WRAVENNA PHIPPS

Wravenna Phipps, 19, a freshman at Black Hawk College, created and conducted farm safety awareness programs for thousands of children and teens in her community. “After my cousin nearly died from a farm accident, I was inspired to take an active part in spreading the farm safety message,” Wravenna said. After researching current safety programs offered by the Progressive Farmer Safety Camps, Wravenna set goals and began planning her project. She designed some teaching materials, borrowed others from extension offices and businesses, recruited volunteers, and then organized nine school presentations and 12 safety day camps, impacting more than 57,163 young people. She also participated in panel discussions, public service announcements and television interviews, and helped develop a new safety curriculum reaching more than a million people across this nation. Her programs included information on lawn mower, tractor and ATV safety; hidden farm hazards; belts, chains, and augers; and grain and bin safety. “Since one half of all youth farm accidents occur to kids who don’t live on the farm and are visiting, I felt that I had a vital message for all youth,” she said.

COREY JOHNSON

Corey Johnson, 17, a student at Hilo High School, founded an organization of more than 100 young people from 12 schools who work together to address juvenile delinquency and other youth issues on his island. Corey’s idea for “Na Leo O Na Opio,” which means “The Voices of the Youth,” came to him while working with the prosecutor’s office to create a report on juvenile delinquency in Hawaii County. He realized that one report was not enough. “To provide solutions for juvenile delinquency, the entire youth population must be represented, and a youth voice must be established and maintained,” said Corey. So he worked with government agencies to create a formal youth development group, recruited students from 12 schools, and built partnerships with local organizations to focus on a wide range of initiatives that promote a positive environment for youth, relating to education, recreation, transportation, job opportunities, and healthy behavior. Approximately $100,000 has been raised to fund numerous projects, including a youth economic development center, a health fair for elementary children and a career fair for high school sophomores. “The mark you leave on this world comes with your capacity to care for others,” said Corey.

MARGARET REYNOLDS

Margaret Reynolds, 16, a sophomore at St. Catherine’s School, started a “Big Sisters” mentoring program that pairs middle and high school girls with at-risk children from St. James’ Children’s Center, a local daycare center at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Margaret used to visit the center with her mother to read stories to the children. “I knew how much these children needed individual attention and love, and a strong and steady role model,” said Margaret. She approached the director at the daycare center and her school’s middle level principal with her idea for “Big Sisters,” and both thought it was an excellent idea. Margaret spoke at a student assembly and 12 girls signed up. The Big Sisters visit the children every week, working on art projects with them, reading them stories, and lending an ear and a shoulder. The group also plans special events and fundraisers throughout the year. Two years after the program began, there are now 29 Big Sisters bringing sunshine to the children’s lives. “Not only do the children receive our special attention and affection, but we also feel their love for us in return,” said Margaret.

KEVIN KOO

Kevin Koo, 17, a senior at Nashua Senior High School, founded “Citizens of the World” (COW), a cultural awareness advocacy organization designed to build diversity appreciation through a variety of school programs and service projects. “I knew that my school needed some kind of awareness organization due to a growing minority student population and increasing tensions between ethnic groups, especially after the September 11 tragedies,” Kevin said. After obtaining permission from school officials, Kevin recruited teen volunteers and started planning events to educate the public and benefit needy people around the world. “Service is the hallmark of the organization,” he said. COW volunteers produced a school Festival of Cultures, encouraging students and community members to share their cultural heritage through art, dance, and music. Profits from the festival helped establish a permanent flag collection to represent the nationalities of everyone attending Nashua Senior High. Other activities include efforts to establish cultural media collections in school libraries and a book drive to benefit Taiwanese schools devastated by a 1999 earthquake. Locally, COW sponsored an anti-drug rally, a remembrance assembly honoring victims of 9/11, and formed the Diversity Education Alliance (a coalition of students working for gender and racial harmony).

SYDNY KOCH

Sydny Koch, 11, a sixth-grader at Agassiz Middle School, organized a cheerleading camp to give younger girls in her neighborhood something fun and safe to do on Saturday afternoons. Sydny began thinking about starting a “camp” after her young cousins showed her a children’s cheerleading video. “I loved to see my cousins having so much fun,” said Sydny. “I thought the little girls in my neighborhood would like to have fun cheerleading, too.” Sydny also thought they needed an activity to keep them from playing in the street and possibly getting hit by cars. The only problem was: Sydny didn’t know much about cheerleading. So she researched cheerleading squads, cheers and routines; interviewed cheerleaders; and attended a special cheerleading day camp. With the help of a friend, Sydny inaugurated her camp last September with sessions every other Saturday afternoon. “The girls have learned confidence, leadership, and lots of athletic skills,” said Sydny. “And the parents know their children are safe.”

