The Kids Hall of Fame Inductees
8-Year-Old Extraordinary Achievers
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Genesis Butler spoke in front of California’s Long Beach City Council. She encouraged them to proclaim “Meatless Mondays”. Genesis explained that eating less meat is not only good for people’s health but also good for the environment. She backed up her point by factual information regarding the amount of water used to raise cattle.
(Long Beach, California: 2015)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Genesis’s website.
Hunter Allen found a new home for bats.
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Hunter Mitchell helped save a baby rhinoceros.
(South Africa: 2016)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ACTIVIST: CLIMATE
Licypriya Kangujam started The Child Movement to fight against air pollution. She addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain in December 2019. She asked them to “act now against climate change,” to save our planet. “I want our leaders to take action to fight air pollution.”
Licypriya designed the “Sukifu” device, which she calls a survival kit for kids. She also began campaigning to make climate change a compulsory subject in schools in India.
(Manipur, India: 2019)
Illustrated by Ray Russotto
ACTIVIST: CLIMATE
ACTIVIST: CLIMATE
ACTIVIST: ENVIRONMENT
Leigh Bradford helped reduce the use of pesticides.
ACTIVIST: SKIN-COLOR CRAYONS
Bellen Woodard, the CEO of More than Peach, is the very first skin-color crayon activist/pioneer. She’s on a mission to improve the world by getting her innovative More than Peach® crayons in the hands of all students so no kid is “disincluded.” Her crayons have managed to change an entire industry.
Bellen knew that when her friends asked for the “skin-color” crayon, they meant the “peach-color” crayon, even though Bellen’s skin isn’t peach. She wants kids to realize and celebrate that, “People’s skin can be lots of beautiful colors…and have the crayons they need to draw themselves and their friends.” She also knows just how important it is for kid voices and ideas, including her own, to be heard, dignified, and protected…
(Virginia: 2019)
Learn more…
Visit Bellen’s website.
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Elizabeth Earl played the role of Frances Griffiths in the film Fairytale: A True Story.
(London, England: 1997)
Scarlett Estevez played the role of Megan in the film Daddy’s Home. She also played the role of Young Mendoza in the Nickelodeon TV film The Massively Mixed-Up Middle School Mystery.
(Los Angeles, California: 2015)
Florence Hoath played the role of Elsie Wright in the film FairyTale: A True Story.
(London, England: 1997)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Alyvia Alyn Lind played the role of young Dolly Parton in the television movie Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
(Los Angeles, California: 2016)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Alex D. Linz starred in the comedy film Home Alone 3.
(Santa Barbara, California: 1997)
Robby Novak started starring in the role of Kid President. His purpose was to establish a mutual base for kids and adults to create ideas in order to make a difference.
(Henderson, Tennessee: 2012)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Macaulay Culkin played the lead role of Kevin McCallister in the film Home Alone.
(New York City, New York: 1989)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ARTIST: BOOK COVER ILLUSTRATOR
Elgin Bolling illustrated the front cover of the book Mother, These are my friends, authored by Mary Ann Gross. Since Elgin charged her for his artwork, it qualified him as a freelance, professional artist. Ms. Gross paid Elgin royalties for a year.
Elgin had won numerous awards at children’s art competitions since he was in kindergarten. His work had also been displayed in the NYC Lever House Gallery which frequently displayed the artwork of exceptional child artists in the NYC public schools. At age 8, Elgin attended classes on a scholarship at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
(Brooklyn, New York: 1968)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
ARTIST: PAINTER
Alexandra Nechita held a one-child art show at the Los Angeles Public Library.
(California: 1994)
Visit Alexandra’s website.
Learn about Alexandra as:
– an artist: age 10
– an author & illustrator: published book: age 10
ARTIST: PAINTER
Wang Yani had one of her paintings displayed on a postage stamp in China.
