Hungary: 2010)
Raunak Sadhwani became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 9 months, and 28 days old.
(India: 2018)
CHESS: GRANDMASTER
Bu Xiangzhi became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 10 months, and 13 days old.
(China: 1999)
Wei Yi became a Chess Grandmaster at 13 years, 8 months, and 23 days old.
(China: 2012)
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Akshay Venkatesh was the youngest ever to enroll in a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree Program at The University of Western Australia (UWA), which he completed in three years.
(Perth, Western Australia: 1995)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Akshay as:
– a college freshman: age 15
– a college graduate: age 16
– a college Ph.D. student: age 16
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Balamurali Ambati earned his undergraduate degree from New York University.
(Buffalo, New York: 1991)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Balamurali as:
– a college graduate with a PhD: age 17
Ruth Lawrence earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oxford University. She went on to get a second bachelor’s degree in physics shortly after that.
(Brighton, England: 1985)
Learn about Ruth as:
– a college graduate with a PhD: age 17
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Elijah Muhammad graduated with a degree in computer science and cybersecurity, from Oklahoma City Community College. Elijah explains, “If you want to put your mind to making a 4.0, you can do it. If you want to put your mind to winning a state championship, you can do it. You just gotta put in the work that it takes to accomplish that.”
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 2023)
Illustrated by Sofia Gomez
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Elliott Tanner graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree, with a major in physics and a minor in mathematics. Elliott maintained a 3.78 grade point average and participated in undergraduate research while also tutoring classmates. Elliott explains, “I’m just a normal kid going to a different school.”
Elliott’s been accepted into the University of Minnesota’s physics doctoral program.
(St. Louis Park, Minnesota: 2022)
Photo: Courtesy of Elliot’s Parents
Visit Elliott’s website.
Learn about Elliott as:
– a college freshman: age 9
– a college graduate: age 11
COLLEGE GRADUATE WITH PH.D.
Karl Witte (Johann Heinrich Friedrich Karl Witte) earned a Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) from the University of Giessen, Germany.
(Giessen, Hesse, Germany: 1814)
DESIGNER
Benny Benson designed the official Alaska Territory flag. He did so as a class project which was to enter the flag designing contest open to Alaskan children from seventh to twelfth grade. Alaska had not yet become a US state.
At that time, Benny and his brother were living in an orphanage (the Jesse Lee Home for Children) because their mother died, and their father could not take care of them.
Learn more…
(Kodiak, Alaska: 1927)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
ENTREPRENEUR
Isabel Bercaw and her 12-year-old sister, Caroline Bercaw, sold their signature product, Da Bomb Bath Fizzers, at the local art fair for a second year.
Bath bombs are powdery, fist-size balls that, when dropped into a bathtub, release an eruption of fragrance, color, and fizz. A local shop owner arranged to have their product sold in his three retail stores. By the following year, Da Bomb Bath Fizzers were sold in 30 local shops.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota: 2014)
Visit Isabel’s and Caroline’s website.
Learn about Isabel as:
– an entrepreneur: age 12
– a millionaire: age 18
– a philanthropist: age 19
– a visionary: age 11
ENTREPRENEUR
Hart Main began selling ManCans, “manly” scented candles in recycle soup cans. Co-authored with his dad, One Candle, One Meal.
Hart explained, “I like the fact that I have control over things and can make decisions and see what’s actually happening.”
(Marysville, Ohio: 2010)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Hart as:
– an author: age 17
ENTREPRENEUR
Dominic Edward Henry McVey began importing collapsible mini-scooters from the US to England. By age 15, he became Britain’s youngest self-made millionaire.
(London, England: 1998)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Dominic as:
– a millionaire: age 15
ENTREPRENEUR
Naomi Porter launched her second business, Bright Futures Tutoring & Academic Coaching. She explains, “I noticed many sixth graders struggling with the academic and organizational demands of middle school and I knew I could help.”
(Los Angeles, California: 2017)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Naomi as:
– an entrepreneur: age 11, age 15
ENTREPRENEUR
Mikaila Ulmer continued advancing her Me & the Bees Lemonade business.
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
Visit Mikaila’s website.
