Zafeen “Zizi” Boulware

Zizi is clearly someone who sees a need and just gets to work. I especially loved the Birthday Bags project and the heart behind it—it felt thoughtful, personal and genuinely impactful. I’d love to hear more about the adversity she’s faced and how it has shaped her passion for service, as well as more specifics about the long-term impact of her projects. Overall, she comes across as a compassionate leader who is already making a real difference.

— Joy Hoover

Love her spirit of servant leadership.

— Rachel Gomez

Ethan Cohen

Ethan has accomplished an incredible amount at a young age, especially navigating the legislative process and turning an idea into real policy. It’s clear he’s driven, thoughtful and committed to creating change. I’d love to hear more about what personally shaped this passion and how these experiences have impacted his own growth. Overall, he’s already making a meaningful difference and has a bright future ahead.

— Joy Hoover

He was committed, persistent and resourceful. His accomplishments also required him to understand the basic process of passing legislation.

— Rachel Gomez

Outstanding achievements!

— Will Houghton

Trinity Lee

Trinity is incredibly impressive for her age, and it’s fun to see such an entrepreneurial spirit developing so early. I especially appreciate that she’s learning confidence, responsibility and leadership through her business. I’d love to see more concrete examples of her direct community impact and how she has grown through challenges beyond building her business. She has a wonderful foundation and so much potential ahead of her.

— Joy Hoover

Congratulations! I never underestimate our youth. Keep up the good work!

— Rachel Gomez

Well done—keep up the amazing impact.

— Will Houghton

Annie Stewart

Annie’s story is incredibly moving, and it’s clear she has chosen to turn a deeply personal experience into serving others with compassion. I’d love to see more specific examples of the leadership she took on and the impact she personally made through her volunteer work. She cares so much, and I have no doubt she’ll continue making a difference.

— Joy Hoover

This is a personal connection to her mission. Kudos for being a champion.

— Rachel Gomez

What an inspirational young person!

— Will Houghton

Camden Church

I love seeing Camden build something alongside his brothers; it says a lot about his leadership and willingness to stick with hard things. The resilience he has developed through trial and error really stood out to me. I’d love to see more examples of how his leadership is impacting the community beyond his family, but he’s off to a great start and has so much potential.

— Joy Hoover

This is day-to-day leadership through hands-on mentorship. Good job!

— Rachel Gomez

Excellent direction and leadership.

— Will Houghton

Cara McAnallen

Cara has clearly poured a lot of time and heart into serving her community, and it’s obvious that people trust her to lead. I love seeing someone so consistently show up for others. I’d love to hear more about the lasting impact of her leadership and what changed because she was involved. She has a great heart for service and so much to be proud of.

— Joy Hoover

Great community impact! Sometimes we can’t do things alone, but sometimes our great strength also comes from being part of established community efforts.

— Rachel Gomez

Wow! A tremendous young person who can make a difference well into the future!

— Will Houghton

Josiah Nelson

Josiah’s creativity really stood out to me, and I admire the way he has continued to pursue something he loves despite experiencing bullying and other difficult challenges at school. It takes a lot of resilience to keep showing up and channel those experiences into something positive. I’d love to hear more about how he has used his talents to impact others, but I appreciate the perseverance and imagination he brings.

— Joy Hoover

I love that you are tapping into your creative talents. Sometimes the working world underestimates the power of inspiration through art. This is also a great way to express any personal emotions we need to work through. Good job!

— Rachel Gomez

Sadee Jo Hale-Osborn

Sadee Jo comes across as someone with a kind heart who genuinely wants to make the people around her feel supported. I admire the resilience she has shown in overcoming bullying and continuing to lead with compassion. I’d love to see more specific examples of the impact she has made and the initiatives she has led. She has a great foundation and so much potential to keep making a difference.

— Joy Hoover

Love how you used your own personal adversity to help and support others!

— Rachel Gomez

This young person seems to take every opportunity to improve their world, leading by example at the forefront.

— Will Houghton

Christopher “CJ” Forgione

CJ’s story is incredibly inspiring, and I love that he turned his own experience into something that brings comfort to other kids facing similar challenges. Starting a nonprofit at such a young age shows both compassion and initiative. I’d love to hear more about the impact his organization has had and how it has grown, but it’s clear he is already making a meaningful difference for others.

— Joy Hoover

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. How we support others through our compassion and empathy shows great character!

— Rachel Gomez

Brilliant direction—keep going!

— Will Houghton

Sophie Mata

It’s clear she is an exceptional student who has worked incredibly hard to achieve so much academically. I also love seeing that her peers trusted her to lead as NHS president. I’d love to hear more about how she has used those leadership skills to make a tangible impact in her school or community. She has an impressive foundation and a very bright future ahead.

— Joy Hoover

Wow! Great commitment to your own personal success!

— Rachel Gomez

She is an amazing and accomplished young person. It is obvious that she is a leader by example.

— Will Houghton

Astrid Veronika Florido

Astrid’s creativity and dedication really stood out to me. I especially loved seeing her use music to celebrate her Filipino heritage in such a meaningful way. I’d love to learn more about the direct impact she has had through her art and the ways she has used her talents to give back, but it’s clear she is building something special and has so much potential.

— Joy Hoover

Love Astrid! Keep developing your talent and your understanding of the business of entertainment. I’m rooting for you!

— Rachel Gomez

Well done! I love that she wrote a new song.

— Will Houghton

Kingstyn Majors

Kingstyn has such an entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s really fun to see someone his age creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. I especially loved that he has opened doors for his teammates while pursuing his passion for writing. I’d love to hear more about the long-term impact of his work, but he’s already doing some pretty impressive things and has so much potential.

