Milton, MA When Mike learned that lead fishing weights lost in U.S. waterways annually were responsible for 50% of some bird species’ deaths, he was astounded. Today, he is recognized by the EPA as an educator and legislation activist, and is working to pass a Massachusetts Senate bill that restricts the use of lead in recreational fishing.

Hackensack, NJ- After learning that less than half of African-American boys graduate from high school, Jordan produced a movie called ‘Say it Loud’ to promote the importance of education to young people. He was invited to speak alongside Al Sharpton and Wyclef Jean at the Education Equality Rally during the presidential inauguration.

Kingston, NY- Evan has a vascular birthmark, and felt people were ignorant to the serious medical and psychological issues felt by those born with these vivid marks. Evan educated the public about through his book, "Buddy Booby's Birthmark,” and his annual International Buddy Booby’s Birthmark Read-Along for Tolerance and Awareness.

Orange, CA- As a young teen, Shauna spearheaded a national letter-writing campaign that resulted in nearly three million letters to soldiers, as well as a high-tech collaboration with the government to create a Web page where civilians can text message soldiers abroad.

Alex B. Hill, 21

Scout Banana

Grand Blanc, MI- With his Boy Scout Troupe, Alex started “Scout Banana,” a small project idea to fundraise money for an ambulance in a small town in Africa. “Scout Banana” has grown into an organization that now provides emergency transportation and service to thousands of rural Africans.

New Haven, CT - Rachel wrote a book called, “My Little Red Book,” made up of stories from women writers across the world that felt disempowered and discriminated against. When Rachel learned that millions of women in the developing world were missing school and work due to a basic lack of sanitary supplies, she donated profits from sale of her book to further the cause.

Santa Ana, CA- Pilar started Project Art(is)+ to use art as a healing creative medium for street children in the Phillippines. She then partnered with local NGOs to run empowerment workshops for youth worldwide, and is currently working in Ghana and Mali. One workshop resulted in an award-winning documentary entitled The Curved Line, which was produced entirely with a crew of incarcerated Filipino youth.