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They may not be able to see through walls or leap over skyscrapers in a single bound, but in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, teens are performing impressive feats of community service.
To recognize these amazing young people, the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens launched the Teen Hero Awards, a national search to identify and honor youth who give back to their communities. Of nearly 400 entries collected last April, 39 teen heroes, including 33 from Boys & Girls Clubs, were recognized. The prizes? Grants to be awarded to the winners’ favorite charities.
“More than 15 million teenagers volunteer their time in the United States annually – contributing more than a billion hours of service,” says Bob Fulmer, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. “We wanted to honor these young people and inspire millions more to get involved. It’s proven that teens who volunteer tend to do better in school and in life.”
Meet the Finalists
Josh Alldredge At age 6, Josh Alldredge was diagnosed with Duchene’s muscular dystrophy. Although he could walk when he was younger, the disease has slowly deprived him of mobility, confining him to a wheelchair, with only the use of his hands. But his condition hasn’t stopped him. A 4.0 student, Josh tutors fourth-grade Club members, runs a summer science program and serves as a 4-H robotics instructor at his Club. |
Traver Dodorye Traver Dodorye believes that we are all global citizens. He organized and implemented an advocacy group at his teen center highlighting the conflict in Darfur, Sudan that has taken as many as 400,000 lives. The group has raised both awareness about the war-torn region and money for its inhabitants. |
Al’Shondra Harris Last spring, when most high school seniors were worrying about what to wear to the prom, Al’Shondra Harris was looking for ways to send others to the dance in style. Recognizing the financial hardships many teens face, Al’Shondra collected prom wear for girls who couldn’t afford any, eventually obtaining more than 150 gowns for girls from several area high schools. |
Tory Myles When the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation approached Tory Myles’ Club about cleaning up the Anacostia River, one of the nation’s most polluted waterways, she jumped right in and served as crew leader. She also volunteered to testify in front of the D.C. City Council on behalf of the AWC. In addition, she has facilitated teen workshops about underage drinking and coordinated winter coat drives. |