Project Lets Young Heroes Gain Respect
The Denver Post
April 1, 2001
Who are our heroes? Usually, they're adults who have touched us in some important way or contributed something extraordinary to the betterment of humanity. Well, there are children who are heroes also, and Boulder children's book author, Tom Barron, wants to recognize them in a big way. But, he needs our help.
Barron, who grew up near Colorado Springs, had a very successful career as a venture capitalist before quitting to follow his heart and write books for children, books about young heroes and the trials they've experienced as they achieved something remarkable. He and his wife, Currie, are raising five children of their own.
They have started the Young Heroes Project to manage the Gloria Barron (Tom's mother) Young Heroes Prize. Winners will receive a $5000 cash award and be widely publicized so that other young people will be inspired to be heroes themselves.
At a time when heroes and celebrities are often confused in our minds, Barron is crystal clear about the difference. Celebrities are merely famous, with well-known names and faces. "A hero," he says, "is someone who has to overcome tremendous odds and difficulties and has to reach down inside himself or herself and find the inner strength to do that." Heroes make a lasting difference in other people's lives.
Most of us know or have heard about kids who have done truly remarkable and selfless things, with persistence and imagination. The boy who raised money for a classmate with a terrible, debilitating illness or the 10-year-old girl who is outfitting police dogs with bullet proof vests because she believes they are defending all of us. There are kids who work to protect the environment or make schools safer or improve people's lives in sustained, difficult and self-initiated projects.
These kids have to have a vision beyond what we expect of children. They have to be willing to persuade doubting adults and friends of the importance of their ideas. They have to be willing to keep doing what they passionately believe in, even in the face of ridicule and rejection. They have to find within themselves the inner strength, commitment and persistence to accomplish their dreams. Above all, they have to want deeply to make a difference in our world.
Here's a chance to recognize these remarkable young people. This fall, the Young Heroes Project will celebrate the achievements of its first young heroes. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2001. Here are some of the criteria:
- Nominees must have undertaken an extraordinary service activity that benefits people, animals or our planet.
- Nominees must have demonstrated courage, tenacity, generosity and high moral purpose.
- The activity must be the nominee's own idea.
- The activity must be for reasons other than finishing a school or work assignment.
- Nominees must have done something that truly inspires others.
- Nominees must have done more than just survive adversity; they must have given something back to the world around them.
- Nominees must be under 16 and live in Colorado. They must have undertaken the activity during the last year.
- An adult who is not a family member must do the nominating.
The Project is reaching out to teachers and coaches, religious and service group leaders, adults across the state who work with children. There is certainly no lack of deserving kids. The question will be whether adults who know and respect and appreciate them will take the time to nominate them for this unusual recognition.
For more information and a nomination packet, write to The Barron Prize, PO Box 17, Boulder, CO 80306-0017 or visit the website www.barronprize.org. There are many things we can do for kids. Here's one where our young heroes will have a chance not only to win widespread recognition and cash to boot, but also to inspire their peers to become heroes themselves, to find within themselves the strength and wisdom and energy to make a difference in our world. Take some time--nominate a child you admire for this special prize.
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