​The nomination: Mackenzie was just like any other person you knew at school or had a few classes with, and then one day she woke up to her life completely flipped around. She had to take on responsibility that a lot of other teens could not handle. And she proved to everyone that she could do it. With all she has dealt with in her life, she is still the humblest person I know. She always helps others even if she does not know then at all. She would give her last bit she had to help out someone in need. She has a huge heart.

​The Nomination: Marcus is a hardworking teen. He homeschooled and took college classes his junior and senior year of high school. He maintained all A's in all his classes, had a 4.0 GPA, and made the Dean’s list at his college. He earned enough credits to apply to the nursing program and is waiting to hear acceptance. He was able to maintain his good grades while also working 2 jobs and playing Varsity Hockey for Hilliard Hockey Club. He was chosen as team captain for his hockey team. He also won the MVP award and coaches award for the 2019/2020 season. He was also one of only 5 players chosen to play in the OSHL All Star game. He shows dedication and commitment in all he does and is also a kind, compassionate son, brother, and friend.

The Nomination: Gretchen McPherson brings sunshine and laughter wherever she goes, showing His light to everyone around her. Gretchen volunteers for an organization called The Little Lighthouse which helps children who have special needs and offers support to their families. She not only works with the children, but she is also a Junior Board Member at The Little Lighthouse. Gretchen has an amazing voice; her hard work and talent has won her several solo vocal awards and recognitions. Her passion is to pursue Musical Therapy and work with both special needs kids and adults to help them heal through music.

Gretchen was featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Ryann Mescher was at the grocery store and saw the lady in front of her unable to pay for both food and menstrual products that week. This experience weighed on her, and she decided to do something about it because no one should have to choose between eating and having period supplies. Ryann started Femme Aid Collaborative to end period poverty in her community. She has raised over $50K and purchased, collected, and distributed over 650,000-period pieces to 18 local nonprofits in less than two years. Her goal is to end period poverty and period stigma in her community.

​The Nomination: Kristen never seems to give up. Her tenacity is inspiring. While going after what she wants, she is fearless and almost always has a smile on her face. Kristen volunteers on a consistent basis. It would be hard to find a more selfless person willing to give up their personal time, talent, and resources to help and support others.

The Nomination: Emma Topp is looked up to by so many teens across the world. She has 361 thousand subscribers on Youtube. Her channel took off after partnering with Semester at Sea. She is constantly creating new and creative content for her Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok to share with her audience. She is such a role model for teens and I see her platform growing so much more in the future and is most definitely someone to watch. 

​The Nomination: EllaBabe is so beautiful on the inside and outside. She’s selfless, caring, hardworking, and a true Christian. If you view her Instagram you can see several of her inspirational videos where she is not afraid to share God’s Word. She is a wrestler for the Ada Cougars and she placed third at states. She volunteers at our local food bank when she is available. She also volunteers during Christmas to feed the homeless and distribute gifts. She tutors and has helped several kids with their schoolwork during the pandemic since she is always looking for ways to help others. She truly deserves to be recognized for everything she does at such a young age!

​The Nomination: Ella Beyer is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter who plays guitar and keys, as well as performs solo and with her band, Almost Famous. Ella gives back to the community as one of the only 40 SoCal high school students chosen for the Dragon Kim Foundation Fellowship. Through this, Ella and her partner created "Summer Serenade" where they visit people's houses and sing songs of hope (including Ella's originals) from front lawns. Ella also co-founded Fostering the Arts, a Performing Arts Camp for kids in the L.A. foster care system. She performs concerts for retirement and nursing homes and she has also volunteered with L.A. River Cleanup and the Los Angeles Food Bank. Ella attends California School of the Arts, where she has roles in the National Honor Society, the California Junior Scholarship Foundation, Fusion, the Musical Theater Conservatory, President’s Honor Roll, and serves as the Beatles Club President. She also composed the school jingle! She received the 2020 all-school Ambassador Award for embodying the 5 Pillars of Achievement and Character.