James
Calister
James Calister, 17, of Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey,
recognized a need to promote an attitude of acceptance and racial harmony
in an area that was slowly changing from an all-white, affluent community
to one consisting of residents from many races and economic backgrounds.
Prejudice and fear drove many long-time residents out of town, and heightened
anger among many adults and youth. James began attending community planning
meetings and Board of Education meetings, where he learned how to influence
decision-makers to help in his fight against racism. He joined the Racial
Balance Task Force, and won an election for Student Council President
based on his promise to improve relations within the schools and the community.
In addition, James spends much of his free time helping to coordinate
various community and school-wide events, such as Diversity Day and Martin
Luther King Day, which help to promote diversity. "As long as others
continue the work that I and others like me have begun, eventually there
will be a fundamental shift in the community's outlook on diversity,"
he said.
Brett
Newton
Brett Newton, 13, of Long Valley Middle School in Long Valley, New Jersey,
overcame a bout with cancer and, inspired by his experience, decided to
help other children by performing in an educational video produced by
Overlook Hospital. Brett, who had performed in community theatre before
becoming ill, was quick to volunteer when the hospital approached him
about the video. "The video will help families and kids with cancer;
all they have to do is watch to learn," said Brett. He also performed
in a benefit show that raised $700,000 for the Hole In the Wall Camp,
which Brett attended with other children diagnosed with cancer. He practiced
many hours and performed alongside celebrities like Julia Roberts, Carole
King, and Paul Newman, whom Brett would like to emulate one day. If Brett's
acting talent makes him famous, he would like to continue making time
to help those in need, just like Newman.
Distinguished
Finalists
- Lilianne Cooper, 17, Academy of the Holy Angels, Demarest, started
a program called Happy
To You to provide birthday and holiday cards
to special-needs kids in her area.
- Andrew Slifko, 16, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount
Holly, trains seeing-eye dogs for the blind through the Seeing Eye program.
- Jamie Garbacki-Cattanese, 10, Pequannock Valley Middle School,
Pompton Plains, brought dinner to her neighbor and his wife, who suffered
from leukemia, everyday during their time of need.
- AshLee Drozd, 12, Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Bridgewater,
started Helping Paws to collect and recycle aluminum cans to raise money
for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter's medical fund.
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