Need a little inspiration? Meet 18 local teens who are making a difference in the community — and around the world.
Junior Achievement of Arizona is hosting a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate this year’s 18 Under 18 — young people who have successfully balanced school, sports, family, arts, internships, friendships, and future aspirations. The event is free, and appropriate for all ages.
“We want to help people see how amazing these students are and be inspired by the collective hope our youth bring to this state,” said Anne Landers, JAAZ marketing and development director. “This cohort is a representation of the many, many thousands of great students we have in Arizona. It’s amazing what they’re doing already, [compared to] what we were doing at their same age. They are going to change the future for us, make our future better.”
The webinar-format event will be hosted by Priscilla Ornelas, radio host on Mix 96.9.
Brief descriptions of a few students at a time will be interspersed with video interviews where winners will answer specific questions, like “What’s unique about your generation?” A question-and-answer session at the end will allow questions from the virtual audience.
“This is an opportunity to hear a little bit more from these kids,” said Landers. “I hope people walk away realizing that they are doing amazing things, but also that they represent the potential of every student in our community.”
Landers plans to watch with her 6-year-old. Though she admits he may not understand the full impact of the presentation, she wants him to be immersed, even briefly, in the stories of young people who are leaving positive, productive lives filled with caring for others.
The event begins at 4 p.m. and will run until roughly 5:30, depending on the number of questions from the audience. Register here.
