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Believing he will receive much satisfaction from saving or aiding another’s life, Edward aspires to become a medical doctor specializing in either surgery or gene research/therapy. Edward feels that the exponential growth of human population in the past few centuries is the primary cause of severe environmental degradation. He hypothesizes that overpopulation can be hindered through government regulation, family planning, and voluntary contraception. Edward finds the concept of social psychology and how people experience rules of conformity every single day of their lives intellectually exciting. An avid participant in his school’s Future Business Leaders of America, JROTC, National Honor Society, and varsity tennis team, Edward finds the most meaning in playing the cello, for which he has collected an array of accolades at the county and state level for several years. Practicing for seven years, playing the cello is an integral activity in Edward’s life and his primary tool for self-expression, a musical “self-therapy” that soothes and calms Edward from the stresses of everyday life.

 Ricardo hopes to one day work in the field of computer science, while continuing to pursue his diverse interests in French, music, mathematics, and perhaps psychology. His environmental concerns include air pollution and global warming, two problems that Ricardo feels affect and are caused by every human being on the planet. A look at his heroes-his father and Carlos Santana-helps one see Ricardo's passion for spreading peace through music, through his guitar. Ricardo is also involved in Peer Counseling, works at a BBQ restaurant, and rejuventates his spirit not only through music but by reminding himself that no matter what, he'll be fine.

Vasilios, known as "Billy" by many of his friends, immigrated from Greece at age 2 and is still discovering daily how that move has impacted his life. He is concerned by increasingly overstuffed landfills and air pollution. His face lights up every time the word 'soccer' is mentioned, is involved in student government, and co-founded the school debate team. His family runs a pizza restaurant, so Vasilios devotes his time and energy to help his parents.

For Diedra, all roads lead to a small development in northern Pennsylvania that borders an endless ocean of forest. Her family is the single most precious presence in her life, instilling in her the morals, compassion, and integrity that has made her an exceptionally grounded and grateful young woman. Troubled by both the moral and environmental degradation in society, Diedra works actively to combat suffering in poor and underpriveleged children through her community service with Friends of the Poor. To pursue her possible interests in medicine, Diedra has undergone extensive training to be a Pastoral Companion at Mercy Hospital, visting the elderly and learning true compassion and true listening. Deeply religious, Diedra finds strength in her relationship with God, and also finds much strength and love and light by spending time with her family. Her extracurricular activities spill over the page-singing, yearbook, the Scranton Civic Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” and even a telemarketing job on the weekends.

From the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with picturesque family farms and Amish traditions, Laura has cultivated a passion for learning, a deeply religious sensibility, and a love of singing. She is concerned about environmental issues around her community, including Philadelphia's urban encroachment and the lack of recycling. Laura is devoted to helping improve the plight of the poor and underpriveleged in whatever career path she follows. She plays indoor soccer, sings in her school's Chamber Singers, and works on the Appalachia Service Project. Chicken noodle soup and tea always comfort Laura, and her spirit is uplifted through prayer, reading, and classical or contemporary Christian music.

13-year old Pacho came to the United States from Colombia to pursue the American Dream and his personal dream of working for social justice in his community as a lawyer. His ties to his family and the city of Dorchester are very strong, and he hopes to address through his legal career many issues that concern him, including global issues such as rainforest depletion. Intensely self-motivated, Pacho loves soccer, volunteering at his church and at a local program called Youth on Board, and teaching himself many useful things such as webpage design. Music-pop rock, hip-hop, rap, and salsa-refreshes his soul when he's lying in bed

Although she has vague professional aspirations and cannot fathom just choosing one field to focus on for the rest of her life, Meghan currently has inclinations towards architecture. She strongly knows that she would like to enter a field that involves creating and handling new ideas and compassionate objectives. Meghan is concerned about the consequences of emissions and about the declining biodiversity on the planet. She thinks we should endeavor to find non-polluting substitutes for emissions and to widen the expanse of our wildlife preservations for the declining biodiversity. Since she thrives on learning, participating in her school’s Academic Decathlon team has been the perfect activity for Meghan, allowing her exposure to literature and history which she feels she may not have had encountered otherwise. Meghan also participates in her school’s varsity volleyball team, is secretary of the Civil Rights Team and treasurer of Pep Band. Whenever Meghan feels down, she proactively finds joy in playing her flute or reading a favorite book.

Edward has gained firsthand knowledge of environmental problems through his family's sawmill business and the natural forest that surrounds his home. The pollution and waste of natural resources that affect his land and the rest of the world particularly trouble him. He hopes to someday become a mechanical engineer and invent new machines that conserve fuel and reduce pollution. Edward has begun early in his quest to become and engineer though his participation in his school's design club, hobby club and the FBLA. He has gained invaluable experience in architectural and mechanical design through his family's sawmill, which he has helped to manage and maintain for the last five years. A passionate learner, Edward's love of inventing is reflected in his choice of heroes: Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin. He enjoys hunting, fishing and bicycling in his spare time, and he takes a break from the mill and his schoolwork to rejuvenate his spirit.

