After undergoing many tests, and repeated misdiagnoses, it was not until the 6th grade that Hunter’s parents, teachers and doctors…

When Kathryn Anderson was just 19-months-old, she suffered her first grand mal seizure, beginning a lifelong medical journey. For years,…

In her nomination of JaMichael Angel as a Young Hero, Wadley High School counselor Kathryn McElvy wrote, “JaMichael has always…

Meredith’s story actually began before she was born—when her future mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of…

A natural leader, Ashley Askins is described by band director Kyle Clements as a top notch flautist and color guard…

Alma’s father passed away unexpectedly in 2013. At the time, she and her two younger siblings were living with her…

Robby was born to a young, single mother and adopted on the day of his birth by his maternal grandparents….

“A blazing hot and humid day in midsummer 2004 marked the beginning of three dreadful years for my family…” So…

Jaylon Beck is a senior at Demopolis High School. In 2007, Jaylon and his entire family were involved in a…

In just seconds a family vacation went terribly wrong. One moment three-year-old Joseph Seale was playfully splashing about in a…

Denver, now a senior at Cherokee High School, was diagnosed with lupus when she was in the 8th grade. Lupus…

Karlie Blankenship was nominated to be a Young Hero by her friend, co-workers and mentor—Amy Fleming. The two work together…

Callie Brianne Pope is a senior at Elba High School. She has a 4.0 GPA and is on track to…

The nomination of Carlissa Brown, a senior at Highland Home High School, was replete with commendations from her teachers. She…

Bi-weekly treatments and medications with awful side effects wouldn’t keep this young man from being a source of great inspiration….

Faith Bynum – artist, award-winning actress, singer, writer, volunteer, church leader, school leader. As her teacher Fran Gurganus, wrote, “This…

Most candidates for the Young Hero honor are nominated by a single person. In the case of Charles I. Caldwell…

Basketball, horseback riding, swimming—Hoover High School senior Caitlin Campbell is a star athlete in all three sports. The athletic accomplishments…

At age seven, Anne Chesson was struck and dragged by a school bus. The accident caused life-threatening, disfiguring injuries including…

Currently ranked #1 in his class, Derensky Cooper of Lanett, Alabama raised funds to attend the Alabama Governor’s School Summer…

Shea Danielle Patrick is a senior at Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala. She has a GPA of 3.78 and…

Samantha Davidson was a healthy child until the fall of 2007. She began complaining of her arm and wrist hurting….

Connor Davis is a senior at Boaz High School. Connor’s long-time participation in athletics was cut short his freshman year…

Danielle Davis is a senior at Huntsville High School. She is a student who has challenged herself in advanced placement…

Shannon, according to her teacher, “has had a long history of success…beginning her academic career with high marks and perfect…

Having lost both parents at an early age, Joseph would be tested by circumstance at a very early age. As…

Kenzie Derr is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. She is a dedicated scholar and a member of the…

At the age of five, Jessica DeVoe had a little brother and two little sisters. Her mother worked while her…

Lieutenant Colonel James Walker, who nominated Shawn Dillard as a Young Hero, wrote, “Courage and perseverance describe Shawn Dillard. Even…

Despite years in unstable foster homes and disruptions in school, Margaret Dunnavant will now graduate in the top of her…

Brie is a senior at West Morgan High School. An outstanding student with a resume filled with community and school…

Physical limitations haven’t kept this Pleasant Grove senior from striving to be the best. His accomplishments as Captain of the…

“In order to be inspired by ten-year old Lauren Faraino, you need only be in the same room with her.”…

Ashley was diagnosed at age six with a disease called CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome), which is a neuro-muscular degenerative condition that…

Over six years ago, Marissa’s mother Ethel was diagnosed with breast cancer. With her parents’ support and guidance, Marissa faced…

Eagle Scout David Ferguson rescued a man from drowning during Spring Break in March. David is a member of the…

David Finestein, a senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, cofounded Youth Media Group in 2015. This…