LAUREL BARCHAS

Laurel Barchas, 15, a junior at Truckee High School, started an after-school program that recruits members of her high school band to give private music lessons to elementary school children from low-income and Latino families. “I came up with this idea after I realized that music, this thing that has been part of my life since childhood, is simply not an option for others,” said Laurel. After developing a business plan and budget, Laurel met with local school and community officials to obtain support, find space for lessons, and secure liability insurance. Letters, phone calls, grant applications and presentations to civic and business organizations raised more than $11,000 to rent and purchase instruments, music books, and accessories. Laurel also wrote and translated applications, letters, informational brochures and contracts for prospective students. Laurel and three other teen volunteers now provide weekly private music lessons to twenty students. “Music is a creative outlet for energy and has been proven to help kids improve in their academics,” said Laurel. “My program opens the door for young children who otherwise couldn’t afford music lessons and instruments. It also gives talented musicians in my high school band the opportunity to provide a community service and develop their own skills.”

JACOB KOMAR

Jacob Komar, 10, a sixth-grader at Talcott Mountain Academy in Avon, initiated a program called “Computers for Communities” that has restored and upgraded more than 60 outdated personal computers and installed them in the homes of families that couldn’t afford to buy one. Jacob, a self-described “computer fanatic,” was shocked when he learned of an entire warehouse at his sister’s school filled with old computers that were going to be thrown out. He realized he could refurbish the computers and give them to people who could not afford their own. “I thought that by doing this, I would help a lot of kids get a head start,” said Jacob. First, he secured the school district’s approval to take the old computers, and then went to work on the machines – analyzing, trouble-shooting and rebuilding. He had to call numerous software companies to transfer licenses, and installed new software and hardware where appropriate. In order to identify those in his community most in need of computers, Jacob worked with the Department of Social Services. When the computers were ready, Jacob installed them in their new homes and taught 140 family members how to use them. As word of his project has spread, Jacob has received more computer donations, and he has recruited other students at his school to help. He also has received requests from organizations that want to start similar programs, and he hopes to eventually see the project expand to other communities across the country.

ANA KADKHODAYAN

Ana Kadkhodayan, 17, a senior at Collinsville High School, founded the “Scientific Kids of America Club” at her school to perform science experiments for disadvantaged children and show them that science is fascinating and fun. Ana began her project after a lab partner in her chemistry class reacted to a disappointing experiment by saying that she hated science. Concerned that similar frustrations keep others from enjoying science, Ana first wrote a booklet of 46 simple chemistry and physics experiments for kids, called Science Magic. Then she wrote a proposal to form an official school club, received her principal and school board’s approval, and persuaded her physics teacher to sponsor the group. After contacting children’s shelters to arrange performances by the club, Ana and her fellow members gathered regularly to practice their experiments. Recently, the club made its first trip to a local elementary school and participated in the school’s Science Night, presenting experiments on water tension and density, and making ice cream. “I am excited to be part of something that can give a child a more imaginative mind,” said Ana, who plans to continue the club after she graduates.

AVIDAN ACKERSON

Avidan Ackerson, 17, a senior at Beth Tfiloh Dahan High School, co-authored state legislation that now allows 16-year-olds in Maryland to donate blood. Avidan wanted to donate blood after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but was turned away after being told he needed to be 17. Disappointed yet curious, Avidan conducted his own personal research study and found no medical reason why a 16-year-old could not donate blood. He decided to try to change the law. “I thought that it was important to allow as many people to help as possible, because donating blood is giving the gift of life,” said Avidan. He contacted a state delegate, and together they drafted a bill. Avidan then testified before the House and Senate committees on the topic, sent petitions to schools throughout the state, and sought support from the Maryland Association of Student Councils. After the bill was passed, Avidan proudly witnessed its signing by the governor. He figures the expanded pool of potential blood donors in Maryland could ultimately help save thousands of lives, and is now working with students from other states to help them change their state laws. “All I did was question why a policy existed and it led to a new law,” said Avidan.

KRISTI BENSON

Kristi Benson, 18, a freshman at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, created a non-profit corporation that has raised more than $34,000 to provide essential educational materials to public schools and students in her rural county that cannot afford to buy them. Kristi said she has always been aware of students coming to school without the tools they need to learn. “I had an idea of a way to help bridge the gap between those who have tools and those who have none,” she said, and decided to follow the teachings of Gandhi to become “the change you wish to see.” Kristi created the “Beaverhead County Angel Fund” and began appealing for donations of money and supplies through news articles, promotional speeches and newsletters. She also raised money with activities such as a Halloween booth at a community party and “Denim Fridays” at schools, and attracted additional funds from United Way and her high school’s honor society. The proceeds were used to supply every school with “Angel Fund Tubs” filled with calculators, backpacks, notebooks, crayons and other items. In addition, a radio appeal by Kristi for gently used computers and printers helped six schools develop technology programs and connect to the Internet. She has since expanded her influence beyond her county, and is now advising teens in eastern Washington and northern Montana on starting their own Angel Funds. Her charity has raised more than $38,700, funds that have impacted children in need throughout the county.

Last spring, Kristi graduated valedictorian of her class at Beaverhead County High School and she won the most prestigious award of the school, the Alumni Cup. This award is presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding Leadership, Service and Scholarship. Kristi was accepted in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Gonzaga University. She continues to work with her charity from her campus. She is studying Business with an emphasis in Leadership. Her desire is to direct her charity to become active nationally. She is on a path to do so by learning about the business world and enriching her general education.