— Joy Hoover

Nice job! I love the confidence it takes to reach people at those professional levels. Keep showing up!

— Rachel Gomez

Justyn Boumah

Justyn seems like the kind of kid who genuinely makes people feel seen, and I love that his kindness has turned into real action over the years. The Blessing Project especially stood out to me because it feels so thoughtful and personal. I’d love to hear more about the impact it has had and how many people it has reached, but it’s clear he is already making his community a better place.

— Joy Hoover

Always be kind. Love it! I also love how you use your character to lead and inspire others.

— Rachel Gomez

Ahnalise Alvarez

Ahnalise’s determination really stood out to me. Rather than letting a roadblock stop her, she figured out a way forward while staying focused on helping animals. I’d love to know more about the lives she has impacted through Pretty Paws Lemonade, but it’s clear she has a big heart and isn’t afraid to work for a cause she believes in.

— Joy Hoover

Now that’s what I call entrepreneurial! Most entrepreneurs don’t become successful because everything is perfect. It’s about how we respond when faced with challenges and dilemmas. You took the responsible road and took charge, finding a solution so you could keep your business open. Keep going—I’d love to try your lemonade one day!

— Rachel Gomez

Love how you have such a strong support system. That’s important in life and when pursuing a business. You’ll learn through your resilience and by addressing challenges head-on. Keep going!

— Rachel Gomez

Well done.

— Will Houghton

Adrian Manukian Bradley

Adrian comes across as a kind, hardworking young man who has handled some difficult circumstances with maturity and grace. I admire the resilience he has shown and the example he sets through sportsmanship and character. I’d love to see more specific examples of his leadership, accomplishments and the impact he has had on others, as I think there is more to his story than this nomination captured.

— Joy Hoover

We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can control how we respond. I love that you have focused on yourself and your passions. Challenges help forge our strengths.

— Rachel Gomez

Amalia Kress

It’s easy to see how dedicated Amalia is, and I really admire the balance she has found between athletics, school and her other interests. She seems like someone who naturally encourages the people around her and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. I’d love to see more specific examples of the difference she has made in her school or community, but she is already showing qualities that will take her far.

— Joy Hoover

It takes commitment and discipline to accomplish great things. It’s impressive that you are already developing these skills at such a young age. Keep up the great work!

— Rachel Gomez

Terrific young person! Keep going.

— Will Houghton

Josephine Kress

Josephine’s work ethic is undeniable, and it’s exciting to see someone her age pursuing excellence in so many areas. I enjoyed learning about her athletic accomplishments and the example she sets for her teammates. I’d love to hear more about how she has translated those strengths into lasting impact within her school or community.

— Joy Hoover

The art of balancing and juggling all things is something even adults have trouble with. Discipline and consistency are key regardless of what you pursue in life. Good job!

— Rachel Gomez

Hanna Aschenaki

I really appreciated the way Hanna shared how navigating two cultures shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for helping others feel seen and included. It’s inspiring to see her turn those experiences into action through Melodies of Hope. I’d love to hear more about the long-term impact of her work, but she is already making a meaningful difference.

— Joy Hoover

Being a champion for others is one of the strongest measures of leadership. We need more youth like you! Great job!

— Rachel Gomez

Brilliant path—well done. Keep going!

— Will Houghton

Crystal Santos

Crystal is clearly talented, and I really appreciated her willingness to be open about her anxiety and learning disability. I think that vulnerability has the potential to encourage a lot of other young people. I’d love to hear more about the direct impact of her volunteer work and community involvement, but it’s clear she is passionate about using her gifts to make a positive difference.

— Joy Hoover

Having been a performing artist myself, I totally relate to the anxiety each live performance brings. It never really leaves you, but through practice and consistency in your training, you’ll learn to trust your own talent. Keep shining!

— Rachel Gomez

Hayden Pharris

Hayden’s ability to pivot after such a major setback is really admirable. Instead of letting his injuries define him, he found a new purpose and had the courage to build something from the ground up. I’d love to learn more about the impact Faith Fragrance has had beyond the business itself, but his perseverance and entrepreneurial mindset are incredibly impressive.

— Joy Hoover

Turn adversity into opportunity! That is the heart of an entrepreneur. Work with someone to create a story for your marketing campaign. Though that may sound impersonal, it is the way of the business world.

— Rachel Gomez

Extraordinary pivot from basketball to fragrances.

— Will Houghton

Lewis Layton

Lewis seems like someone who quietly leads by showing up and helping wherever he can. I enjoyed seeing how involved he is in his church, Scouts and community. I’d love to learn more about the impact he has made through those experiences, but it’s clear he is developing into a thoughtful and service-minded young man.

— Joy Hoover

Wow! What an impressive list of accomplishments. More so, I love your dedication and commitment to whatever it is you’re pursuing. Keep it going!

— Rachel Gomez

Well done. I love all the different achievements you’ve accomplished.

— Will Houghton

Ellie Layton

Starting a business at such a young age is impressive, and I love seeing Ellie channel her creativity into something she has built herself. What stood out to me most was learning that she has navigated 15 moves in just 18 years. That kind of constant change takes incredible resilience, and it’s inspiring to see how she has continued to pursue her passions and show up for her community despite it. I’d love to hear more about the impact her business has had, but she has clearly built a strong foundation for herself.

— Joy Hoover

Your commitment to your own achievements will lead you through whatever challenges may come your way. Your ability to adjust in life will build great confidence as you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. Good luck with your business! The natural personal-care category is growing despite the competition. You’ll do great!

— Rachel Gomez

Difficult circumstances that have been surmounted brilliantly.

— Will Houghton

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