Learn about Mikaila as:
– an entrepreneur: age 10
ENVIRONMENTALIST
Ryan Hickman reached the 1,800,000 recycled items mark with his company, Ryan’s Recycling.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2023)
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 11, age 12, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13 (see below)
– a speaker: age 9, age 10, age 13 (see below), age 14
FOUNDER
Shubham Banerjee, with his parents, founded Braigo Labs, which develops Braille printers for educational and consumer use.
(Santa Clara, California: 2015)
Learn about Shubham as:
– an inventor: age 12
FOUNDER
Brittany Bergquist and her brother Robbie (age 12), co-founded Cell Phones for Soldiers, after learning of a soldier returning from Iraq with an $8,000 phone bill. They were shocked that a man serving his country couldn’t call his family for free. Within five months, their newly established non-profit organization distributed $100,000 worth of calling cards to deployed troops.
(Alpharetta, Georgia: 2004)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
Visit their website.
Christopher Clark co-founded the Christmas Angel Project.
(Clark County, Wisconsin: 2002)
FOUNDER
Daxton Gutekunst founded Kid By Kid, a non-profit organization that enables middle and high school students to provide one-on-one tutoring to elementary and middle school students from under-served refugee, immigrant, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) communities.
(San Diego, California: 2018)
Visit the Kid by Kid website.
Learn about Daxton as:
– a youth commissioner: age 16
FOUNDER / CO-FOUNDER
Ryan Hickman co-founded Recycle From Home which is a city-wide recycling pick up service where customers are paid for their cans and bottles picked up by the company. Ryan and Recycle From Home signed up over 8,000 customers to participate in his pay-to-recycle program.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2023)
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 11, age 12, age 13 (see above), age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12
– a speaker: age 9, age 10, age 13 (see below), age 14
FOUNDER
Joshua Marcus founded Sack It To You.
(Boca Raton, Florida: 1999)
FOUNDER
Evan Shore started Noah’s Ark Foundation.
(New Jersey: 1998)
FOUNDER
FUNDRAISER
Kristal DeRuise painted and sold rocks as a lupus research fundraiser, that totaled $25,000.
(Reno, Nevada: 2003)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
FUNDRAISER
Dana Perella and Cookies4Cures, the organization she founded, partnered with the Hereditary Angioedema Association INC (HAEA) to launch Cookies4HAE. Their goal was to fund research into life-changing treatments and, hopefully, a cure for HAE. Dana explained, “Living with HAE can be really tough, and I want to help kids with this rare disease better manage their symptoms. And ultimately, I want to help scientists find a cure.”
(Boulder, Colorado: 2024)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Cookies4Cures
Visit Dana’s website.
Learn about Dana as:
– a founder: age 7
– a fundraiser: age 7, age 8, age 10
GAMER: PROFESSIONAL
Sumire Nakamura became the youngest ever winner of the Women’s Kisei title in the Japanese Go competition. Go is an ancient Chinese strategy board game played by two players. Sumire explained, “I’m happy that every little step I took finally brought me to here.” Sumire also became the youngest player to record 100 victories in official Go tournaments in Tokyo’s Ichigaya district. Since Sumire became a professional Go player, she had 100 professional wins and 52 losses.
(Japan: 2023)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Sumire as:
– a gamer: age 3, age 7, age 10
GAMER
GAMER
GOOD SPORT
Rayssa Leal (right), silver medalist in women’s street skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games (held in 2021 due to COVID), demonstrated continual good sportsmanship towards her opponents. This included being the first to give a congratulatory hug to gold medalist Nishiya Momji of Japan. For Rayssa’s continual attitude and efforts of lifting her rivals’ spirits with acts of kindness, friendship and solidarity, she won The Visa Award. It is a $50,000 donation to an eligible charity of her choice, for the purpose of directly impacting the community and promoting equality and inclusion.
(Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil: 2021)
See category above: “Athlete: Skateboarder – Olympian”
Learn about Rayssa as:
– an athlete: age 13 (see above)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
Haley Taylor Schlitz graduated from high school and began attending Tarrant County College.
(Texas: 2016)
Photo: Courtesy of Haley and Her Parents
Visit Haley’s website.