(Guangxi, China: 1983)
Illustrated by Daniel Pacificador
ATHLETE
Adam Bender plays soccer, baseball, flag football, and also wrestles, despite the fact that his left leg was amputated at the hip shortly after his first birthday. Adam does not wear a prosthesis because it slows his down. At baseball, he plays third base, catcher (from a squatting position), and hits the ball without using crutches. After he hits, he hops to first base where he’s handed his crutches and used them until he scores or the inning ends.
Adams has chosen not to play on teams organized for kids with disabilities. Adam explained, “I love playing on a team, and I am thankful that my parents have allowed me to go after my dream…My wish is that all children, no matter what their ability, who want to play sports be given the chance…Let us play!”
After the Lexington Herald-Leader published a story about Adam’s extraordinary achievements, The Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Houston Astros all invited him to catch a ceremonial first pitch, which he accepted.
(Lexington, Kentucky: 2008)
Photo: Courtesy of Pass It On
Learn about Adam as:
– an athlete: age 10
ATHLETE
Qian Hongyan walked on her hands. She had lost both her legs at age 4, as a result of a car accident. Due to her family’s poor financial situation, Qian had very limited options to help her walk. She steadied herself by wearing a trimmed basketball that her grandfather cut and lined with cotton.
Qian’s strength and determination earned her the nickname “Basketball Girl”, by the members of her community and news networks.
(Luliang, Yunnan, China: 2005)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Qian as:
– an athlete: age 13
ATHLETE: EQUESTRIAN
Heather Dunn rode her second pony, Weasel, in a show ring and competed in mixed games on horseback. These included the sack race, musical poles, flag race, bending, apple bobbing and bucket and ball. All the games required great skill and accuracy from both horse and rider.
(Hampshire, England: 1992)
ATHLETE: GOLFER
Tiger Woods won the Optimist International Junior World Golf Championship. Tiger went on to become one of the most accomplished athletes of all time.
(Cypress, California: 1984)
Visit Tiger’s website.
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Tyler Armstrong became the second youngest person to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa (19,341 feet high). Tyler took the Lemosho Route, which took him eight days of climbing round trip. Although Mount Kilimanjaro had a minimum age limit of 10 years old, Tyler obtained a special permit to climb to the top.
(California: 2012)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Tyler’s website.
Learn about Tyler as:
– an athlete: mountain climber: age 7, age 9, age 11, age 12, age 13
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Edward Mills became the youngest person to climb The Old Man of Hoy, a 450 foot high rock column. It stands in the British Isles off the north coast of Scotland, and is part of the Orkney archipelago. Edward made the climb to raise money for the charity Climbers Against Cancer. His mum, Bekki Christian, had terminal breast cancer. Edward, supported by his coaches, Ben West and Cailean Harker, completed his ascent while his mum watched from a ferry, which sounded its horn when Edward reached to top. There, he included his message in the log book of those who reach the top. “I am eight years old and I climbed this for my Mum.”
(Dunnet, Scotland: 2018)
Illustrated by Rob Maystead
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Lucy Westlake, with her father, Rodney Westlake, climbed to the top/summit of the highest mountains within seven United States: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. They began planning to climb each of the 50 state’s highest mountain within five years.
(Naperville, Illinois: 2011)
Visit Lucy’s website.
Learn about Lucy as:
– a mountain climber: age 7, age 12, age 13, age 15, age 17, age 18
ATHLETE: TRAPEZE ARTIST
Armando Farfan, Jr., commonly called “Tato”, performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He learned to “fly” at age 4, and “flew” together with his family, The Flying Farfans. Tato explained, “We wear leotards…for our flying act…because the flying trapeze was invented about a hundred years ago by a Frenchman named Jules Léotard…People often ask me if I fly without a net, and the answer to that is, ‘No!’ ” Tato added, “Léotard used a long mattress, but every flyer after him has used a net.” Tato added, “Before I go up, my dad usually makes me sit down and think about what I’m going to do…The most important thing…is my concentration.” When Tato started to learn a new trick, he used a safety rope attached to belt around his waist. He said, “I wish I could play all the time before the show, but every so often I have certain responsibilities. My dad says, ‘Responsibilities are the difference between being a professional and being an amateur.'”
