12 Inspiring Teens Who Accomplished Extraordinary Things
Group of Teens Works to End Bullying
Rather than complain about bullying, a group of teens in Northern California decided to do something about it. They created Beyond Differences, an organization committed to reducing social isolation and elminating bullying in middle schools. Together, these teens have launched several initiatives, including "Be The One," which promotes random acts of kindness and "No One Eats Alone," which encourages students to invite kids they don't know to eat to lunch with them.
The program went national earlier this year and it's reached more than 10,000 middle school students in 35 schools throughout the country. Currently, the group is working on a pledge that will discourage cyberbullying.
Whiz Kid Invents Technology that Reduces Wasted Electricity
Ameer Sami, a 17-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, combined his passion for electronics with his entrepreneurial spirit, to invent Ottomate. Ottomate's smart technology learns the habits of each family member and adjusts the electricity accordingly. By shutting off devices when they're not in use, Ottomate may be able to cut a family's electric bill in half. There's even a smartphone app that allows you to monitor and control your home's electricity from anywhere in the world.
Cerebral Palsey Can't Hold This Teen Back
Matthew Chapman, an 18-year-old from South Canaan, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 months old. Following hip surgery In the second grade, he had to re-learn how to walk. In high school, he needed more surgeries and his reovery process required him to use a wheelchair and a walker. But, Matthew doesn't waste any time feeling sorry for himself because he's too busy focusing on all the things he wants to accomplish.
For example, during his senior year he restored a 1952 Farmall Cuper C tractor and he drove it to school for a presentation. He's now busy pursuing his love of automotives by attending Universal Technical Institute on a full-tuition scholarship from the mikeroweWorks Foundation.
Teen Invents Device to Video Chat with Dogs
Brooke Martin, a 14-year-old from Spokane, Washington, is an inventor and dedicated entrepreneur. While in junior high, she invented an internet-enabled device that allowed her to chat with her golden retriever, as a way to alleviate her separation anxiety. Soon, she turned this into a product, called iCPooch, that allows dog owners to connect with their dogs - and deliver a treat - with a the push of a button on a smartphone or tablet.
Brooke has won a multitude of awards for her work, and despite all of her business activities, this high school sophomore maintains a 4.0 GPA and remains active in athletics and music.
Country Music Star Strives to End Bullying
At the age of 19, Missouri native Josey Milner is already building quite a name for herself in the country music world. Her debut single, "Not Pretty Enough," won a host of awards and helped launched her career. Despite her rise in stardom, Josey hasn't forgotten her roots. She serves as an Ambassador with Angels and Doves, a national non-profit agency that strives to put an end to bullying. Josey also works with a skin care line, Piaseci MD, that donates 25% of profits to charities such as Angels and Doves.
Arthritis Foundation Supporter Understands Arthritis First-Hand
Laura Kichler, a 13-year-old from Solon, Ohio, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was in the 6th grade. Her illness, combined with frequent surgeries and doctor appointments, made it difficult for her to attend school so last year she began attending the Ohio Virtual Academy so she could continue her education from home. Despite her ongoing pain, Laura dedicates a lot of time making beaded jewelry and scented soaps to sell and raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.
She has also been working with government officials to advocate for the passing of several bills to support funding for juvenile arthritis.
This Teen Turned a Hobby Into a Business
Jordan Moyer, a 17-year-old from Eurka Springs, Arkansas, has enjoyed experimenting with cupcake recipes for a few years. Although baking started out as a hobby, requests for her cupcakes grew so she decided to open her own business, Colossal Cupcakes & Cones which is operated by Jordan and her fellow school mates. From designing the logo to training the employees, Jordan has been involved with every aspect of the business.
Despite all of the demands of the business, she also continues to work at a part-time job at a local restaurant, maintains above average grades, and serves as captain of her softball team and class secretary.