Learn about Haley as:
– an author: age 16
– a college graduate: age 19
HUNTER & HUNTRESS
Aisholpan Nurgaiv, of Mongolia, is popularly known as “The Eagle Huntress.” She was trained by her father to hunt on horseback with a golden eagle, traditionally a male pursuit.
In 2014, an image of her smiling as her fifteen-pound golden eagle, Whitefeathers, soared off her arm went viral. Two years later (2016), a documentary about her participation in Mongolia’s annual Eagle Festival was aired. Since then, there has been a major increase in the number of girls training to become eagle huntresses.
(Mongolia: 2014)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
INVENTOR
Ella Casano invented the Medi Teddy which covers the IV bag to help reduce stress for children in the hospital.
(Fairfield, Connecticut: 2019)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
INVENTOR
Matthew Peters invented the S.I.T. Skoot, a scooter-like device for coasting on ice or pavement. It’s comprised of a single pole with wheels and a seat that’s placed between the rider’s legs. The rider, balances his/her weight on the pole and wheels, and steers with feet and body motion. The S.I.T. Skoot is equipped with a rubber brake at one end.
Matthew was inspired to create his invention after seeing his dad in a hockey rink skate fast and then sit down on his hockey stick and glide. Matthew’s invention won the grand prize in the grades 5 through 12 division of the Weekly Reader Invention Contest, of which more than 200,000 children participated. Matthew was a student at Spring Street Junior High School.
(Nashua, New Hampshire: 1987)
INVENTOR
Maayan Segal invented QueenG, a gender-equal and culturally diverse deck of playing cards and card game. The king and queen cards are equal, the four jacks became princesses, and the joker is female.
(USA: 2018)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Visit Maayan’s website.
INVENTOR
Michael Ukoma invented, designed, and built his tabletop and floor-standing Blue Wind Fans. They are battery powered and, when charged, can run up to 19 hours.
(Nigeria: 2017)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Brandon Williams, who was sitting in the school cafeteria with his friend, Jessica Pelligrino, realized she was choking. Brandon successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved Jessica’s life. Brandon, who has autism, learned the maneuver from watching the television show SpongeBob SquarePants.
At the time, Brandon was a 7th grader at Barnes Intermediate School.
(Staten Island, New York: 2015)
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: 2024)
Visit Brynn’s website.
MAGICIAN
Aidan McCann performed his Super Hero magic act on America’s Got Talent All Stars television show. It was a mind reading trick. Aidan predicted how the judges would color in a drawing of a superhero “Titan” costume. When they finished coloring it in, Aidan ripped off his suit and he was wearing the exact same superhero costume, matching the way the judges had colored it. For his performance, Aidan received a Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum. Aidan explained, “I like doing a magic trick because it’s fun and makes people smile.”
(Ireland: 2023)
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 10, age 11, age 12
MAGICIAN
Ryan Oakes became the first place winner at the Society of American Magicians.
(Stamford, Connecticut: 1992)
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– a magician: age 11
MILLIONAIRE: NON-INHERITED
Alina Morse became a millionaire by working smart and hard at Zolli Candy, the business she founded and managed.
(Wolverine Lake, Michigan: 2018)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Alina’s website.
Learn about Alina as:
– a founder: age 9
– a visionary: age 7
MUSICIAN:
SINGER / SONGWRITER
Arjun Ayyangar completed writing the piano sheet music of all the existing 244 national anthems he could play. He began writing them from memory at age 11.
Arjun decided to achieve this because people often asked him for the sheet music. Arjun didn’t have it, since he had learned to play each anthem simply by hearing it from various sources and remembering it. Since Arjun didn’t have any of the sheet music, he decided to write each one himself.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2011)
Photo: Courtesy of Arjun and His Parents
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 10, age 11
MUSICIAN:
SINGER / SONGWRITER
Tegan Marie, a country singer and songwriter, performed at the CountryFlo Music and Camping Festival at Lake Wales, Florida.
Tegan signed a contract with Warner Music Nashville, which made her the youngest female singer to sign to a major country label since Tanya Tucker in 1972.
(Grand Blanc, Michigan: 2016)
Visit Tegan’s website.
