The Kids Hall of Fame Inductees
9-Year-Old Extraordinary Achievers
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Bindi Irwin showed her love and respect for animals by hosting Bindi: The Jungle Girl. This 26-part wildlife television documentary series was produced by Discovery Kids.
(Australia: 2007)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ACTIVIST: ANIMAL RIGHTS
Jessie Pond helped the sharks at Sea World live longer, healthier lives. She achieved this simply by telling her dad what she learned from a television program, that potassium iodide is helpful to captive sharks. As a result, the company where he worked donated 550 cases of the substance, in tablet form, since they no longer had use for it.
(Tennessee: 1994)
ACTIVIST: ENVIRONMENT
Brady Landon Mann started a school recycling program.
(Vancouver, Washington: 1993)
Learn about Brady as:
– an author: age 8
ACTIVIST: ENVIRONMENT
Melissa Poe had her letter about stopping pollution posted on billboards across the United States. She also started a nationwide organization called Kids FACE (Kids For A Clean Environment).
(Nashville, Tennessee: 1989)
Illustrated by Rob Maystead
Learn about Melissa as:
– an author – influential letter: age 9 (see below)
ACTIVIST: ENVIRONMENT
Molly Steer began her campaign, Straw No More, to help prevent animals from dying by swallowing plastic straws.
(Australia: 2017)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
Visit Molly’s website.
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Vivien Lyra Blair was granted the role of 10-year-old Princess Leia Organa in the Disney+ Star Wars series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
(United States: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Vivian as:
– an actress: age 10
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Abigail Breslin played the role of Olive Hoover, a young girl obsessed with winning a beauty pageant, in the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Her acting, earned her a nomination for both a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award/Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2007. This made her the fourth youngest actress to ever be nominated for an Oscar in that category.
(New York: 2006)
Learn about Abigail as:
– an actress: age 3, age 5, age 6, age 10, age 11
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Jackie Cooper became the youngest Academy Award/Oscar nominee for Best Actor, for his first role, in the feature length film Skippy.
(Los Angeles, California: 1931)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Macaulay Culkin played the starring role of Kevin McCallister in the movie Home Alone. Mac, as his family and friends call him, enjoyed acting but he wished he had “more time to go rollerblading.”
(New York City, New York: 1990)
Learn about Macaulay as:
– an actor: age 8
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Miko Hughes starred in the movie Mercury Rising.
(Apple Valley, California: 1998)
Hattie Jones starred in the movie Madeline.
(London, England: 1998)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Tatum O’Neal, in her film debut, played the role of Addie Loggins in Paper Moon, opposite her real-life father, Ryan O’Neal. This American road comedy-drama, released by Paramount Pictures, was filmed in black and white. The plot is set in Kansas and Missouri during The Great Depression.
(Los Angeles, California: 1973)
Learn about Tatum as:
– an actress: age 10
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Anna Paquin made her film acting debut playing Flora MccGrath in The Piano. For her role, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
(Wellington, New Zealand: 1993)
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Storm Reid landed her first major acting role in the movie 12 Years a Slave, which takes place before the American Civil War. Storm plays Emily who is sold and taken away from her mother. Prior to Storm’s role in this movie, she had three small roles.
(Los Angeles, California: 2013)
Learn about Storm as:
– an actress: age 14, age 16, age 18
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Yara Shahidi starred in her first movie, Imagine That, a Paramount Pictures’ production. She played the role of Olivia Danielson, for which she received a Young Artist Award nomination for the best performance in a feature film category.
(Minneapolis, Minnesota: 2009)
Visit Yara’s website.
Learn about Yara as:
– an activist: age 18
– an actress: age 18, age 19
– a founder: age 18
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Albert Tsai made his first television appearance in the CBS series How I Met Your Mother. He played the role of Kaden in the Something Old episode. Later that year, he was also cast as Bert Harrison in ABC’s TV comedy series Trophy Wife. He had to learn Yiddish for his role as the adopted Chinese son of an attorney and his ex-wife. For Albert’s acting, he became the youngest actor nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award.
(San Jose, California: 2013)
Learn about Albert as:
– an actor: age 10, age 11, age 12
ACTOR / ACTRESS
Jenna Ushkowitz made her Broadway debut as one of the royal children in the revival of The King and I.
(East Meadow, New York: 1996)
Emma Watson acted in her first film role. She played the young wizard Hermione Granger in the Warner Bros. Production of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Emma went on to star in all eight Harry Potter films, and had roles in other films as well.
(Oxfordshire, England: 2001)
Learn about Emma as:
– an actress: age 17
Natalie Wood starred in the movie Miracle on 34th Street.
(San Francisco, California: 1947)
ANIMAL TRAINER
Meghan Hein raised and trained falcons with her dad and made school visits to teach kids about the sport of falconry. She explained, “Working with a beautiful bird that trusts you is the best thing about being a falconer.”
(Vacaville, California: 1997)
ANNOUNCER: SPORTS
Paul Iaocno was the soccer announcer for AAHS World Radio in Jersey City. He called the home games for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars of Major League Soccer (MLS).
(New Jersey: 1997)
APP DESIGNER / DEVELOPER
Yuma Soerianto created his first app and attended Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
(Melbourne, Australia: 2017)
Illustrated by Sofia Gomez
Visit Yuma’s website.
Learn about Yuma as:
– an app designer/developer: age 6, age 10, age 11
APP DESIGNER / DEVELOPER
Anvitha Vijay created the iPad/iPhone app, Smartkins Animals. It uses sounds and flashcards to help kids learn the names and sounds of 100 different animals. She also developed the Smartakins Colors app to teach kids about colors. She won a scholarship to attend Apple’s annual developer conference. The motto on Anvitha’s business card is, “I want to make a difference in people’s lives through technology.” Anvitha’s message is, “The more training we get in tech at an early age, the better chance we have of becoming innovation champions who will one day change the world…The idea is to empower and motivate kids to achieve one little step a day.”