(Chile: 1978)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Sophia Trow wrote to Clark Shoes requesting that they offer dinosaur theme shoes for girls rather than only for boys. Sophia’s mom tweeted the letter which brought worldwide attention.
A company representative wrote back explaining that the salesperson had misinformed Sophia and that the stomposaurus range shoes can safely be worn by all children. Sophia was also informed that the company provides training to staff to ensure customers are fully aware of the range of suitable styles.
(United Kingdom: 2015)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Brady Landon Mann wrote a letter to his Eisenhower Elementary School principal about recycling. Brady’s letter got results. His school began a recycling program.
(Vancouver, Washington: 1992)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Virginia O’Hanlon authored the letter “Is there a Santa Claus?” and mailed it to the editor of the New York Sun newspaper. Her letter is still popular and helps kids at Christmas, over a hundred years later.
(New York: 1897)
Illustrated by Don Landgren Jr.
AUTHOR: BOOK
Dillon Helbig handwrote his 88-page book, The Adventures of Dillon Helbig’s Crismis, in a red-covered notebook and illustrated it with colored pencils. He wanted other people to read and enjoy it, so he took it upon himself to placed it on a shelf in the fiction section of his local library, the Lake Hazel Branch of the Ada Community Library.
After Dillon’s book was discovered and librarians read and enjoyed it, Dillon’s book was cataloged and added to the library’s official collection. Since it was Dillon’s only copy, a waiting list was created for the numerous other interested readers. Dillon’s book and his effort to share it, earned him the library’s first-ever Whodin Award for Best Young Novelist. (The award is named after the library’s owl mascot.)
(Boise, Idaho: 2021-2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Sondra Clark had her first crafts book published. It features 55 items that kids age 5 and older may independently make using inexpensive everyday household items.
(Bellingham, Washington: 1999)
Learn more…
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Jason Gaes had his book published.
(Worthington, Minnesota: 1987)
Illustrated by Daniel Pacificador
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Brittney Grimes published her first book, containing 40 of her original poems of which she also illustrated.
(Baldwin, New York: 1998)
Learn more...
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Lance Hamlett had his 40-page book, Sea-Rod: A New Wave, published by Young Authors Publishing. Through his book, Lance teaches children the importance of keeping our oceans clean, taking better care of our planet, and helping others stop littering.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2022)
Aaditya Jain had his poetry book published.
(Kota, Rajasthan, India: 2014)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Ishita Katyal has her 40-page (10 chapters) fiction book, Simran’s Diary: Happy, sad and funny experiences of an 8 year old…, published by Partridge Publishing.
(Pune, India: 2023)
Photos: Courtesy of Ishita’s family & Partridge Publishing
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Nia Myra Reese had her first book published (above).
(Hoover, Alabama: 2017)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Vardan Singh authored a science fiction book, The Time Machine, published by Bluerose Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
(New Deli, India: 2021)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Sherley Xu Wetherhold published her tri-lingual book.
(New York City, New York: 2001)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Anaya Lee Willabus published her first book, a novel entitled The Day Mohan Found His Confidence. This earned Anaya Lee the title of “Youngest Person in the United States to Publish a Chapter Book”. The book is about Mohan’s efforts in overcoming challenges at home and at school. It shows how he learns that he can do anything with the help and support of family and friends.
(Brooklyn, New York: 2015)
Visit Anaya Lee’s website.
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
Andrew Chen became the youngest person to earn the title of Life Master, by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) the world’s largest organization dedicated to the card game. Andrew explained, “Every bridge hand is like a puzzle to solve…I like working things out.”
(San Jose, California: 2020)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Ben Steinhauser was the youngest contestant to appear on the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Hillsborough, New Jersey: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHESS PLAYER
“Tani” (Tanitoluwa) Adewumi learned to play chess, while living in a homeless shelter with his family. He then won first place at the 2019 New York State Scholastic Championship in the Kindergarten to Third Grade category.