Learn about Tegan as:
– a musician: age 14
Brad Paisley wrote his first song, “Born on Christmas Day,” which later appeared on his album Brad Paisley Christmas. Brad had taken guitar lessons from Clarence “Hank” Goddard. The two, with two of Brad’s adults friends, formed a band called Brad Paisley and the C-Notes.
(West Virginia: 1985)
LeAnn Rimes signed a contract with Curb and released the single “Blue”. It became a top ten hit on the Billboard country songs chart.
(Texas: 1996)
Tanya Tucker, an American country music singer and songwriter, had her first hit, “Delta Dawn”.
(Arizona: 1972)
MUSICIAN:
SINGER / SONGWRITER
Hank Williams, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, made his radio debut. He started playing the guitar at age eight, and formed his first band, Hank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys, at age 14.
(Alabama: 1936)
MUSICIAN:
SINGER / RAPPER / SONGWRITER
Sparsh Shah became a rapper. As a student of Hindustani classical music, Sparsh included Indian influence into the cover of Eminem’s “Not Afraid”, uploaded it to YouTube, and created a genre Sparsh coined “raga rap”. It was viewed by millions of people.
(Iselin, New Jersey: 2016)
Illustrated by Michael White
Visit Sparsh’s website.
Learn about Sparsh as:
– a speaker: age 17
PODCASTER
Alejandro Buxton presented podcasts entitled Lessons From a Kidpreneur. They were available on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcast and other major podcast networks.
(Fairfax, Virginia: 2022)
Visit Alejandro’s website.
Learn about Alejandro as:
– a donor: age 12
– an entrepreneur: age 10, age 12
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Marley I. Alburez explained, “Writing stories helps me set up my ideas so I can transform them into art.”
(New York: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Marley’s articles.
Alula Alderson explained, “Journalism plays an essential role in the creation of a fair and just world.”
(California: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Alula’s articles.
Dana Chaaban
(Lebanon: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Dana’s articles.
Johnny Chen explained, “My greatest passions are sports and reporting.”
(California: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Johnny’s articles.
Elise Choi explained, “As a kid reporter, I want to give a voice to ordinary people doing great things and shine a light on important causes. I’m curious about a lot of things, and I want to share what I learn with other curious kids around the world.”
(California: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Elise’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Cami Cortes explained, “I love informing people and helping them better understand the world.”
(Georgia: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Cami’s articles.
Olivia Das explained, “As a journalist, you have to research and learn about a subject and then write about it, so it’s a win-win for me.”
(Texas: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Olivia’s articles.
Grace Denny explained, “I really like storytelling—it is part of my Native American traditions.”
(Maryland: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Grace’s articles.
Camille Fallen explained, “I hope to learn what it’s like to be on the other side of the story—the one creating the story.”
(Virginia: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Camille’s articles.
Teresa Fang explained, “I hope my stories will help other people develop their confidence, independence, and optimism.”
(North Carolina: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Teresa’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Charlotte Fay explained, “I have a passion for writing and a love of learning.”
(New York: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Charlotte’s articles.
Joseph Gorman explained, “I have always been curious about current events and enjoy watching the news and reading news stories.”
(Illinois: School Year: 2016 – 2017)
Read Joseph’s articles.
Ava-Kelly Gray explained, “I hope to learn more about current events through interviewing people.”
(Illinois: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Ava-Kelly’s articles.
George Gray explained, “The need for unbiased news, especially for children, is essential.”
(Illinois: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read George’s articles.
Truman J. Hamade explained, “I really like learning new things, meeting new people, and writing about my experiences.”
(Texas: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Turman’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Jeremy Hsiao explained, “I enjoy working with people and love to be around them.”
(California: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Jeremy’s articles.
Lilian Jochmann explained, “Whether I’m reading, listening, writing, or acting them out, stories are magical to me.”
(Wisconsin: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Lilian’s articles.
Jaxon Jones explained, “I love a good story.”
(California: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Jaxon’s articles.
Ben Jorgensen explained, “Through my stories and interviews, I want to uncover the things kids want to know, not the things on which mainstream media tends to focus.”
(California: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Ben’s articles.
Aanya Kabra explained, “As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword.”
(Tennessee: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Aanya’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Manat Kaur explained, “The art of storytelling has always fascinated me.”