(Melbourne, Australia: 2016)
Learn about Anvitha as:
– an app designer/creator: age 7
ARTIST: PAINTER
Aelita Andre became the youngest artist to ever have her work featured in a solo museum exhibition which was held in the Russian Academy of Fine Arts Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.
(Melbourne, Australia: 2016)
Visit Aelita’s website.
Learn about Aelita as:
– an artist: age 2, age 4, age 6, age 12
ARTIST: PAINTER
Jessica Heyn painted the poster that won first place in an environmental awareness contest sponsored by the National Museum of Women in the Arts and by the Girls Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital. The museum displayed Jessica’s poster and sold copies to the public. Jessica explained, “I’m happy I did something to help save the environment.”
(Damascus, Maryland: 1991)
Akiane Kramarik created paintings that sold at over $7,000 each.
(Mount Morris, Illinois: 2003)
Visit Akiane’s website.
ARTIST: PAINTER
Georgie Pocheptsov’s original paintings sell for thousands of dollars and have been exhibited at major galleries in Europe and the United States. He never took an art lesson and is completely self-taught. Typically, he painted for an hour or so before school and then for another hour or two after school. It usually took him two or three months to finish one canvas, and often worked on five to ten pieces at a time. He explained, “I see it in my head, and then I draw it.”
Learn more…
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2001)
Photo: Courtesy of Georgie’s Mother
Learn about Georgie as:
– an artist: age 4, age 6
ARTIST: PAINTER
Joe Whale was dubbed “Doodle Boy”.
(Shrewsbury, England: 2019)
Visit Joe’s website.
Learn about Joe as:
– an artist: age 10, age 12, age 13
ARTIST: SCULPTOR
Allison Babb created clay sculptures to encourage kids to read. Her creations were exhibited at her public library.
(2000)
Jesse Bartels created small, clay, monster-shaped toothbrush holders at his father’s ceramic art studio. Jesse got ideas for some of the monsters by “watching scary movies.” Once the figures dried, Jesse painted each in bright colors, baked them in a kiln and then sold them at a local Sawdust Festival Craft Fair.
(Laguna Beach, California: 1985)
ATHLETE:
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLIST
C. J. Burford biked across America (from Oceanside, California to St. Augustine, Florida, 3,100 miles) to raise money for kids with cancer. He rode 40 miles a day with his parents and four siblings following in a bus. C. J. explained, “I have just always loved riding my bike.” He added, “If it’s what you love to do, then do it, and don’t quit ’til you can’t.” C. J. rode for the National Children’s Cancer Society that helps families with young children who have cancer.
(Winston-Salem, North Carolina: 2014)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
ATHLETE:
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLIST
Daniel Mallinson, accompanied by his father, Geoff, set the record for being the youngest person to cross Australia on a bike. Their 50-day journey began when Daniel was 9 and ended when he was 10. Their goal was to break a record, which they did, and use their trip to raise money for kids in China living with HIV. They achieved both goals and in the process saw 17 emus, 205 lizards, and 25 snakes along the way.
Daniel, who began riding a bike at age 3, was a member of the Central Coast Cycling Club, and had been racing for a year, wasn’t totally convince he’d accomplish his goal. He said, “I knew I could ride up to 100 kilometers a day, but the question was whether I could to it back to back.” He felt nervous but still wanted to do it. And he did, despite scorching heat, swarms of flies, and four flat tires.
(Point Clare, Australia: 2013)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Visit Daniel’s website.
Learn about Daniel as:
– an athlete: age 10
ATHLETE:
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLIST
Starr Moss, accompanied by his brother, Hart Moss, age 14, biked 4,000 miles across the Unite States, from New York to California, in 16 weeks. They used their trip to raise money to help inner city kids enjoy outdoor activities.
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 1996)
Kirsen Wilhelm biked across the United States in 66 days.
ATHLETE: DIVER
Chris Colwill was the youngest member of the United States Junior Olympic National Diving Team and earned 2 gold medals and a bronze at his first international meet. Chris explained, “I don’t mind working hard; I like to do my best.”
(Brandon, Florida: 1994)
ATHLETE: DOGSLEDDER
Ben Illauq, accompanied by his uncle, drove a dogsled team across Canada’s frozen Baffin Bay near Greenland.
(Baffin Island, Canada: 1994)
ATHLETE: EQUESTRIAN
Heather Dunn received her first horse, Bee Gee, as a Christmas present from her mum and began jumping him at shows. Heather was the youngest contestant.
Learn more…
(Hampshire, England: 1993)
Photo: Courtesy of Sharon Dunn
Learn about Heather as:
– an equestrian: age 5, age 8
ATHLETE: EQUESTRIAN
Mandi Lynn Thomas did trick rides on her horse, Hoot-the-Scoot, and performed at rodeos. Mandi explained, “It takes a lot of practice and you have to trust your horse.”
(Pennsylvania: 1997)
ATHLETE: GOLFER
Whitney Wade made the Glasgow High School varsity golf team and was the youngest golfer ever to compete in the state tournament. Whitney explained, “My best shot is my drive. It usually goes about 150 yards.”
(Kentucky: 1994)
ATHLETE: GOLFER
Tiger Woods won the Optimist International Junior World Golf Championship for the second time. Tiger went on to become one of the most accomplished athletes of all time.
(Cypress, California: 1985)
Visit Tiger’s Website.
Learn about Tiger as:
– an athlete: age 2, age 3, age 6, age 8, age 12, age 13, age 14, age 15, age 16, age 17, age 18, age 19
– a visionary: age 9 (see below)
ATHLETE: GYMNAST
Alexandra Govere became a member of the Zimbabwe National Gymnastics Team and performed at the All-Africa Games.
(Zimbabwe: 1999)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Alexandra as:
– an athlete: age 12
ATHLETE: GYMNAST
Pasakevi Kouna was the youngest international winner at the Balkan Games.