Tristen Fitts is a junior at Gulf Shores High School. Back in 2007, Tristen’s mother had to accept a job…

Noah Fondren, a senior at Cullman High School, grew up with issues related to self-image and self-esteem. He compared himself…

“I survived.” And thus began Kaleigh Gable’s account of her life. In the womb, Kaleigh’s life began as one of…

Clay Gilley is a senior at Moody High School. He has a 3.8 GPA. Clay is a member of the…

Emma Goggans is a senior at Fort Payne High School. She has a GPA of 4.37 and is currently ranked…

Wesley is a senior at Cherokee High School. An outstanding scholar and trumpet-player, he is involved with numerous clubs and…

Christopher Gray, a senior at Ramsay High School, is a born organizer, leader and entrepreneur. There’s no other way to…

A senior at Hazel Green High School, Jasmine had a difficult childhood without the emotional or financial support of either…

Peyton is a senior at Lawrence County High School and is the front-runner for valedictorian of his class. An officer…

Conner Holland is a senior at Gadsden City High School. He carried a 3.7 GPA while pursuing an advanced diploma….

Diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of two, Kathryn Jackson faced obstacles in her young life that are…

Semaj Johnson was diagnosed with sickle-cell disease (SCD) when he was only two weeks old. Since then, he has undergone…

Melanda’s home environment for herself and her younger brothers included inadequate nutrition, neglect, and fights. She volunteered for public service…

The youngest child of divorced parents, Rod Jones was forced to take on greater responsibility than most kids do at…

Steven Jones was born the third of six children. After years of living in poverty, surrounded by substance abuse, his…

K.J. Jones is an outstanding young man. His athletic abilities earned him a starting position on his football team’s defensive…

Jason is the youngest of four children and the only one that is living at home. Home and family are…

Jazmin Faulkner, a senior at Wetumpka High School, maintains a 3.5 GPA. In her nomination of Jazmin as a Young…

Kelly has played Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball every season since the 8th grade. She has excelled and been a leader…

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during her first year of high school, Lewis did not allow fear and embarrassment to…

Emily Looney has maintained an exceptional GPA while serving on Rifle Team and as a member of the Marion Military…

Daniela Lucario is a senior at Headland High School. Daniela was born here in the United States, but her father…

It is not always easy for a young person to recognize when his or her life begins to take a…

Delaina Greene wrote, “After a rainy winter and spring, April 30, 2013 was a spectacularly beautiful morning. As assistant principal…

When Megan May was a toddler, her parents divorced, and Megan, her twin sister, and an older sister went to…

Devique had a rough start in life. At only six weeks old, he was diagnosed with meningitis, an inflammation of…

Emily’s personal qualities have enabled her to serve as an inspiration and example for both students and adults in her…

Sidney is a senior at Samson High School. In her young life, she has already faced obstacles and difficulties that…

Broox Middleton is a five-year survivor of a cancerous brain tumor and is redefining what it means to persevere against…

Holly is a senior at Hazel Green High School and a member of one of the most successful bands in…

When Aidan was only 3 years old, she suffered a major seizure that left her unresponsive. She was airlifted to…

For the past several years Brandon has made it a point to visit assisted living facilities in Dadeville and Opelika…

Adrianna Orsi is a senior at Wetumpka High School. She was nominated as a Young Hero by her chemistry teacher,…

Waterloo High School senior Carrie Parrish has faced more tragedy over her young years than most people experience in a…

Today, Wei Min Patrick is the president of his class, an outstanding scholar, and an admired and talented pianist/keyboardist in…

“Last year, a young woman literally bounced into my Advanced Placement Language and Composition class. She was so energetic, bright…

One Alabama student is honored each year with the Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award, named for one of the first…

An abandoned baby in China was delivered to an orphanage by the police. When Tony and Corley Ponter came to…

Caring for her sick mother is just the beginning of Tarria Jannette Poplar’s good deeds that earned her nomination for…

Ally Price is a senior at Slocomb High School. She has a 4.45 GPA and serves as a member of…

Julie has had to face too much in her short lifetime. When in the eighth grade, the doctors thought she…

“She had purple hair and no arms. She was surrounded by friends as they talked and laughed with each other…

As a young child, Taylor described herself as “sickly.” She battled asthma and a weak immune system and was often…

In his nomination, counselor Richard Burton explained that Trevor Gravette’s early life was marked by the pondering of personal decisions….

