Celebrating Young Heroes

True stories and prizes for young people who inspire courage, compassion and hope.

Like many people, I am looking for evidence that many of our fellow citizens are good – and that while widespread anger and hate has to be acknowledged – it will not define us.  I am inspired by my friend Tom Barron,who has a huge heart and an unwavering moral compass.  Two decades ago, Tom began his efforts to inspire young people to do their best.

Tom Barron, award winning, bestselling author of the ‘Merlin” series of books for young people, inspires people to be heroes in their everyday lives.  In his book, The Hero’s Trail, Tom uses the metaphor of a walk in the woods to describe the individual efforts, discoveries and decisions, and choices we all make in our lives – and the opportunities we have to show character and be heroic. Lots of heroes are people we never read about in the newspaper.  Tom distinguishes between celebrity and heroism.

Celebrity is defined by fame – for being widely known as having a great quality.  Top athletes, beauties, performers, and those displaying ostentatious wealth are often celebrities.  They rarely make a lasting impact on the world.

A hero is defined by character – qualities which are not so visible – courage, perseverance, generosity, compassion, steadfastness, love and hope.  Heroism is defined by action.  Heroes often change the world.

Tom celebrates heroes – both famous people who you know – and modest courageous everyday people.  He reminds us of heroes of literature.  He offers all of these heroes’ stories, particularly to young people, to inspire them to make the most of their journey through life.  His theme is that each of us can be a hero.  I found the stories of everyday heroism heart warming and by the last page of the book I again felt optimism about people.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Tom and his wife, Currie, offer an annual Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.  They have been celebrating heroic young people since 2001. Three hundred and ninety-one young people have been awarded the Barron Prize. Each year, the 25 winners each receive $5,000 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project. They get recognition which often helps their cause and inspires others.  They network with other ‘young heroes’. The website shares the inspiring efforts of past winners.

This is the description of the Barron Prize:

“The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from diverse backgrounds all across North America. Established in 2001 by author T.A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities, and the environment.

Since its inception, the Barron Prize has awarded more than half a million dollars to hundreds of young leaders and has won the support of the National Geographic Education Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and National Youth Leadership Council, among other organizations.”

“We need heroes today more than ever.” – T. A. Barron

I am very grateful to be reminded that we live among heroes.

The Hero's Trail: True Stories of Young People to Inspire Courage, Compassion, and Hope, Newly Revised and Updated Edition from $6.99

The Hero’s Trail: True Stories of Young People to Inspire Courage, Compassion, and Hope, Newly Revised and Updated Edition from $6.99.

 

The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life from $11.38

Also from Tom Barron…

“Based on an address he gave to students at the University of Oxford in 2013, T.A. Barron, author of the New York Times bestselling Merlin Saga, channels the wizard Merlin and offers advice on how to live a meaningful life.  Divided into sections, each revolving around a magical word, this book poetically explores the concepts of Gratitude, Courage, Knowledge, Belief, Wonder, Generosity, Hope, and Love.”

The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life from $11.38