(Greece: 1981)
Frank Wooten
(Kingston Springs, Tennessee: 2010)
ATHLETE: JOUSTER
Corey Minnick won the state jousting championship. Standing up in the stirrups while riding his galloping horse, Corey successfully speared his lance through three small dangling rings. Jousting is the state sport in Maryland.
(Middletown, Maryland: 1991)
ATHLETE: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Tyler Armstrong set the new world record for being the youngest person to summit (climb to the top of) Mount Aconcagua, a 22,841-foot-tall mountain in Argentina. It is the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Only thirty percent of the 7,000 people, who obtain permits to climb it each year, reach the summit.
Prior to his climb, Tyler obtained a special permit because the minimum age for climbing Aconcagua is 14.
(California: 2013)
Visit Tyler’s website.
Learn about Tyler as:
– an athlete: age 7, age 8, age 11, age 12, age 13
ATHLETE: SNOWBOARDER
Shaun White won three of the four events at the US National Snowboarding Championship and was first overall in his age category.
(San Diego, California: 1996)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Shaun as:
– an athlete: age 13
ATHLETE: SWIMMER
Johnny Wilson became the youngest person ever to make the 1.4 mile-long swim across the San Francisco Bay. He prepared for this feat by training for two years and spending three months of conditioning to get used to the bay’s freezing temperatures.
Johnny raised money for every quarter mile of his swim. Donations totaled $50,800 which he donated to Hurricane Katrina survivors.
(San Francisco, California: 2005)
ATHLETE: TRIATHLETE
Tyson Leighton won the junior division (ages 7-10) title at the IronKids Bread Triathlon National Championship. To win the race, Tyson ran six-tenths of a mile, swam 100 meters and biked 3.1 miles. When training with his brother and sister, who also competed, their dog, Cookie, accompanies them.
(El Dorado Hills, California: 1997)
ATHLETE: WATER SKIER
Trista Menzer topped a 4-tier pyramid water skiing team.
(Sherrard, Illinois: 1993)
AUCTIONEER
Megan Davies became a certified auctioneer.
(United Kingdom: 2014)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
James Ale, after seeing a friend hit by a car, persuaded the mayor and the town to create a neighborhood public park.
(Davie, Florida: 1989)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Catherine Hamill wrote to President Clinton.
(Belfast, Northern Ireland: 1995)
AUTHOR: INFLUENTIAL LETTER
Melissa Poe, environmentalist, wrote a letter to President George Bush to end pollution. When he did not respond, Melissa had an enlarged copy of her letter posted on 250 billboards. Melissa’s message is, “Kids can make a difference in our future.”
(Nashville, Tennessee: 1989)
Learn about Melissa as:
– an activist: age 9 (see above)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Daisy (Margaret Mary) Ashford wrote The Young Visitors, a novel about Victorian society. It sold over half a million copies and became a best seller in England.
(England: 1919)
Aruna Chandraseklar wrote and illustrated Oliver and the Oil Spill.
(Houston, Texas: 1990)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Minour Drouet wrote Tree, My Friend.
(France: 1956)
Ben Freedman’s book, The Ridiculous Book, was published.
(1978)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Alec Greven had his 48-page, self-help book, How to Talk to Girls, published by HarperCollins. It was on the New York Times bestseller list in 2010. Alec explained, “If it doesn’t work out, just let it go. Whatever happens, don’t let it make you crazy.” Alec went on to publish other self-help books.
(Castle Rock, Colorado: 2008)
Learn about Alec as:
– an author: age 10
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Amy Hagstrom wrote and illustrated her first book Strong and Free, published by Landmark Editions and won the 1986 National Written & Illustrated By – Awards Contest for Students, in the 6 to 9 age category.
(Portola, California: 1986)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Manya Harsha published her first book, Nature Our Future, through Raindrops Publisher.
(Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: 2019)
Visit Manya’s website.
Sarunna Jin wrote My First American Friend.
(United States: 1991)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Anna Catherine Josephs wrote Mountain Boy.
(North Carolina: 1985)
Johathan Kahan wrote and illustrated Patulous, The Prairie Rattlesnake.
(1990)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Joel Klein wrote Irwin the Sock.
(1988)
Leslie Ann MacKee wrote and illustrated Who Can Fix It?
(1998)
Adam More wrote and illustrated Broken Arrow Boy.
(Oklahoma: 1990)
Adam Pio wrote The Magic Donkey.
(1990)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Rishi Shiv Prasanna had his 5-book series, The Titanium Time Travellers, published.
– The First Realm
– Roman Rage
– Pyramid Peril
– Modern Mayhem
– Future Frenzy
(Karnataka, India: 2023)
Photo: Courtesy of The Prasanna Family
Learn about Rishi as:
– an app designer: age 8
– an author: age 6, age 7
– as speaker: age 8
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Mrigendra Raj wrote a novel, a poetry book, an article, and 9 biographies.
(Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India: 2016)
Learn about Mrigendra as:
– an author: age 6
Elisas Rosenbaum wrote Friends Afloat.
(1993)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Layla Steele had her 32-page book, My Girls & Curls, published by Young Authors Publishing.
(Hoschton, Georgia: 2022)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Lily Troia wrote China Shelf Luxury.
(1991)
Morgan Troll wrote The Ball, The Book and The Drum.
(1991)
AUTHOR: PUBLISHED BOOK
Anaya Lee Willabus published her second book, A Bully’s Disguise.
(Brooklyn, New York: 2016)
Learn about Anaya as:
– an author: age 8
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
Zach Garrison earned the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) title of Life Master.
(Spring, Texas: 2012)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
Richard Jeng earned the ACBL title of Life Master.
(Atlanta, Georgia: 2009)
BRIDGE PLAYER: LIFE MASTER
CHEF: BAKER / DESSERTS
Ellora Martinez was the youngest finalist to appear on the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
(Yorba Linda, California: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
CHESS PLAYER
Magnus Carlsen would sit for hours with advanced chess books in English and play through the games in his head, without a board and chess pieces. Magnus went on to become the world’s youngest chess grandmaster at age 13.