(Manhattan, New York: 2019)
Book Cover: Permission from HarperCollins
Learn more…
CHESS PLAYER
“Bobby” (Robert James) Fischer became a professional chess player and went on to become the youngest international grandmaster at age 15.
(Brooklyn, New York: 1951)
Ashwath Kaushik became the youngest player to beat a grandmaster in a classical tournament game.
(Singapore: 2024)
Samuel Sevian
(Corning, New York: 2008)
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Moshe Kai Cavalin became a freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
(Los Angeles, California: 2006)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
COMEDIAN
Charlie Chaplin appeared professionally.
(London, England: 1897)
Dina Marie Chiarella performed a comedy routine at weddings, theaters, comedy clubs and on television.
(1992)
DANCER
Akash Vukoti was the youngest celebrity contestant ever on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
(San Angelo, Texas: 2018)
Visit Akash’s website.
DISCOVERER
Nicole Oliviera, by age 8, discovered 18 asteroids, while she was a member of a NASA-affiliated program searching for asteroids.
(Fortaleza, Brazil: 2022)
Illustrated by Ivy Guo
DISCOVERER
Maria de Sautoula became the first modern human ever, to discover prehistoric (Paleolithic) cave paintings. The Paleolithic period, also called the Old Stone Age, was roughly 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 B.C. Maria made her discovery while exploring a cave in the hillside of Altamira, in northern Spain, with her father, Marcelino Sanz de Sautuloa, who was an amateur archeologist. Maria yelled, “Papa! Look! Oxen!” He rushed over to look and saw a ceiling with dozens of paintings. Almost too excited to speak, he told Maria that the paintings were not of “oxen” but of “aurochs,” a species of ox that had long been extinct.
(Spain: 1879)
Illustrated by Danielle Alexander
DISCOVERER
DONOR: HAIR
Hailey Coates, for the second time, donated her hair to Wigs for Kids, a non-profit organization that makes free wigs for kids who lose their hair due to medical reasons. Hailey began donating her hair every two years, beginning at age 6 and continuing through age 16.
(New Providence, New Jersey: 2010)
Ruby Tuesday Cotter, had her blonde hair (which was almost as long as she was tall) cut and donated it to make a wig for kids who lost their hair because they were sick. Ruby explained, “I don’t need it all, and I want to make them happy again…My mummy and daddy will probably be sad when I have short hair but they will be proud of me and happy that the sick children will have beautiful hair like I did.”
(Essex, England: 2018)
Ali Frazier, for her birthday wish, had her first haircut ever. She then donated it to Wigs for Kids, so that children going through cancer treatment don’t have to pay for a wig.
(Bath Township, Ohio: 2016)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
DONOR: HAIR
Ella-Rose Kitching had 43 inches of her hair (which reached down past her knees) cut for the very first time and donated it to the Little Princess Trust, to have it made into a wig for kids who lost their hair through cancer.
(County Durham, Ireland: 2022)
Christian McPhilamy, although often bullied for looking like a girl, achieved his goal. He grew his hair to 10 inches in length, then donated it to Children With Hair Loss, to be made into a wig for kids being treated for cancer.
(Florida: 2016)
Thomas Moore (above) “grew his hair out for two years to donate to kids with cancer…They were able to make three wigs out of his hair,” explained his aunt, Amber Lynne Ray, on Twitter.
(Maryland: 2016)
Photo Source: Twitter
Watch the video of Thomas getting his hair cut.
DONOR: HAIR
Ricky Schuerger donated 13 inches of his cut red hair to Hair We Share. He explained, “I like helping people.” Previously, when people mistaken him for a girl, Ricky politely corrected them by stating, “Actually, I’m a boy.”
(Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: 2022)
Mark Seager donated 11 inches of his hair. He explained, “I started because I felt bad for the people with cancer who didn’t have hair…This whole day, I was just thinking about how proud that kid who got my hair will be when they see it.”
