In this month of Thanksgiving, we’re hugely grateful for our 2022 class of Barron Prize young heroes. These 25 exceptional young leaders embody goodness and heroic ideals. They demonstrate that with heart and hard work, one person really can make a difference. They remind us that our individual actions matter, and they inspire us to be our best selves. For all of the good these young people do and stand for, we’re truly thankful.

Below we share snapshots of our newest young heroes’ work to change the world. We hope they leave you feeling hopeful, inspired, and grateful!

Luna is increasing awareness of systemic solutions to climate change. Ethan B. is engaging youth in climate policy making and community action, while Kelly focuses on climate justice. Will works to protect coastlines from the effects of sea level rise. Isabel makes eco-friendly jewelry and ornaments to raise money for environmental causes. Karina is committed to reducing the amount of plastic on the planet, and Nihal works passionately to promote battery recycling.

Khloe is helping kids build home libraries and Hannah is increasing access to STEM education. Ethan H. is supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, while Laura is providing homemade meals for foster families. Orion has collected and distributed hundreds of thousands of toys, meals, and books for people in need. Sahana is supporting homeless single mothers and their children, while Lucy is helping bring clean water to developing countries.

Aseel has developed an inexpensive and environmentally friendly larvicide to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Karun created Artificial Intelligence (AI) software that can diagnose Covid-19 and pneumonia in under one minute. Laalitya used AI to develop a low-cost device that can detect water contamination within seconds. And Reshma invented a way to use AI to predict forest fires with nearly 90% accuracy.

Austin uses his artistic talent to create vibrant public art projects in the Greater Seattle area that empower communities to restore salmon spawning streams. Arsh shares his love of painting by teaching art classes for the elderly and by selling his artwork to raise money for charities. Reed uses music to make a difference by staging an annual benefit concert that raises money to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Steven combines his passions for filmmaking and hydroponic gardening to foster peace between communities in conflict and to help feed vulnerable groups. Leo, an avid baker and entrepreneur, creates Do-It-Yourself baking kits that help schools raise money for community causes.

Anna works passionately to raise awareness of pollinators’ importance and devastating decline, and to provide ways to promote their population growth. Jack protects critically endangered orangutans and their rainforest habitat, and educates people about caring for the environment.