(Tonsberg, Norway: 2000)
Learn about Magnus as:
– an assembler: age 2
– a builder: age 4
– a chess player: age 13
– a memory whiz: age 5
CHESS PLAYER
Julian Hodgson
(London, England: 1972)
CHESS PLAYER
Nicholas Nip at age 9 years and 11 months, became the youngest ever to achieve the title of national master from the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
(California: 2008)
Judit Polgar won her first international chess tournament.
(Budapest, Hungary: 1985)
Visit Judit’s website.
Learn about Judit as:
– a chess player: age 15
CHESS PLAYER
Samuel Sevian became the youngest-ever national chess master in the United States. Samuel was 11 days younger than Nicholas Nip, who was the previous youngest-ever national chess master in the US.
(Corning, New York: 2010)
Learn about Samuel as:
– a chess player: age 8, age 13
Borris Spassky
(Soviet Union: 1946)
CIRCUS PERFORMER: TRAPEZE ARTIST
Armando Farfan, Jr. (known as Tato) “flew” with his family, The Flying Farfans, in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Tato reminds himself to smile because as he explained, “People think you’re scared if you don’t smile.”
(Chile: 1979)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Armando as:
– an athlete: age 8
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Elliott Tanner started attending Normandale Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree at age 11.
(St. Louis Park, Minnesota: 2020)
Photo: Courtesy of Elliott’s Parents
Visit Elliott’s website.
Learn about Elliott as:
– a college graduate: age 11, age 13
COMMISSIONER: YOUTH
Edward “Teddy” Andrews became Berkeley’s youngest Youth Commissioner of Berkeley, California. He began working in the position when he was 7-years-old. Prior to that, he did volunteer work in a political campaign. Teddy helped collect and distribute items to kids who were poor and/or homeless. He explained, “I wanted to help the kids I saw who had nothing.”
(California: 1989)
COMPOSER
Alma Deutschner composed a concerto for violin and orchestra.
(Basingstoke, England: 2014)
Visit Alma’s website.
Learn about Alma as:
– a composer: age 7, age 10, age 14
COMPOSER
Dalilt Paz composed music for an entire orchestra.
(New York City, New York: 1984)
DISCOVERER: ARTIFACT
Warren Hofmann identified dinosaur bones that other people thought were cow bones.
(1979)
DISCOVERER: ARTIFACT
Ben Witten, who at age 6, spotted an unusual shiny flint stone on England’s Shoreham Beach, discovered the importance of his find. Ben learned from archaeologists that his discovery was almost certainly a hand ax, likely carved by Neanderthals, an extinct group of humans between 40,000 and 60,000 years ago. During Ben’s interview with BBC, he said, “I felt amazing…I feel like in the future I’d like to be an archaeologist and learn all the different things about crystals, about fossils, about Stone Age, Iron Age, Bronze Age. I just want to try and make a difference.” Ben loaned his stone to the Worthing Museum in England, that has it on display until early 2025.
(England: 2024)
Photo: Courtesy of Worthing Museum
Learn about Ben as:
– a discoverer: age 6
– a donor: age 9 (below)
DJ (DISC JOCKEY)
Sam Rogoway became the world’s youngest disc jockey, KKRZ Radio.
(Portland, Oregon: 1989)
DONOR (TEMPORARILY): ARTIFACT
Ben Witten learned from archaeologists that the stone he discovered at age 6, was almost certainly a hand ax. It was likely carved by Neanderthals, an extinct group of humans between 40,000 and 60,000 years ago. Ben loaned his stone to the Worthing Museum in England, that has it on display until early 2025. Ben explained, “I loaned it to the museum so everyone could enjoy it. And I felt it would be safer in their hands.” The above photo includes James Sainsbury, Curator of Archaeology at the Worthing Museum.
(England: 2024)
Photo: Courtesy of Worthing Museum
Learn about Ben as:
– a discoverer: age 6, age 9 (above)
DONOR: HAIR
Julian Cienfuegos grew his hair for three years, then had it cut into 8 ponytails, each 14 inches long. He donated it to make wigs for kids with cancer. Being bullied by kids who called him a girl, didn’t prevent him from accomplishing his goal. Julian explained, “It makes me feel really happy. Probably because a kid’s going to get it and they’re going to feel really happy and they’re not going to get picked on.”
(Spring, Texas: 2020)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Doireann Conlon donated her cut hair to the Rapunzel Foundation.
(Ireland: 2017)
DONOR: HAIR
Adeline Nia Fernandes, donated 19 inches of her hair, on the same day her 6-year-old sister, Kyra Lauren, donated 22 inches of her hair, to make wigs for cancer patients. Nia explained, “I decided it is the best I could do to help the ones who need it more than I do…Can’t wait for my tresses to grow so I can do this all over again.”
(India: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Trey Irvin traveled nearly 14 hours (over 875 miles) with his mother and grandmother, to donate his hair to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan. Prior to that, when he was teased about his long hair, Trey explained, “I’m growing it out for cancer kids.”
(West Blocton, Alabama: 2022)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
DONOR: HAIR
Aoibhe McGowan donaed 17 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, to create wigs for children and young people with cancer, who lost their hair due to medical reasons. She also raised and donated the funds for the same reason.
(Derry, United Kingdom: 2021)
Reilly Stancombe had his first haircut ever and donated it, along with raised funds, to the Little Princess Trust. Reilly explained that he hoped his donation would mean children “won’t feel like they’re different any more.”
(Essex, England: 2020)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
DONOR: HAIR
Brodie Southgate grew his hair for two years, despite being bullied about its length and being called a girl. Then donated 15 inches of it to Children With Hair Loss, so it could be made into a wig. This was the second time Brodie achieved this goal. The first time was when he was in preschool.
(Anthem, Arizona: 2019)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
DONOR: TOYS
Orion Jean, founder of Race to Kindness, launched a toy drive. Orion used the prize money he received from a speech, and got donations to give more than 600 toys to Children’s Health Hospital in North Texas. Orion said, “It was one of the best experiences of my life.” Orion’s goal was to brighten the days for kids during the pandemic, since they might not be able to see their families as much as they would like. Orion’s message: “What better way to take a child’s mind off of something than [with] a toy?”