Jared, who was born with spina bifida, is captain of the Lakeshore Lakers wheelchair basketball team and is one of…

Three years ago, Abby was involved in a car accident which left her partially paralyzed. Abby insisted on going back…

Savannah Reid is a senior at Colbert County High School in Leighton, Alabama. She is a member of the Future…

Zea Remo, a senior at Clay-Chalkville High School, was born in the Philippines, where she spent her early years. Zea’s…

Ricky Reynolds is a senior at Lee High School. In her nomination of him as a Young Hero, school counselor…

Katelyn Olivia Richard was nominated as a Young Hero by James E. Rotch, her mentor. Mr. Rotch is founder of…

The music that issues from the violin of Florence High School senior Maranda Rickard is described by many of her…

One Alabama student is honored each year with the Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award, named for one of the first…

Angel Rose Morrow is a senior at Carbon Hill High School. She currently has a 3.89 GPA, is in the…

Judges also chose to honor one student with the first annual “Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award.” Marissa Feigelson, a talented…

Tiffany Sauls’ mother and father divorced when she was quite young. Her mother was awarded primary custody of the children,…

A 17-year-old Junior in the Math and Sciences Program at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), Austin has maintained…

Justin is a senior at Winfield High School. He was nominated as a Young Hero by social worker Mandy Mitchell,…

JoAnna is a senior at Lamar County High School. One of her nominating teachers wrote, “JoAnna is one of the…

McCall was nominated as a Young Hero by her cousin, Courtney Murchison. McCall became very ill at the age of…

A resident of Fairfield, Diamond Sparks is a senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA). In her nomination…

Joshua Stevenson is a graduating senior at Florence High School. Estranged from his father while still a teen, Joshua who…

Austin Studdard is honorary Oneonta High School football teammate. He stands on the sidelines at the Redskins’ games and cheers…

Andrea is a graduating senior at Benjamin Russell High School. She maintains a high GPA and participates in numerous clubs…

In the letters that accompanied Michael Tempero’s nomination as a Young Hero, the writers repeatedly commented on the qualities of…

Justin Thomas is a senior at E.B. Erwin High School in Center Point. A straight-A student and accomplished athlete who…

Like many, Anna was raised in a single-parent home after she and her mother were forced to move to Ohio…

Steven Tyree is a senior at Berry High School. He holds a 4.0 grade point average and plays on the…

Andrew is a senior at Florence High School. He maintains excellent grades. A member of the Technology Student Association, Andrew…

“He gives one hundred percent in all aspects of life. He is a scholar…He is a leader.” Those words, spoken…

Matthew Watts is a senior at Robertsdale High School. Few would guess that three years ago, he could not read…

Being diagnosed with autism at the age of 5, Mathew’s future may have seemed bleak. Seemed, is the key word…

Mary, a senior at Hoover High School, was born with a neurological disorder called hydrocephalus, which is also referred to…

Mollie Wilder is a senior at Shelby County High School, where she maintains a 3.8 GPA and is active in…

At the age of eight, Anna Wilson received a terrible injury. Her older brother accidentally discharged a loaded firearm, and…

On February 21, 2012, a policeman showed up at Cullman High School with a solemn look on his face. He…

When it became apparent that her mother was not capable of parenting, Savannah took on the role. She got the…

Cynthia Wozow, a senior at Cottonwood High School in south Alabama, isn’t wasting a moment of her young life. A…

A senior at Collinsville High School, Pablo’s young life has been impacted by extraordinary hardships. His mother deserted the family…