(California: School Year: 2016 -2017)
Read Manat’s articles.
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 2022 – 2023)
Visit Quade’s website.
Read Quade’s articles.
Kai Koblentz explained, “I want to inform other kids about real-world problems and what we can do to fix those problems.”
(Maryland: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Kai’s articles.
Luke Lamour explained, “I don’t think anyone is ever too young to ask important questions that matter to people.”
(Connecticut: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Luke’s articles.
Bobby Liberatos explained, “I am inspired by people who take activist roles in the community…They strive to create experiences that the next generations will never forget.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Bobby’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
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 2021 – 2022)
Read Brian’s articles.
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 2022 – 2023)
Read Lincoln’s articles.
Nikita A. Mohile
(Canada: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Nikita’s articles.
Grace Moodie
(New Zealand: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Grace’s articles.
Shane Mukasa explained, “I want to write the news so that kids can see the world at its best.”
(Massachusetts: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Shane’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Gavin Naar
(New Jersey: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Gavin’s articles.
Leo Nguyen explained, “I want to help people know more about what is good, what is bad, and about charity organizations.”
(Vietnam: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Leo’s articles.
Tu Anh Nguyen
(Vietnam: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Tu Anh’s articles.
Janet Omoruyi
(New York: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Janet’s articles.
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: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Nora’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Siroos Pasdar explained, “Listen, learn, change, and grow.”
(New York: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Siroos’ articles.
Nolan Pastore explained, “I would enjoy being an author because authors can let their imaginations run wild!”
(Ohio: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Nolan’s articles.
Adedayo Perkovich explained, “I’m interested in social justice issues and think that it’s important to share people’s stories with the world to help us understand each other more.”
(New York: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Adedayo’s articles.
Annika Petras explained, “I think it would be pretty cool to interview people who have made a difference helping people.”
(California: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Annika’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Amelia Poor explained, “I’ve always been curious. This curiosity has shaped my interests, and I love to find sources beyond my textbooks.”
(New York: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Amelia’s articles.
Ella Porter explained, “Knowing that my thoughts are being shared with others around the world fills my heart with love and joy!”
(California: School Year : 2020 – 2021)
Read Ella’s articles.
Sasha Powell explained, “My motivation to write is curiosity.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2022 – 2023)
Read Sasha’s articles.
Mujtaba Raja explained, “My curiosity has indirectly shaped my interests and determination to get to the bottom of the truth.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Mujtaba’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Andrew Raymundo explained, “I want to learn how to ask better questions and become more informed.”
(Florida: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Andrew’s articles.
Colin Adrien Co Roxas-Chua explained, “Now that I’m a reporter, people from all over the world will be able to read about my ideas and experiences.”
(The Philippines: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Colin’s articles.
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 2021 – 2022)
Read Munveer’s articles.
Evelyn Smits explained, “I hope to learn more about my community and the world by interviewing people and seeing how they live. Reporters help us learn about each other.”
(Ohio: School Year: 2016 – 2017)
Read Evelyn’s articles.
Maxwell Surprenant explained, “With words, I have the power to make a difference.”
(Needham, Massachusetts: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Maxwell’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
Nanaka Takahashi explained, “I think introducing cutting-edge science and topics to the world would be genuinely exciting.”
(Japan: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Nanaka’s articles.
Zhoriél Tapo explained, “No matter your age, you can make a difference.”
(Louisiana: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read Zhoriél’s articles.
Leo Sebastian Tobbe explained, “My ultimate intention is to craft stories that inspire readers to learn more about the people and topics I cover.”
(Kentucky: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Leo’s Articles.
Sophia Emma Wolff explained, “Reporting and writing have always been among my many passions.”
(Delaware: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Sophia’s articles.
Alexander Wong explained, “I hope to learn more about being a journalist and presenting stories in an objective and unbiased way.”
(Nevada: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Alexander’s articles.
REPORTER:
"SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS"
John Woo explained, “Reporters risk a lot to let us know what is happening.”
(South Korea: School Year 2021 – 2022)
Read John’s articles.
Skylar Yarter explained, “The art of writing is a sculpted masterpiece, imprinted with the fingerprints of countless authors, poets, journalists, and writers of all shapes and sizes.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Skylar’s articles.