(Mansfield, Texas: 2021)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9 (see above), age 10, age 11, age 13
– an author: age 10
– a donor: age 10
– a humanitarian: age 10
– a speaker: age 9 (see below)
ENTREPRENEUR
Hannah Fuller was president of her own company, Hannah & Ben of Jakin. Together with her dad, Ben, and a few residents from their town, Jakin, they made fancy jellies, jams, and preserves. They used mostly local fresh fruit. They sold their products in exclusive department stores and through mail orders. In a single year, they sold over $250,000 worth of treats.
(Jakin, Georgia: 1994)
Nikky Hoyne sold 7 dozen eggs per day from chickens she raised.
(1991)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENTREPRENEUR
Caine Monroy created a homemade Cardboard Arcade which brought in over $240,000 for his college fund. The 11-minute documentary film by Nirvan Mullick received over 10 million views online, received international media attention and was added to the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
(California: 2011)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Visit Caine’s website.
ENTREPRENEUR
Marc Wright, who started his Kiddie Cards business at age 6, employed 20 young artists ages 5-13. He paid them 25 cents a card then sold the cards for approximately $1 each. His business earned up to $3,000 a year and included mail orders worldwide. Marc donated 10 percent of his profits to a children’s charity.
(Ontario, Canada: 1990)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
ENVIRONMENTALIST
Ryan Hickman, founder of Ryan’s Recycling, by age 9 had recycled nearly 400,000 cans and bottles. For his worldwide recognized recycling efforts, Ryan earned numerous honors:
* One of the Top 15 Kids Changing the World, by MSN
* Ambassador of the Year, by The Wyland Foundation
* ECO-HERO award by Action for Nature
* The IBWA Recycling Champion Award.
Ryan was also featured in the Mack Trucks ROADLIFE video series campaign for their electric Trash Trucks.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2018)
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 10, age 11, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 9 (see below), age 10, age 13, age 14
ENVIRONMENTALIST
ENVIRONMENTALIST
FILM DIRECTOR
Kishen Shrikanth directed the professionally made, feature length film C/o Footpath (Care of Footpath). It was adapted from a short story Kishen wrote about an orphaned boy who wants to go to school. Kishen played the lead role and the cast included prominent Indian actors Jackie Shroff, Saurabh Shukla, and Thaara. This Kannada language movie was the first film produced by the Kiran Movie Makers of Bangalore, India.
(Banglore, India: 2006)
FOUNDER
Robbie Bond founded Kids Speak for Parks, a non-profit organization. His goal is to educate kids and their families about the importance of national parks and monuments and inspire them to get involved in protecting them.
Learn more…
(Hawaii: 2017)
Photo: Courtesy of Robbie’s Parents
Learn about Robbie as:
– an activist: age 10
– a memory whiz: age 2
FOUNDER
Felix Finkbeiner planted his first tree and founded Plant for the Planet.His inspiration came from hearing Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize for leading an effort to plant 30 million trees in Africa. Her goal was to help curb global warming.
That year, while a fourth grader, Felix gave a class presentation on global warming. He recommended that kids plant one million trees in each country of the world. Within three years, Felix’s organization planted its millionth tree.
(Munich, Germany: 2007)
Illustrated by Hannah Umali
Visit Felix’s website.
Learn about Felix as:
– a speaker: age 13
FOUNDER
Matt Gladstone (right), with his 12-year-old brother, Will, started the Blue Feet Foundation. It raised money by selling blue socks with a whimsical blue-footed booby design. The money was used to help conserve blue-footed boobies and their habitat in the Galapagos Islands.
(Arlington, Massachusetts: 2016)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Ilana Hayutin and her 12-year-old brother, Dillion, co-founded Hayutin Heartfelt Creations, an award-winning line of original youth artwork on cards, bookmarks, placemats, T-shirts, and 11″ x 14” limited edition copies. Their creations sold online and at retail stores in their local community.
(Colorado: 2006)
Visit Ilana’s and Dillion’s website.
FOUNDER
Gabrielle Jordan founded Jewelz of Jordan.
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
(Maryland: 2009)
FOUNDER
Alina Morse founded Zolli Candy, with sugar free Zollipops as her company’s main product.
(Wolverine Lake, Michigan: 2013)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Visit Alina’s website.
Learn about Alina as:
– a millionaire: age 13
– a visionary: age 7
FOUNDER
Jarrett Myner began raising money to distribute new toys each week to young patients at a children’s hospital. He wanted to bring them a little happiness and excitement and let them know someone cares about them. Jarrett understood many of their feelings, since he had spent a great deal of time in the hospital, having been diagnosed with cancer five times during the previous nine years.
Learn more…
(Nicholasville, Kentucky: 1998)
Story: Courtesy of Prudential Spirit of Community Awards (2000)
FOUNDER
Jamie Ridgely founded Help to Feed a Child in Need, which was later named Helpful Hands.
(Manchester, Marayland: 1994)
Katie Stagliano created Katie’s Krops, a non-profit organization, after growing a 40-pound cabbage and donating it to a local soup kitchen.
(Sommerville, South Carolina: 2009)
Visit Katie’s website.
Jourdan Urbach founded Children Helping Children.
(Long Island, New York: 2001)
Visit Jordan’s website.
Learn about Jourdan as:
– an author: age 11
FUNDRAISER
Hilde Kate Lysiak noticed an increase of vandalism in her neighborhood. She explained, “Vandals have been ripping up plants, throwing eggs, and menacing people and businesses all over town.” Hilde believed that adding a new police officer would help make her community a safer place in which to live. She attended her borough’s council meetings and addressed its members. Hilde took it upon herself to start a GoFundMe site to raise money needed to pay a new police officer’s salary. When Hilde learned that her community had budgeted to hire a new police officer, she stuck to her plan. “The more the better!” she explained. She authored the article “Grove Chooses New Cop” which she published in the April 5, 2016 edition of the Orange Street News, of which she was founder, publisher, and journalist.
(Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania: 2016)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Hilde as:
– a speaker: age 12
HUMANITARIAN
Chance Daniel held a drive to send soccer uniforms and equipment to kids in Haiti.
HUMANITARIAN
Holly Driscoll and her family collected 300,000 Campbell soup labels between December 1988 and June 1990. Her goal was to reach 975,000 by the end of 1990. The company would then donate a van to her former elementary school. Holly’s message is, “If you have a really good idea, go for it!”
(Wisconsin: 1990)
HUMANITARIAN
Bobby Thompson, after seeing a news report about 28,000 victims of the Red River flooding of Manitoba, Canada, a three-day drive from Bobby’s home, he knew he had to help. He suggested to his principal that the school collect blankets, sleeping bags, clothes, shoes, canned food, and toys to help the victims. The principal so liked Bobby’s idea that he encouraged one hundred other schools to also help. Within four days, $6,500 and thousands of items were collected. Bobby then persuaded two trucking companies to deliver the donations. Bobby’s message is, “When you like to help people, you should follow your heart…If we all work together, we can be a great team…Kids can make as much of a difference as adults.”
(Ontario, Canada: 1997)
INVENTOR
Adeeb Al-Balushi invented a waterproof prosthetic leg that helped his grandfather to swim.
(United Arab Emirates: 2013)
Illustrated by Liam Giblin
Joanna Amron invented the Nothing But Net Basketball Game.
(Long Island, New York: 1992)
INVENTOR
Giselle Bazos invented the Retainer Container, worn on a wristband, that helps prevent kids from losing their dental appliances while eating. Giselle presented her invention at the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo in the summer of 2017.
(Bridgewater, Connecticut: 2017)
Illustrated by Liam Giblin
Joe Buzzelli invented the Pooch-On-Patrol Fire Detector.
(1992)
INVENTOR
Chris Haas invented the Hands-On Basketball. The handprints on the ball show players where to place their hands when shooting for a basket.
(Lake Elsinore, California: 1994)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Kaileigh Kirton invented the Sifting Shovel for separating soil from leaves.
(Jacksonville, Florida: 2006)
INVENTOR
Clint Lenz invented the Glow-In-The-Dark toilet seat which is easily found in the middle of the night.
(Lake Mills, Wisconsin: 1992)
Mark D. Leschinsky invented the Self-Disinfecting Hazmat Suit for healthcare workers during the largest Ebola virus epidemic in history.
(Mahwah, New Jersey: 2014)
INVENTOR
Haruka Maruno invented the Take Out, an environmentally-friendly, disposable, paper, pooper-scooper. She came up with the idea while walking her dog, Patrick.
(Miyakonojo, Japan: 1997)
Illustrated by Catherine Sun
Learn about Haruka as:
– an entrepreneur: age 10
INVENTOR
Marissa Streng invented the Puff-N-Fluff dog dryer that helped dry her dog Mojo after his baths.
(Florida: 2011)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Joshua White invented the Dinomite game.
JUGGLER
Noah Williams juggled three rings in the air. He, along with other students, coached by Ken Coleman, juggled at various public events.
(Eugene, Oregon: 1988)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Erick M. Brown rescued his 4-year-old brother, Andy, who got lost in the snowstorm after having fun sledding.
(Omaha, Nebraska: 1991)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Jolene Daniels got help from others to save the life of her father who fell out of a tree.
(Saskatchewan, Canada: 1993)
Learn about Jolene as:
– a lifesaver/rescuer: age 5
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Anthony Dewayne saved his drowning sister.
John Dow saved the life of his neighbor, when she was pinned down by a 400-pound lawnmower. During emergencies, people often acquire a strength otherwise beyond their abilities.
(Virginia: 1992)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Matthew Parks Lankford V saved a 2-year-old child from drowning in his neighbor’s backyard pool. Matthew, a Wolf Cub Scout (Bartow’s Pack 614) was presented with a Heroism Award.
(Bartow, Florida: 1991)
Wade Nolan tried to save a drowning boy, but died in the process. Wade received the Carnegie Hero Award, posthumously.
(Kelligrews, Newfoundland, Canada: 1984)
LIFESAVER / RESCUER
Anaiah Rucker and her 5-year-old sister, Camry, left their house and walked across the street to the school bus stop. Both girls were wearing their hoodies, which is likely the reason they didn’t see the oncoming truck. When Anaiah saw it, she pulled her little sister out of the way, but Anaiah ended up being hit. She fell to the ground and stopped breathing. The schoolbus driver, Loretta Berriman, witnessed the accident and performed CPR, until she felt Anaiah’s heart beat.
Learn more…
(Madison, Georgia: 2011)
View Anaiah’s story on YouTube.
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: 2020)
Visit Brynn’s website.
MAGICIAN
Aidan McCann, having appeared on Ireland’s Got Talent at age 9, was invited onto The Ellen Show where he performed magic with Ellen DeGeneres. Before Aidan traveled to Los Angeles, he performed at a charity event for the Make A Wish Foundation in Dublin. Aidan continues to be involved with this charity.
(Ireland: 2019)
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 10, age 11, age 12, age 13
MAGICIAN
Daksha V. Sharath performed 16 magic tricks in 30 seconds. She included changing the color of a stick, turning a rope into a stick, a flower appearing from a pan, and turning a photo into a dove.
(Alappuzha, Kerala: India: 2022)
Illustrated by Ivy Guo
MEMORY WHIZ:
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Nishaan Prabhu identified the national anthems of 195 UN recognized countries, in 5 minutes, 45 seconds and 50 milliseconds by listening to the music of each.
(Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India: 2022)
MEMORY WHIZ:
THE PERIODIC TABLE
Divyam Dadasaheb Bhore recited all 118 elements of the periodic table, in 43 seconds
(Pune, Maharashtra, India: 2019)
MEMORY WHIZ:
THE PERIODIC TABLE
Devarsh S. recited all 118 elements of the periodic table, in 28 seconds and 28 milliseconds.
(Kollam, Kerala, India: 2021)
MUSICIAN: BANJO PLAYER
Jonny Mizzone played the banjo on the David Letterman Show.
(New Jersey: 2011)
MUSICIAN: COMPOSER
(SEE "COMPOSER" ABOVE)
MUSICIAN: CONCH BLOWER
Lisa Jones, for 3 consecutive years, beginning in 1988, won the Key West Conch -Blowing contest. “Different shells make different sounds,” she explained.
(Key West, Florida: 1990)
MUSICIAN: CONDUCTOR
Margaret Heifetz conducted the Moscow Symphony Orchestra to a full house in the Grand Theatre in Moscow.
(Moscow, Soviet Union: 1934)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
MUSICIAN: DRUMMER
Nandi Bushell
(Ipswich, Scotland: 2009)
Illustrated by Kathan Dorriety
Learn about Nandi as:
– a musician: age 11
Johnny Clem became the famous Civil War drummer boy.
(Newark, Ohio: 1861)
MUSICIAN: GUITARIST
Nathan Cavaleri signed a record contract.
(Ruse, New South Wales, Australia: 1994)
Visit Nathan’s website.
Taj Farrant became the youngest guitar player endorsed by Gibson guitars.
(Australia: 2019)
Xie Hao played “Flight of the Bumblebee” (one of the fastest music pieces ever) on his guitar in double the original speed.
(China: 2023)
MUSICIAN: HARPIST
Arjun Ayyangar performed “Greensleeves” on the harp.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2007)
Photo: Courtesy of Arjun’s Parents
View Arjun’s harp performance.
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 10, age 11, age 13
MUSICIAN: PIANIST
Emily Bear performed at Carnegie Hall.
(Rockford, Illinois: 2011)
Visit Emily’s website.
Learn about Emily as:
– a musician: age 3, age 5, age 12
Solomon Cutner
(London, England: 1911)
Gauri Mishra became a professional pianist. He played piano in various programs in India.
(Gurgaon, Haryana, India: 2015)
Visit Gauri’s website.
MUSICIAN: SINGER
Julie Andrews performed onstage for the first time. She sang “Come to the Fair” as a duet with her stepfather. Julie’s mother accompanied them at the piano.
(England: 1945)
Illustrated by Jake Reher
Learn about Julie as:
– a musician: age 8
MUSICIAN: VAINIKA (VEENA PLAYER)
Arjun Ayyangar, by age 9, had given 74 public musical performances. He also began learning to play the veena, a long-necked, pear-shaped lute, used in Carnatic classical music. Among the oldest Indian string instruments, it has 24 frets, four melody stings, and three drone strings typically used to create rhythmic beat.
(Denville, New Jersey: 2007)
Photo: Courtesy of Arjun’s Parents
View Arjun’s performance of Sarali Varisai on the veena.
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 10, age 11, age 13
MUSICIAN: VIOLINIST
Karen Gomyo performed solo with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra.
(Montreal, Quebec, Canada: 1991)
Visit Karen’s website.
NARRATOR: AUDIO BOOKS
Ridhhaan Jaiin narrated 4 audiobooks released by Ridhzworld Publishing:
– Once Upon in My Mind
– The Mirror and The Greedy Man
– The Despicable Virus
– Penny and The Monsters
(Pune, Maharashtra, India: 2023)
Learn about Ridhhaan as:
– a speaker: age 9 (below)
PILOT
Tony Aliengena became the youngest male to pilot a plane across continental US.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 1988)
Rachel Carter became the youngest female to pilot a plane coast to coast, across the United States and back. She was accompanied by her father, a flight instructor. Rachel enjoyed flying and explains, “The hardest thing is having to wait for good weather.”
(California: 1994)
POET: STAGE POET
Margaret Westley-Williams recited her original poetry regularly in the Adams Morgan district of Washington, D. C. Margaret explained, “I get nervous at first, but it’s just fun once I start reading.”
(Washington D. C.: 1994)
PRESIDENT: BANK
Andrew Burns served as president of the Children’s Bank at Enterprise Bank, Omaha. Starting the bank was his idea, and his father, who headed Enterprise, helped to make it reality. During Andrew’s first year on the job, he helped over 200 kids open a bank account. He explained, “If kids need advice about money, I can help. I know what they need. I’m a kid myself.”
(Omaha, Nebraska: 1991)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
PUBLISHER
Monica Bland
Jason Crowe felt very sad after his grandmother passed away. He used to visit her in a nursing home, where she would always listen to his ideas. Believing that other kids were in a similar situation, he started The Informer, a bimonthly newspaper for and by kids. It featured stories of young achievers and articles about world issues and concerns. It also included jokes and illustrations and was mailed to people in 13 states.
Jason explained, “Half the profits go to the American Cancer Society to search for a cure, so someone else won’t have to lose a grandmother to cancer.”
(Newburgh, Indiana: 1997)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Henry Carroll was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(Boston, Massachusetts: 2019 – 2020)
Via Ryerson was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2021 – 2022)
REPORTER:
"TIME FOR KIDS" MAGAZINE
Nora Wilson-Hartgrove was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(Durham, North Carolina: 2019 – 2020)
Ethan Zhang was selected as a reporter for Time for Kids magazine.
(McLean, Virginia: 2021 – 2022)
SCHOLAR
Bill Gates completed reading his parents’ World Book Encyclopedia, from A to Z, in alphabetical order. Years later, Bill co-founded Microsoft.
(Seattle, Washington: 1964)
Visit Bill’s website.
Learn about Bill as:
– a computer programmer/coder: age 13
– a scholar: age 11
SPEAKER: MOTIVATIONAL
Ryan Hickman, environmentalist and founder of Ryan’s Recycling, spoke at WE Day youth empowerment events, in Los Angeles and Vancouver, Canada in front of an audience of 23,000.