Teen Raises Money for HIV Awareness with a Cotton Candy Company
At the age of 16, Kyree Holland from Apex, North Carolina is already a seasoned volunteer. When he recognized a need for healthy food in the refugee community, he applied for a grant through Katie's Krops so he could start a garden to help feed people in need. Kyree is also passionate about raising awareness for HIV. To fund his efforts, he helped create the Oscar William Gourmet Cotton Candy Company.
With flavors, like cheesecake and carrot cake, the cotton candy company is a hit and 10% of all proceeds go to charities that help stop the spread of HIV.
She's Already an Author, Speaker, and Musician
Shanaya Fastje turned 15 this year, but she's already been out of school for 2 years. She graduated from high school early through a homeschooling program and now she's devoting her time and energy to her many talents. She's the author of several books, she's received a contract for singing and writing music, and she's a motivational speaker. In addition to all that, she also serves as the national Spokesperson for Our Fields of Hope, a group dedicated to change health care for foster children, and she's a director for Sawabona, an association whose mission is to spread human kindness.
Teen Starts His Own Clothing Line
Three years ago, 17-year-old Lauren Bendesky was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. This Coral Springs, Florida teen was forced to spend much of her time in a hospital bed undergoing treatment. But, Lauren beat cancer and now she's working as an Ambassador for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, whose mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Lauren recently participated in an internship with pediatric oncologists and she hopes to someday become a pediatric oncologist so that she can continue to further the research and treatment necessary to help other kids beat cancer.
Pre-Teen Hosts his own Show on Food Network
When 14-year-old Jeremy Koven didn't receive a call back from a clothing company after approaching them about a partnership, he decided to start his own company. Based in Los Angeles, Jeremy's clothing line will be called Agent Cali and it will include positive messages that inspire teens to be true to who they are and to pursue their passions. Jeremy is also an honor student, athlete, and volunteer for a rape treatment center.
At the age of 12, Hoboken, New Jersey native Gibson Borelli has already earned his own show on FoodNetwork.com. After winning the second season of Rachael vs Guy: Kids Cook-Off, Gibson will host his own show called The Jersey Shore Kid. Gibson, who has been cooking since he was 6, is determined to show kids of all ages how cooking can be fun, as well as delicious.
Rather than complain about bullying, a group of teens in Northern California decided to do something about it. They created Beyond Differences, an organization committed to reducing social isolation and elminating bullying in middle schools. Together, these teens have launched several initiatives, including "Be The One," which promotes random acts of kindness and "No One Eats Alone," which encourages students to invite kids they don't know to eat to lunch with them.
The program went national earlier this year and it's reached more than 10,000 middle school students in 35 schools throughout the country. Currently, the group is working on a pledge that will discourage cyberbullying.
Whiz Kid Invents Technology that Reduces Wasted Electricity
Ameer Sami, a 17-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, combined his passion for electronics with his entrepreneurial spirit, to invent Ottomate. Ottomate's smart technology learns the habits of each family member and adjusts the electricity accordingly. By shutting off devices when they're not in use, Ottomate may be able to cut a family's electric bill in half. There's even a smartphone app that allows you to monitor and control your home's electricity from anywhere in the world.
Cerebral Palsey Can't Hold This Teen Back
Matthew Chapman, an 18-year-old from South Canaan, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 months old. Following hip surgery In the second grade, he had to re-learn how to walk. In high school, he needed more surgeries and his reovery process required him to use a wheelchair and a walker. But, Matthew doesn't waste any time feeling sorry for himself because he's too busy focusing on all the things he wants to accomplish.
For example, during his senior year he restored a 1952 Farmall Cuper C tractor and he drove it to school for a presentation. He's now busy pursuing his love of automotives by attending Universal Technical Institute on a full-tuition scholarship from the mikeroweWorks Foundation.
Teen Invents Device to Video Chat with Dogs
Brooke Martin, a 14-year-old from Spokane, Washington, is an inventor and dedicated entrepreneur. While in junior high, she invented an internet-enabled device that allowed her to chat with her golden retriever, as a way to alleviate her separation anxiety. Soon, she turned this into a product, called iCPooch, that allows dog owners to connect with their dogs - and deliver a treat - with a the push of a button on a smartphone or tablet.