(Killeen, Texas: 2019)
Teslyn Wintersteen donated her cut hair to Wigs for Kids, whose dual mission is to replace a child’s physical appearance, and reinstill their confidence for everyday life. Teslyn’s mom, Crystal, who lost her hair as a child suffering from cancer, had recently celebrated 21 years of cancer remission. Teslyn, confident in her new short-hair look, explained, “It’s better to have short hair than no hair. I don’t know who will get my hair, but I think they would really like to have it. It’s nice to do that for them.”
(Astoria, Oregon: 2017)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
EDITOR
Roxanne Downs became editor of It GiRL Magazine published in Australia and New Zealand. She created editorial concepts, conducted market research, responded to Letters to the Editor, and reviewed the magazine prior to printing.
(Sydney, Australia: 2017)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
ENVIRONMENTALIST & PHILANTHROPIST
Ryan Hickman earned the CNN Young Wonder Award for his environmental efforts of recycling nearly 300,000 cans and bottles and for supporting the Pacific Marine Mammal Center with donations from the proceeds of his branded merchandise. Ryan was also named Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s “Philanthropist of the Year” and the Orange County Register newspaper’s 100 Most Influential People. Ryan was named “Citizen of the Year” by his hometown of San Juan Capistrano.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2017)
Photo: Courtesy of Ryan’s Recycling
Visit Ryan’s website.
FOUNDER
FOUNDER
Jahkil Jackson started Project I Am. This nonprofit organization assembles and distributes Blessings Bags to homeless people in Chicago, Jahkil’s hometown. Each Ziplock bag is filled with hygiene products (such as a toothbrush and toothpaste) and a snack, to help improve the person’s day. Within the first year, Project I Am distributed more than 3,000 Blessings Bags.
Jahkil has wanted to help the homeless ever since he was 5 years old. That is when he, his aunt, and cousins volunteered to distribute food to many of Chicago’s hungry.
At age 9, Jahkil’s extraordinary achievement earned him the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
(Chicago, Illinois: 2015)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Jahkil’s website.
FUNDRAISER
Sawyer Anderson explained, “My goal was to raise $50, which represents safe and clean water for one person, for a lifetime.” It’s the cost to build one water well, for people in need living in Zambia, Africa. Sawyer surpassed her goal and raised over $5,000, by selling cookies her grandmother had made, at a garage sale.
Sawyer’s inspiration to fundraise was inspired by her father, Mark Anderson, when he returned home from a vision trip to Zambia, Africa. Sawyer explains, “My dad told me about kids my age who were injured or had died trying to get clean water. I said, ‘This isn’t fair. Every kid should have water.’”
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2017)
Photo: Courtesy of Sawyer and Her Parents
Visit Sawyer’s website.
FUNDRAISER
Dana Perella launched Cookies4PANS, to help Ollie, a school mate diagnosed with a rare condition called PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). Dana explained, “For Ollie to get better, scientists need to do lots and lots of research. Cookies4PANS funds research at the Stanford PANS Clinic, one of the best PANS research centers in the world. In 2018, we raised over $30,000 to help the Stanford PANS Clinic hire a post doctorate researcher, Dr. Rahman. Since then, we have been helping to fund her research. We hope this research will lead to a cure for PANS for our friend, Ollie, and all of the other kids with PANS.”
(Boulder, Colorado: 2018)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Cookies4Cures
Visit Dana’s website.
Learn about Dana as:
– a founder: age 7
– a fundraiser: age 7, age 10, age 13
GAMER
Joseph Deen became the youngest-ever paid Fortnite player, after signing with the Californian esports Team 33. He received a $33,000 signing-on bonus and a high-speed computer system. Joseph has been playing Fortnite since he was four years old. It’s played online by hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide.
(California: 2020)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
GAMER
HUMANITARIAN
Nicole Norton, when planning her eighth birthday party, decided to do something a little different. Nicole (Nikki) told her parents that it wasn’t important for her to receive presents. She would be much happier if her guests would bring a teddy bear that would be donated to kids in the Pediatric Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Health Park to perk up their spirits.
