Lauren G. - Carmel School
Indiana

"Hello, my name is Lauren and I  enjoy  a variety of activities such as hanging out with friends, traveling, running on the school track team, spending time in nature, volunteering, and playing the saxophone and the piano. I lead my own Roots & Shoots group called Carmel Area Roots & Shoots and am the youth coordinator and founder of the Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant Program. Although interested in all aspects of environmentalism, I am especially concerned about climate change and its effect on animals’ habitats. I look forward to studying environmental science and other sciences in order to become a researcher and environmental activist with a specific focus on the study of climate change’s effect on polar bear populations."

Bernell L. - Mt. Carmel High School
Illinois

_{"Hi!  I'm from Chicago and am 17 years old.  My passion is acting and singing and I have been involved in both from an early age.  I was introduced to Roots & Shoots and Dr. Jane Goodall during a performance I was a part of.  I joined a Roots & Shoots group at Ray of Hope Center of the Arts. With Ray of Hope, I was a part of their service project “There’s No Place Like Home,” discussing the topic of animal neglect and cruelty. I am excited to be a part of a group of driven, ambitious, and intelligent young people. It is motivating to be around friends that are all trying to make a change and bring innovation to the world."}

Tayler M. - Home School                   Illinois

"I am a sophomore in high school and I am also home-schooled. I live in rural, central Illinois and this fact has made my major environmental project, recycling, a little easier. I have set up and still maintain seven recycling centers in seven different communities. Since I started recycling, I have reclaimed and recycled over 22,963 pounds of aluminum. With the funds I earn from this project I am able to do many other projects throughout the year. When I graduate I hope to continue my work with environmental issues and hopefully study veterinary medicine."

Madison V. - Greenhills School Michigan

I am a freshman in high school and am interested in animals, sports, music, politics, service learning, writing, and outdoor activites. Some of my skills include having the ability to get things done, and having compassion for others.

Neil D. - New Trier High School Illinois

Hello, my name is Neil and I am a sophomore at New Trier High School.  In my free time I enjoy watching football and spending time with my friends. I have helped with Roots and Shoots in the US and in Tanzania.  In Tanzania I worked with students who are part of Roots and Shoots groups there. I am also a coach in my schools Special Olympics which is part of the state of Illinois Special Olympics.

Pranee P.- Walter Payton College Prep, Illinois

"Hello, my name is Pranee and I am a senior in high school this year.  I am very active at my school and some of my activities include Model U.N. and Environmental Club. I also volunteer at the Comer Children’s Hospital every week. My hobbies include reading science fiction/fantasy novels and spending time with my niece and nephew. I have a great passion for traveling, and I will make sure to visit lots of different countries as an adult. I was once an exchange student in Japan and that’s where I learned how to play my favorite instrument – the Okoto. I am a very adventurous, open-minded person who likes to make an adventure out of everything. I am also hard-working and self-motivated. I am aiming towards becoming a gerontologist when I grow up."