Joshua Yi explained, “I want to grow more sensitive and more connected to events that happen in my community.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2016 – 2017)
Read Joshua’s articles.
Liset Zacker explained, “I love the idea of making stories in which people can lose themselves.”
(New Jersey: School Year 2020 – 2021)
Read Liset’s articles.
Laura Zhang explained, “I want to inspire other kids like me to reach their goals and achieve their dreams.”
(Virginia: School Year 2019 – 2020)
Read Laura’s articles.
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Natalie Chen
(Bethesda, Maryland: 2017 – 2018)
Lauryn Chew
(Irvine, California: 2021 – 2022)
Alana Cho
(Rancho Palos Verdes, California: 2018 – 2019)
Cash Daniels
(Chattanooga, Tennessee: 2022 – 2023)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
William Holland
(Rockville, Maryland: 2018 – 2019)
Samirah Horton
(Brooklyn, New York: 2022 – 2023)
Cameron Joyner
(New York City, New York: 2017 – 2018)
Eshaan Mani
(Sugar Land, Texas: 2019 – 2020)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Rudrh Nair
(Stamford, Connecticut: 2024 – 2025)
Nate Rhew
(New York, New York: 2024 – 2025)
Nolan Watson
(Orchard Park, New York: 2017 – 2018)
Ruby West
(Bozeman, Montana: 2018 – 2019)
SPEAKER
Felix Finkbeiner, founder of Plant-for-the-Planet Initiative, spoke at the UN General Assembly, to open the International Year of Forests.
(Munich, Germany: 2011)
View Felix’s presentation.
Visit Felix’s website.
Learn about Felix as:
– a founder: age 9
SPEAKER
Brayden Harrington gave a powerful 2-minute speech during the final night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Brayden delivered his speech online prior to former Vice President Joe Biden accepting the democratic presidential nomination.
Learn more…
(Concord, New Hampshire: 2020)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
SPEAKER
Ryan Hickman, founder of Ryan’s Recycling, traveled to Bogota, Colombia to be a keynote speaker with CIE, where he spoke to the youth there about taking care of the planet and his story of recycling. Ryan spoke at dozens of schools around the world about recycling efforts and encouraged youth to follow his lead to take small steps to saving the planet.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2023)
Visit Ryan’s website.
Learn about Ryan as:
– an ambassador: age 10
– an environmentalist: age 7, age 8, age 9, age 10, age 11, age 12, age 13 (see above), age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13 (see above)
– a speaker: age 9, age 10, age 14
VENTRILOQUIST
Jamie Leahey, with his chicken puppet, Chuck, sang “Me and My Shadow” for Britain’s Got Talent, Series 15. He received a standing ovation.
Jamie began teaching himself ventriloquism during the first Covid lockdown, after receiving a monkey puppet from his grandmother. Jamie learned his skill by watching YouTube videos and practicing in front of a mirror.
(Rainford, England: 2022)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
VENTRILOQUIST
Darci Lynne performed with Petunia Rabbit, her puppet.
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 2016)
Visit Darci Lynne’s website.
Learn about Darci as:
– a ventriloquist: age 12, age 14
VENTRILOQUIST
Ana-Maria Margean performed with Waldo, her rescue-dog puppet.
(Romania, 2023)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Learn about Ana-Maria as:
– a ventriloquist: age 11
WEBSITE DESIGNER / CREATOR
Farrhad Acidwalla, in his aero-modelling class at school, was learning about building planes, fueling them, and flying them. He wanted to learn more but couldn’t find a single website or database that provided all the aviation information he wanted. So, he decided to create his own, which he learned how to do by surfing the web. Farrhad borrowed $10 from his parents and purchased his first domain name. He built an online community around aviation and aero-modelling. After several months he sold it for $1,200.
(Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: 2006)
Visit Farrhad’s website.
Learn about Farrhad as:
– an entrepreneur: age 16
WEBSITE DESIGNER / CREATOR
Carl Ocab started www.CarlOcab.com which quickly became one of the highest-ranked sites on Google, because of its key phrase, “make money online.” Carl soon became known as the “Kidblogger”.
(Philippines: 2017)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Visit Carl’s website.