ECO-HERO AWARD WINNERS
Jack Aronian
2026: 2nd PLACE
Jack Aronian, a 16-year-old scientist and filmmaker from New York, launched the H5N1 Prevention Initiative to produce educational films on bird flu and establish a national biosecurity network for wildlife sanctuaries.
Arjun Jain
2026: 3rd PLACE
Arjun Jain, a 16-year-old urban agriculturist from New Jersey, created "HydroBlossom" to build high-yield soil-less hydroponic systems, donating thousands of pounds of organic produce and influencing local food-system policy.
Stella Hong
2026: HONORABLE MENTION
Stella Hong, a 16-year-old researcher from Virginia, founded "HydroHarvest" to engineer upcycled, zero-electricity hydroponic grow kits, providing food-insecure urban families with low-maintenance, sustainable access to fresh produce.
Olivia Xing
2026: FINALISTS
At 16 years old, Canadian activist Olivia Xing leads "Monarch Missions," a youth organization that advances climate literacy, raises conservation funds, and connects young people directly with local policymakers to advocate for climate justice.
Nethanya Fonseka
2025: 2nd PLACE
Nethanya Fonseka, 16, from Michigan, leads Plant It Forward, a powerful initiative combating climate change through tree planting. She cultivates climate resilience and environmental justice, securing funding for a microforest and honoring Indigenous heritage through native gardens.
Eesha Ande
2025: 3rd PLACE
Eesha Ande, 16, from San Antonio, Texas, combats period poverty and plastic waste through her impactful sustainable menstrual hygiene initiative, empowering menstruators with reusable products and vital education.
Aziza Kennedy
2025: HONORABLE MENTION
Aziza Kennedy, 16, from Alexandria, Virginia, transformed her school's waste management by establishing the "SJC Compost Initiative." Through unwavering persistence, she successfully implemented composting to combat food waste and reduce emissions.
Lucile Morehouse
2025: HONORABLE MENTION
Lucile Morehouse, 14, from Oklahoma, leads "Lucile's Pollinator Project," distributing thousands of native seed packets globally. She's sowing seeds of change, raising awareness, and fostering vital habitats to combat pollinator decline.
Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera
2025: DR. MARY GRIFFIN-JONES AWARD
Ana Lucía Pérez Escalera, 13, from Salinas, Puerto Rico, leads "De a Pokito por Puerto Rico." She educates over 100,000 people on environmental care and waste reduction through STEAM, hackathons, and legislative advocacy.
Satvika Iyer
2023: 3rd PLACE
Eco-Hero Satvika Iyer is a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and waste reduction. Discover her impact from school cafeterias to UC Berkeley's energy initiatives.
Lindsay Carlson & Brandee Van Donsel
2003: Age 8 - 12
In 2003, Lindsay Carlson and Brandee Van Donsel stood up to protect the ancient trees of the Sierra foothills. While their journey faced challenges, their story remains a powerful example of local youth activism and the fight for our natural heritage.
Justin Friesen
2003 International Young Eco-Hero Awards
A 2003 Eco-Hero who interviewed the Prime Minister at age 10, Justin Friesen has transformed his early advocacy into a career as a Creative Director and filmmaker. Discover how his childhood passion for nature and media led him to lead creative strategies for major Canadian firms.