Category Archives: Unsung hero

Makwei Mabioor Deng

Posted on November 2, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/02/art.makwei.jpg caption=”Scholarship winner Makwei Mabioor Deng, 23, plans to return to his Sudanese homeland to practice law.”] Two years ago, Makwei Mabioor Deng had never seen a computer or a library full of books. For 16 years he … Continue reading →

Posted in Community contributors, Social reformers, Stereotype busters, Unsung hero, Worldwide reach | 2 Comments

Derrius Quarles

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/10/26/story.derrius.quarles.jpg caption=”Derrius Quarles received more than $1 million in college scholarships”] We have heard horrific news about young people in Chicago as of late. Derrion Albert, an honors student who was gunned down, has become the “face” of … Continue reading →

Posted in Stereotype busters, Under 20, Unsung hero | 16 Comments

Lexi Lehrman

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/27/art.lehrman.jpg caption=”Lexi Lehrman, 11, has raised $25,000 for breast cancer research.”] I recently wrote about young women tackling breast cancer early on. Never did I imagine there could be a female younger than her 20s thinking and talking … Continue reading →

Posted in Community contributors, Under 20, Unsung hero | 26 Comments

Damien Declerck

Posted on April 26, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/26/art.smile.jpg caption=”Damien Declerk, 25, is a mission coordinator with Operation Smile.”] “Everything OK, Damien?” I ask him every other time he zips in front of me with a different box of papers, equipment or toys. “Yeah, yeah,” he … Continue reading →

Posted in Community contributors, Unsung hero, Worldwide reach | 24 Comments

Amanda Plachek and Steven Weber

Posted on April 19, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/19/art.norwich.ypwr.jpg caption=”Amanda Plachek and Steven Weber produced the documentary ‘War at Home.’”] We’ve heard a fair share about the problems troops face when they return to civilian life: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sometimes suicide. But, it’s rare for … Continue reading →

Posted in Unsung hero | 17 Comments

Dwyane Wade

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/01/art.wade.jpg caption=”NBA star Dwyane Wade is the national spokesman for National Recess Week.”] You already know him as an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. You already know that Dwyane Wade still gets up after falling down seven … Continue reading →

Posted in Amazing talents, Athletes, Community contributors, Olympics, Unsung hero | 19 Comments

J.R. Martinez

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/15/knowjr.art.jpg caption=”J.R. Martinez, 25, is a national spokesperson for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.”] J.R. Martinez wanted to give back to the country that gave him and his family so much. The 25-year-old enlisted in the U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainer, Stereotype busters, Unsung hero | 108 Comments

Liz Kelly

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/16/liz.murray.couple.jpg caption=”Liz Kelly, 29, donated her kidney to her fiancé when he became seriously ill.”] In light of Valentine’s Day, our team thought it was only fitting that we introduce you to a young person who loves. Liz … Continue reading →

Posted in Unsung hero | 56 Comments

Luqman “Luke” Jubair

Posted on December 28, 2008 by Stephen Walsh

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/28/art_ypwr_howcast2.jpg caption=”Luqman ‘Luke’ Jubair, 22, seen here attending The Alliance of Youth Movements Summit in New York.”] Luqman “Luke” Jubair is one of the bravest people I’ve ever met. I actually didn’t know what to expect when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Community contributors, Stereotype busters, Unsung hero, Worldwide reach | 11 Comments

Alicia Mixson

Posted on May 10, 2008 by Katie Hawkins, Associate Producer for User Participation

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/05/10/art.ypwr.mixon.jpg caption=”Alicia Mixson takes care of her brother Catlin Mixson, who was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq last year.”]The Mixson family has two young heroes. Catlin Mixson, 21, is one of the nation’s heroes, serving in … Continue reading →

Posted in Unsung hero | 88 Comments