Brooke has won a multitude of awards for her work, and despite all of her business activities, this high school sophomore maintains a 4.0 GPA and remains active in athletics and music.
Country Music Star Strives to End Bullying
At the age of 19, Missouri native Josey Milner is already building quite a name for herself in the country music world. Her debut single, "Not Pretty Enough," won a host of awards and helped launched her career. Despite her rise in stardom, Josey hasn't forgotten her roots. She serves as an Ambassador with Angels and Doves, a national non-profit agency that strives to put an end to bullying. Josey also works with a skin care line, Piaseci MD, that donates 25% of profits to charities such as Angels and Doves.
Arthritis Foundation Supporter Understands Arthritis First-Hand
Laura Kichler, a 13-year-old from Solon, Ohio, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was in the 6th grade. Her illness, combined with frequent surgeries and doctor appointments, made it difficult for her to attend school so last year she began attending the Ohio Virtual Academy so she could continue her education from home. Despite her ongoing pain, Laura dedicates a lot of time making beaded jewelry and scented soaps to sell and raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.
She has also been working with government officials to advocate for the passing of several bills to support funding for juvenile arthritis.
This Teen Turned a Hobby Into a Business
Jordan Moyer, a 17-year-old from Eurka Springs, Arkansas, has enjoyed experimenting with cupcake recipes for a few years. Although baking started out as a hobby, requests for her cupcakes grew so she decided to open her own business, Colossal Cupcakes & Cones which is operated by Jordan and her fellow school mates. From designing the logo to training the employees, Jordan has been involved with every aspect of the business.
Despite all of the demands of the business, she also continues to work at a part-time job at a local restaurant, maintains above average grades, and serves as captain of her softball team and class secretary.
Teen Raises Money for HIV Awareness with a Cotton Candy Company
At the age of 16, Kyree Holland from Apex, North Carolina is already a seasoned volunteer. When he recognized a need for healthy food in the refugee community, he applied for a grant through Katie's Krops so he could start a garden to help feed people in need. Kyree is also passionate about raising awareness for HIV. To fund his efforts, he helped create the Oscar William Gourmet Cotton Candy Company.
With flavors, like cheesecake and carrot cake, the cotton candy company is a hit and 10% of all proceeds go to charities that help stop the spread of HIV.
She's Already an Author, Speaker, and Musician
Shanaya Fastje turned 15 this year, but she's already been out of school for 2 years. She graduated from high school early through a homeschooling program and now she's devoting her time and energy to her many talents. She's the author of several books, she's received a contract for singing and writing music, and she's a motivational speaker. In addition to all that, she also serves as the national Spokesperson for Our Fields of Hope, a group dedicated to change health care for foster children, and she's a director for Sawabona, an association whose mission is to spread human kindness.
Teen Starts His Own Clothing Line
Three years ago, 17-year-old Lauren Bendesky was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. This Coral Springs, Florida teen was forced to spend much of her time in a hospital bed undergoing treatment. But, Lauren beat cancer and now she's working as an Ambassador for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, whose mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Lauren recently participated in an internship with pediatric oncologists and she hopes to someday become a pediatric oncologist so that she can continue to further the research and treatment necessary to help other kids beat cancer.
Pre-Teen Hosts his own Show on Food Network
When 14-year-old Jeremy Koven didn't receive a call back from a clothing company after approaching them about a partnership, he decided to start his own company. Based in Los Angeles, Jeremy's clothing line will be called Agent Cali and it will include positive messages that inspire teens to be true to who they are and to pursue their passions. Jeremy is also an honor student, athlete, and volunteer for a rape treatment center.
At the age of 12, Hoboken, New Jersey native Gibson Borelli has already earned his own show on FoodNetwork.com. After winning the second season of Rachael vs Guy: Kids Cook-Off, Gibson will host his own show called The Jersey Shore Kid. Gibson, who has been cooking since he was 6, is determined to show kids of all ages how cooking can be fun, as well as delicious.