Anyone under 18 around the world can be nominated. Winners receive a prize and are publicly recognized at a special awards ceremony at the Museum (those from too far away accept their honor via a recorded video message). Young Heroes' stories are posted on our website and displayed at a special exhibit at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia so that thousands of visitors each year can see and be inspired by their good works.

Read about some of the Young Heroes we honored at the 2009 awards. Nominate one or more special young people for our 2010 awards.

Some Past Winners…

Ayana is a true believer in the strength of community. She worked with the administration of her elementary school to create a talent show, where students of all different backgrounds could show off their unique abilities. As organizer and emcee, she even brought a Cambodian New Year Celebration to her school. She serves others outside of school, too. She's a translator at a Khmer Buddhist Temple for adults and children whose English is limited, helps with neighborhood cleanup efforts, and dedicates her time to an afterschool program.

Jeffrey is the President of the REBEL Club (Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies), which educates fellow students at his high school about the dangers of tobacco use. He communicates with students and staff across his state, promoting awareness of tobacco-related issues. He is an outstanding student and an exceptional leader. Trained in conflict resolution and peer mediation, he has provided mentoring to freshmen and new students at his high school as part of the Student Alliance Club, spreading a message of respect, responsibility, and integrity.

Last September, the eighth grade students at a city middle school were asked to volunteer a week of their time to help with kindergarten classes. Danzeill stepped up and helped out for the week, and then another week, and another. She decided to stay and help with them for the entire school year. It's a big job. She mediates disputes and organizes games for the children. She does the little things like opening up milk cartons, ketchup packets, and cellophane wrappers, and the big things, like teach them about sportsmanship, sharing, and self-control.

Gunnar first founded a peer-to-peer tutoring program at his middle school, and then again at his high school. Whenever others have needed him, he's been there – as a valued mentor and peer mediator, a teacher, and a coach. He consistently goes the extra mile to reach out to other people. Instead of using his gifts to benefit himself, he looks for ways to make a difference for his peers. Through his selfless commitment to others, he has improved his schools, bettered his community, and become an example for us all.