The turn-out at her party was greater than she had expected. It resulted in many teddy bears being donated to the Children’s Hospital. For Nicole’s thoughtful action she was honored with Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.
(North Fort Myers, Florida: 2000)
Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office
INVENTOR
Johnny Bodylski invented The Rain Watchdog, a device that automatically turns off a lawn water sprinkler when rain begins and turns it on when the water evaporates.
Johnny’s invention won the Great Ideas Competition sponsored by Popular Science Magazine and Inventors Workshop International.
(Santa Ana, California: 1995)
Hollie Dryer invented a rotating pill case with an LED light, so patients can find their pills in the dark. She also built a doorbell for nurses.
(Tennessee)
INVENTOR
Abbey (Abigail) Fleck invented The Makin’ Bacon to cook bacon faster and healthier.
(Minnesota: 1993)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Visit Abbey’s website.
INVENTOR
Amelia Fox invented a portable hoist to lift a person out of a wheelchair. Although she originally designed it to help her parents who, for years, were struggling to lift her older brother, Jake, from his wheelchair, Amelia’s invention can help caretakers worldwide.
(Melbourne, Australia: 2017)
Illustrated by Aron Laikin
INVENTOR
Gary A. Leschinsky invented A-Watch for Allergies, a system for early detection, notification, and management of a possible allergic reaction.
(Mahwah, New Jersey: 2016)
INVENTOR
Brandon A. Whale invented Pacemate.
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 1998)
INVENTOR
LIFE SAVER / RESCUER
Tammy Fullington used the Heimlich maneuver to save her stepsister’s life.
Jason Fuseliler saved his friend from drowning. (1990)
MAGICIAN
Aidan McCann started doing card magic, which he learned on his own by watching YouTube videos. Aidan explained, “I love to manipulate the cards.”
(Ireland: 2019)
Story & Photo: Courtesy of Aidan, His Parents & Brennan Acting Agency
MAGICIAN
Nicole Poole performed her magic act at birthday parties and other special occasions. Nicole explained, “The bigger the crowd, the better I do.”
(Florida: 1990)
MUSICIAN: CELLIST & COMPOSER
Cellist
Estelle Choi won a national music award for cello.
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed two symphonies.
(Salzburg, Austria: 1764)
MUSICIAN: DRUMMER
Julian Pavone performed at a 22-piece custom drum set with 17 cymbals. He laid down the groove on Chicago’s “Make Me Smile”. He knew the beat, rolls and clashes to more than a thousand songs. He performed with other musicians and also played solo concerts and for charitable events. “I had a lot of fun,” Julian said.
(Detroit, Michigan: 2008)
Photo: Courtesy of The Pavone Family
Visit Julian’s website.
Learn about Julian as:
– an ambassador: age 5
– an inventor:age 3, age 5
– a musician: drummer: prior to age 1, age 1, age 2, age 4
– a patentee: age 5, age 7
MUSICIAN: GUITARIST
Yuto Miyazawa played America’s National Anthem at Dodger Stadium. He came a professional guitarist and earned the Guinness World Records title as the youngest professional guitar player.
(Japan: 2008)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
MUSICIAN: PIANIST
Martha Argerich made her Argentine Orchestral debut. She played Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major.
(Buenos Aires, Argentina: 1949)
MUSICIAN: PIANIST
Arjun Ayyangar performed Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer during the halftime program of the basketball game between the New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic, at the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey.
Photo: Courtesy of Arjun’s Parents
View Arjun’s performance.
Arjun could also play, from memory, the national anthems of 120 countries.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2007)
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, age 13
MUSICIAN: PRODUCER
Madhvi Chittoor, a professional music producer, produced “I am…Princess Genius,” a 23-minute album with 12 of her original piano, violin, and orchestral compositions that she created from age 4 to 7. The title is intended to empower and remind girls that, “Girls can be both beautiful as a princess and smart as a genius.”
(USA: 2019)
Illustrated by Ivy Guo
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Julie Andrews mastered a four-octave singing range.