Although unsure about what career she would like to pursue in the future, Kamara knows that she wants to work in a field that serves and helps others. Air pollution and the lack of recycling troubles Kamara; she thinks stronger efforts to spread education and to start campaigns are the methods necessary to combat these environmental problems. Kamara is a tough competitor in fencing at the national level and practices several hours a day, seven days a week hoping to be the first American to win an Olympic gold medal and be a role model for minorities and women. Kamara is also involved in Model United Nations, dancing (ballet, jazz, and tap), and International Fellows, an organization that helps schools and children all over the world who are in need. Taught through her fencing coach, Kamara rejuvenates not only her spirit, but also her body and mind by practicing yoga and meditation, exploring the Socratic theory of “know thyself”.

Since age ten, Kimberly has dreamed of combining her love of children with her interest in science into a career in pediatric medicine. Volunteering at Brigham & Women’s Hospital enriches Kimberly by reminding her of her blessings as she works with patients and families from all walks of life. Ozone layer depletion and tropical rain forest destruction, linked as they are by contributing to the rapid destruction of natural resources and protection, concern Kimberly. In high school, she has shown herself to be both an avid student and accomplished athlete. Running cross-country and track along with being a junior mentor for incoming freshman and serving on the Student Council are ways in which Kimberly involves herself in her school. Proud of her Burmese heritage, Kimberly admires the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi who, despite being under house arrest, continues to fight for change and is living proof of hope for Burma. Her friends, running, music, and inspirational material such as Chicken Soup for the Soul are among the many ways that she revives her zest for life.

Laura sees money and laws as two vital forces in protecting her environment-hence her hope to pursue a law/business major and career. A native of Mexico, Laura feels that she is lucky to live in America, but realizes that much effort from everyone is necessary to keep the country beautiful. Her environmental concerns include air pollution and obsolete computers contributing to overflowing landfills. Taking a nap or eating a delectable fruit help Laura rejuvenate her spirit, as do listening to salsa or merengue or hip hop. She is very active in Upward Bound, MECHA, MESA, and other clubs at her school.

Passionate in every endeavor-this is how Lisa describes herself, and whether it be in her violin studies, her academic pursuits, or her school activities, Lisa's enthusiasm shines through. She dreams of fighting for what she believes is moral and just in the courtroom, perhaps working for an environmental group. She feels strongly about the extravagance of American society, whether it be in using herbicides superfluously or creating heaps of trash. Classical music, playing in the orchestra, watching the Miami Dolphins win a football game, writing, and endeavoring to always try something new are just some of the ways that Lisa rejuvenates her spirit.

Inspired by her parent's health problems, Areli is interested in pursuing medicine, specializing in neurosurgery or cardiology. To this end, she has volunteered at the Sacred Heart Community Center in 1998. She is heavily involved in her high school, running on Varsity track, leading the National Art Honors Society, and working in student council as the junior class vice-president. She rejuvenating her sprit through her diary and listening to hip-hop and jazz. Areli also feels strongly about her Mexican heritage and has represented Region 13 in the Migrant Education Conference, where she went to the state capital and learned about the legislative process.

Philip Song hails from the San Fernando Valley, a colossal suburban area of Los Angeles. He aspires to become a medical researcher and practitioner, helping to find cures for AIDS and other diseases. His extensive involvement in community service spans diverse organizations such as Humanitas Service Honor Society, Loaves and Fishes Food Shelter, and leading an environmental science education program at a local elementary school. His academic interests include foreign languages-ask him a question and he may respond mischievously in Spanish or Russian-and science, especially biology. Every afternoon after school Philip can be found in the pool, training on his year-round competitive swimming team. He is a passionate student of the cello and the guitar, a member of his school’s Christian club. He has a strong desire to find ways to improve our environment and help others in need. Philip is inspired and refreshed by a good book, conversations with friends, swimming, and music.

Though undecided about her career, Nicole has a strong interest in Biology and hopes to possibly nurture her interest into a professional pursuit. Global warming and smog are two of her major environmental concerns. Her passion is dance, evidenced by her sheer joy onstage and also through her school for the arts and technology, where she takes the dance track. Nicole is deeply attached to her church and family, and rejuvenates her spirit through prayer. She mentions Lauryn Hill and her mother as two of her heroes because they are examples of strong, loving women. Nicole likes soccer and basketball, and a whole range of music, with a particularly recent interest in anime music.

Martial has a passion for computers and hopes to one day obtain enough knowledge to create his own high-quality computer program. Concerned with the lack of initiative by many people and how society deals with environmental pollution, Martial feels the solution can be found through strict government regulation on automobiles and on wastes produced by industry. An avid athlete competing in basketball, soccer, and football, Martial "finds himself" competing in Martial Arts most often. An acclaimed competitor, Martial became the Martial Arts World Champion for the National Blackbelt League a few years ago in his age group. Martial participates in the Millennium Project, which connects students from the United States, China, and Sweden through an intercultural collaborative musical composition. Martial rejuvenates his spirit by conversing with the people he is closest to in life and feels that people should seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Intrigued by the prospect of improving efficacy and efficiency in many scientific fields, Karen is interested in pursuing a career in industrial engineering. She finds the trade in live coral fish for food and agricultural reliance on damaging pesticides to be major sources for environmental concern. Her interest in science can be found in many of her activities, which range from her school's Engineering and Environmental clubs to participating in the Bridge Building Contest. Karen is a reporter for her school's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. Though she jokes that her weekends are like her weekdays-all work and no fun-Karen finds great joy in the simple things of life such as warm baths, music, and swimming.