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The Latest Barron Prize NewsGrateful for Growth: Barron Prize Winners Share Lessons Learned Through Service
In this season of Thanksgiving, we asked our newest Barron Prize winners what they’re grateful to have learned and gained through their work to help the world. They replied with heartfelt words about finding their voice, expanding their compassion, and gaining a sense of purpose. They also expressed deep gratitude for seeing firsthand the power of young people to make a difference.
We are so very thankful for all our young heroes, the inspiring ideals they live by, and the good they’re doing in the world. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Anisha Dhoot, age 16
Earth-ai
I’m grateful that my service work has taught me how powerful young people can be when we take action in our communities. Through environmental education and outreach, I’ve met many inspiring students, mentors, and partners who remind me that change is possible when we work together. This journey has helped me grow as a leader and deepened my commitment to building a more sustainable, equitable future.
Vivian Liu, age 16
Origami For Good
Through my nonprofit Origami For Good, I’ve learned how meaningful it is to share ideas and watch them potentially spark something in others. Seeing people from completely different places connect through something as simple as folded paper has shown me that creativity really can bring people together in ways you’d never expect! I’m so thankful for our volunteers, chapters, partners, executives, teachers, and organizations like the Barron Prize who’ve brought this vision to life. I never imagined so many people would believe in and support an idea that started at my desk with a single sheet of paper.
Asa Miller, age 18
¡Viva el Vivero!
This year, I am spending a gap year in Israel before attending Cornell University, and I am thankful for one thing: peace in the region. What I have learned conducting coral research in both Cuba and Israel is that environmental preservation work is nearly impossible when a country is overwhelmed by a conflict or other more pressing issues. I am thankful when ideological differences are addressed so that people may then work together to preserve our planet.
Gia Providente, age 8
Protecting endangered turtles
I am grateful for making a difference in my community and protecting the diamondback terrapins. It feels really good to help and I learned that even a small person can make a big difference.
Nicolina Pappas, age 14
Nicolina’s Turtle Co.
I’m deeply grateful for the power of youth voice. Through my Skip the Plastic campaign, I’ve learned that even as a young person, I can inspire real change. I’ve seen that persistence, collaboration, and staying hopeful make it possible to protect our rivers, wildlife, and future.
Srihan Sankepalle, age 15
Microplastics removal system
From my science projects, I’ve understood that you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to work on solving real-world problems. I have devoted much time to designing an experiment, blowing it, and then recovering, which has taught me patience, accountability, as well as clearer thinking. I have also understood that our health, environment, and tech are more connected than I initially realized. I am grateful to science for providing an avenue to convert curiosity into something productive for society.
April Surac, age 17
NeuraSensa
Starting NeuraSensa opened my eyes to the importance of truly paying attention to people’s experiences, and for that, I am forever grateful! Working with neurodivergent kids, families, and educators has shown me how meaningful it is when design feels thoughtful and inclusive. I’ve learned to ask what helps them enjoy art and interactive activities, then shape my work around those needs. I’m thankful for the mentors, friendships, and supportive community that continue to inspire my commitment to serve and create.
Cynthia Zhang, age 17
Monarchs Matter
Witnessing Monarchs Matter grow has filled me with hope and confidence to pursue more projects to uplift others and bring the new ideas and visions that keep me up at night into fruition. I am immensely grateful for the amazing people (and butterfly friends!) that have inspired and supported me, beginning all the way back in 2022, to get to this point. Almost four years later, I am almost never bored. Monarchs Matter has awakened a new energy in me where I feel ready and excited to learn, create, or dream about something new every day.
Ethan Hua, age 17
H.O.P.E. (Help Our Planet Earth)
I am grateful for the life-changing lessons I have learned through the H.O.P.E. Uniforms Program — especially the power of circular reuse and community empowerment. I am thankful for the families who trust and support our uniform recycling mission, and for our community partners who share our passion for protecting the environment and uplifting local students. Their belief in H.O.P.E.’s good cause has shown me that substantive change can be made when a community unites around sustainability and kindness.
Carter Medved, age 18
CrushCarbon, EnviroVols, and WattSherpa
The Barron Prize didn’t just honor my work; it expanded it. During my gap year, I’ve learned that gratitude travels. It’s in the neighbors who continue to switch off their lights since my first local energy challenge, in the Visioneers cast and crew who shared my story on national TV, and in the conservation efforts I’ve joined across Australia, Japan, and Thailand this fall. In January, I’ll continue that work in Cape Town with Blue Horizon Energy, helping accelerate the clean energy transition across Africa. I’m incredibly grateful to the Barron Prize for helping make this journey possible.
Matthew Vila, age 16
Harmony Hugs
This Thanksgiving season, my time at Harmony Hugs has made me especially grateful for the gift of friendship. Teaching music every afternoon to kids with special needs has taught me that friendship is truly love in its purest form. And so, as I look at the smiles on my kids’ faces, I sit back with a heart full of hope and gratitude, forever grateful, forever inspired, by the kids that gave me the greatest gift I’ve ever received.
Vick Tan, age 16
Fish Hut
Through my work with Fish Hut, I’ve become deeply grateful for the chance to see how small actions can transform lives. I’ve learned that teaching someone how to catch a fish is more than a skill; it’s a chance to improve emotional well-being. Watching young people discover a lifelong hobby has shown me the power of community and the lasting impact of sharing knowledge. I’m thankful to have gained a sense of purpose from helping others find independence through something as simple, yet meaningful, as fishing.
William Tan, age 14
Fish Hut
As a co-founder of Fish Hut, I am grateful for the numerous lessons that I have learned. This project has expanded my empathy, sharpened my listening, and also given me an opportunity to help my community. My work has shown that nature, mentorship, and community build positive mental health in ways where nothing else can. I am grateful for the countless young people who have reinforced my belief that positive mental health is not sudden, but rather a continuous effort. Through all of these lessons I have learned that small moments of connection build a strong community.
