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

Hello, my name is Madi. I am a sophmore in highschool and attend Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, MI. I run cross country and track and am a ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap dancer. When I am older, I hope to pursue a career as a veterinarion. Dr. Jane Goodall has always been my hero, and she has inspired me to serve people, animals, and the enviornment. In 2006, my friend and I began a Girl Scout Bronze Award project to raise awareness about orangutans and their rainforest habitat which still continues today. Roots&Shoots is a community that gives you the chance to work with other committed youth across the country, who share the same passions and goals.

Anycia S. - Illinois

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.

Rhiannon T.- Greenhills School       Michigan

Hi, my name's Rhiannon. I am a sophomore in high school school in Ann Arbor, MI. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I spent my freshman year of high school living overseas in China with my family. I play ice hockey, softball and help coach a local girls running program. Dr. Jane Goodall has always been one of my role models, and I am excited to be a part of the Roots and Shoots Great Lakes Youth Leadership Council. I believe in the importance of empowering youth to stand up within their communities and to speak out for causes that they are passionate about.

Taylor P.- The Latin School               Illinois

Hello, my name is Taylor and I am seventeen years old. I have had a deep connection to wildlife for as long as I can remember and I feel it is crucial that we protect them.  Animals cannot advocate for themselves and I find that their voice can be heard through Roots & Shoots.  I have been involved with the program for five years and I am now the group leader at my high school, The Latin School of Chicago.  I have been involved with many conservation trips and projects including working on water testing with Friends of the Chicago River, counting fish species in Bimini in the Bahamas for the Shedd Aquarium and Reef Check, and doing service work in many parts of Namibia. Aside from my love for wildlife I also enjoy doing theatre and participating in Model UN.  I like learning about other countries and speaking different languages.  In the future, I hope to study animals and spread awareness about the many issues that plague them, just like my idol, Dr. Jane Goodall.