"Celebrating Young Heroes": Gloria Barron Prize Honors Kids, Teens Who Give Back

Thought Question: What motivates you to make a difference, and how do you think young people can contribute in your community?

Young people can make enormous differences in the world. The 25 winners of the 2023 Gloria Barron Prize are proof! 

The Gloria Barron Prize was first created by acclaimed author T.A. Barron. He did so to honor his late mother. It has recognized 575 kids and teens over the past 23 years. According to its website, the award lauds “25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment.” Here are a few of this year’s winners: 

Armando Parrish, 18, Texas: Parrish founded Project Lorenzo. It's a nonprofit organization that offers tech classes and job assistance to people living in homeless shelters. “My work has taught me that people are good, and they are generous,” Parrish told Barron. “People will contribute to a worthy cause because no one wants to see another struggling.”

Jonah Larson, 15, Wisconsin: Larson raised $75,000 for a school in his home country of Ethiopia. He has been dubbed a "crochet prodigy." He auctioned his work to help fund a library and science lab. Some funds also helped buy equipment for the school’s soccer team. “I’ve learned that the world is both vast and small at the same time,” Jonah explained. “I hope my work can help bring the world together, one stitch at a time.”  

Rory Hu, 13, California: Hu researched bee colony collapses. Her findings helped scientists link dwindling bee populations to memory issues caused by pesticides. “I realized just how far my passion could drive me,” Rory told Barron. “By pushing my limits, I achieved what I’d previously considered undoable.”

Photo courtesy of Gloria Barron Prize Press Release.