(London, England: 1944)
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Emanne Beasha won the title for MBC’s 5th Arabs Got Talent, making her the youngest winner in the history of any talent show across the Middle East.
(Amman, Jordan: 2017)
Visit Emanne’s website.
MUSICIAN: SINGER
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Christina Skleros sang the U.S. national anthem at the New York Yankees’ winning World Series Game.
(Barnegat, New Jersey: 1996)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
MUSICIAN: VIOLINIST
Samantha Gillogly became an award-winning violinist.
(Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: 1998)
POLYGLOT
A polyglot is a person who speaks, writes, reads, or understands many languages.
Bella Devyatkina spoke in 8 different languages.
(Moscow, Russia: 2021)
REPORTER: MAGAZINE
Zarita Asgar was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(Waunakee, Wisconsin: 2022 – 2023)
Tiana Sirmans was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(New Castle, Delaware: 2018 – 2019)
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR / INTERNET CELEBRITY
Ryan Kaji conducts science experiments.
(Honolulu, Hawaii: 2020)
Visit Ryan’s website.
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR / INTERNET CELEBRITY
Robby Novak began starring in the role of Kid President. He is popularly known for promoting positivity.
(Henderson, Tennessee: 2013)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR / INTERNET CELEBRITY
Cali Rush achieved a following of 1.6 million on her own YouTube channel, Cali’s Playhouse, which features vlogs and stories from her life. She also appears on her family’s channel, The Rush Fam, as well as her father’s YouTube channel.
(Canada: 2022)
SPEAKER: MOTIVATIONAL
Caleb Stewart gave his speech, The Importance and Benefits of Reading.
(Tallahassee, Florida: 2023)
SPEAKER: SHARK TANK
Gavin Batarse (inventor of Glove Wrap), along with his 11-year-old sister, Morgan Batarse, and their father, John Batarse, appeared on Shark Tank (Season 15, Episode 3). The trio showcased their product, Glove Wrap, which is a precisely measured elastic band that helps break in new baseball, softball, and hockey goalie gloves, while forming a perfect pocket. The trio was seeking $50,000 for a 20% stake in their company. Sharks Michael Rubin and Mark Cuban agreed to $50,000 for a 22% stake, which was immediately accepted.
Prior to appearing on Shark Tank, Glove Wrap’s lifetime sales were 1,000 gloves. After Gavin, Morgan, and John appeared on Shark Tank, 1,000 Glove Wraps sold within a few days.
(Tustin, California: 2023)
Photo: Courtesy of Glove Wrap & The Batarse Family
Visit Gavin’s website.
SPEAKER: TRANSGENDER
Eve May engaged her entire school community in her journey as she transitioned. She delivered a presentation (which included a Q&A session) to students and teachers.
(United States of America: 2018)
Learn about Eve as:
– a speaker: age 14
TV HOST
Roman McConn was featured in an episode on Animal Planet’s Dodo Heroes. The Dodo Kids network, on YouTube, asked Roman to narrate short stories about various animal rescues. Roman explained, “We pick dogs that have been there the longest and have the saddest story and are less likely to get adopted, like pit bulls, labs and other big dogs.” Ellen DeGeneres also welcomed Roman on her show for her first ever “Dog Rescuer” Award.
(Augusta, Georgia: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of The McConn Family and Project Freedom Ride
Visit Roman’s website.
Learn about Roman as:
– an activist: animal adoption: age 4, age 5, age 7, age 12
– a founder: age 5
– a speaker: age 7
– a TV host: age 10
VISIONARY
Madison Nicole Robinson came up with the idea of creating beach sandals with whimsical sea character designs. She started sketching samples and said, “Look Dad, FishFlops!” Realizing his daughter had a catchy idea, he purchased the domain name FishFlops.com that same day.
(Texas: 2006)
Illustrated by Emilia Guerrero Hayllar
Visit Madison’s website.
Learn about Madison as:
– an entrepreneur: age 15
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Raj Rajole started yoga teaching at Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences and Research.
(Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India: 2017)