(San Juan Capistrano, California: 2018)
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 (see above), age 10, age 11, age 12, age 13, age 14
– a founder: age 3, age 12, age 13
– a speaker: age 10, age 13, age 14
SPEAKER: MOTIVATIONAL
Ridhhaan Jaiin conducted motivational sessions, in 16 different locations, encouraging good habits of reading and writing.
(Pune, Maharashtra, India: 2023)
Learn about Ridhhaan as:
– a narrator: age 9 (see above)
SPEAKER: MOTIVATIONAL
Orion Jean presented his Race to Kindness speech and won the Think Kindness National Kindness Speech Contest. He used his prize money to start his first race, the Race to 500 Toys, for kids at the Children’s Health Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
(Mansfield, Texas: 2021)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
Learn about Orion as:
– an activist: age 9 (see above), age 10, age 11, age 13
– an author: age 10
– a donor: age 9 (see above), age 10
– a humanitarian: age 10
SPEAKER: TED TALK
Jason Yeka Baba presented his speech Lessons I Learnt From Football. (In the United States the sport is called soccer.)
(2019)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
SPEAKER: TED TALK
Charlie Cooper, who was rejected and bullied at school, gave a TEDx talk entitled How Little People Can Make A Big Difference. Charlie’s presentation promoted the Buddy Bench concept to help other lonely kids make friends.
(Australia: 2019)
Illustrated by Alexandra Holliday
SPOKESPERSON
Michael Lamarca helped introduce the bill that became a Pennsylvania law, requiring bicycle riders under age 12 to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Michael was confined to his wheelchair due to a bike accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He visited schools to share his important message.
(Pennsylvania: 1995)
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: 2020)
Visit Brynn’s website.
VISIONARY
Declan Cassidy envisioned starting a sock drive to help people experiencing homelessness. He chose socks because they are the most needed items at homeless shelters.
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2018)
Photo & Story: Courtesy of Socks For The Streets
Visit Declan’s website.
Learn about Declan as:
– an ambassador: age 14
– a donor: age 11, age 15
– a founder: age 10
– a fundraiser: age 12
VISIONARY
Dillon DeWitt, after witnessing a classmate go through cancer treatment resulting in hair loss, decided to grow his hair out, so he could donate it. While doing some research, Dillon discovered that hair grows about a half inch per month. This meant it would be at least a 2-year commitment. It would likely be more for Dillon, since he was starting from a summer buzz cut. Roughly a year into his commitment, when his hair was at a length that he was often mistakenly view as a girl, Dillon was often teased by some of his classmates. Though feeling hurt at times, Dillon was not deterred. In fact, the teasing added to Dillon’s determination.
(Michigan: 2017)
Photo: Courtesy of Dillon, His Parents and
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Learn about Dillon as:
– a donor: age 11
– a fundraiser: age 11
– a volunteer: age 11
VISIONARY
Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) tried to comfort his father after Brazil lost the 1950 World Cup (in soccer) to Uruguay. Pelé explained, “Don’t cry, Dad. I’ll win the World Cup for you.” Eight years later, Pelé’s team won the first of his record-breaking three World Cup titles.
(São Paulo, Brazil: 1950)
Learn about Pelé as:
– an athlete: age 15, age 17
Tiger Woods made a commitment to his father, Earl, “I’m going to be professionally excellent.” Tiger went on to become one of the best-known and most accomplished athletes of all times.
(Cypress, California: 1985)
Visit Tiger’s website.
Learn about Tiger as:
– an athlete: age 2, age 3, age 6, age 8, age 9 (see above), age 12, age 13, age 14, age 15, age 16, age 17, age 18, age 19
VOLUNTEER
Sawyer Anderson came up with an idea to make and sell authentic African handmade bags. She partnered with the children’s ministry program at her church, Hope Lutheran Church, and helped design and make Chitenge tote bags (Bags of Hope). Bags were sold for $50 each, which is the per person cost to build one water well to provide clean water for life to one person in Africa. Chitenge is an African wax fabric that is commonly used to make dresses, blankets, and infant carriers. One of Sawyer’s originals, auctioned off at a Wellspring for the World charity event, brought in over $6,000. That inspired Sawyer, with permission from the church pastor, to invite other kids into her fundraising circle. Over 100 people volunteered and raised more than $26,000 for clean water.
To support the program, some people bought more Chitenge bags than they needed and asked Sawyer to find people who could use them. After some research, Sawyer gave those bags to the Jeremiah Program, which helps single mothers finish college and find employment. This helped promote Sawyer’s goal of raising awareness about the need for clean water worldwide. Soon afterward, the Jeremiah Project’s development director (Coiya Tompkins) encouraged Sawyer to write a book about her experiences, and Sawyer did.
(West Fargo, North Dakota: 2019)
Photo: Courtesy of Sawyer and Her Parents
Learn about Sawyer as:
– an author & illustrator: age 10
– a donor: age 11
– a fundraiser: age 8, age 10, age 13
– a speaker: age 10
WEBSITE DESIGNER / CREATOR
B. J. Pinchbeck created the Homework Helper website which earned 101 website awards, received 10,000 hits per day and eventually teamed with DiscoverySchool.com.
(Pennsylvania: 1996)
Illustrated by Elgin Bolling
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Reyansh Surani became a certified yoga instructor after completing the 200-hour Yoga Teacher’s Training Course at Anand Shekhar Yoga School.
(India: 2021)
Illustrated by Soleil Oladeji
YOUTUBE STAR / YOUTUBER
Robby Novak played the character Kid President. He shared his word of positive wisdom from sitting behind the historical Resolute desk at the White House. The desk was made from the oak timbers of the British ship H.M.S. Resolute. It was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes from Queen Victoria in 1880.
(Henderson, Tennessee: 2014)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Learn about Robby as:
– an actor: age 8
– an author: age 11
– a social media star/internet celebrity: age 8