| Aids |
Nkosi Johnson
was an orphan infected by HIV who spoke out on
behalf of children with AIDS.
(World AIDS Orphans Day is May 7.)
|
Moses Zulu
Moses Zulu established Children's Town in Zambia to teach AIDS orphans basic life skills.
by Manyun Melanie Yau from Beirut, Lebanon.
|
Clara Hale
Clara Hale helped hundreds of foster children.
by Jessica from Mississauga, Canada
|
Austin Gutwein
Austin Gutwein founded Hoops of Hope to raise money to help children orphaned by AIDS.
by Lindsey from Palmer, Massachusetts
|
| Angel |
Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen was the inspiration for her sister to reach out to other women with cancer.
by Ally from Eden Prairie
|
Jeni Stepanek
Jeni Stepanek is an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy who continues to spread her son, Mattie's, message of peace.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa gained international prominence as a
modern-day saint.
by Jeff Trussell
|
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a beautiful actress, dancer and notable Ambassador for UNICEF.
by Gheeda from Beirut, Lebanon
|
Terry Fox
Terry Fox lost his leg to cancer when he was a teenager. He decided to run across Canada to raise funds for Cancer research.
by Andy from Canada
|
Sadako Sasaki
Sadako caught radiation sickness when the U.S. dropped an atom bomb in Hiroshima. She only managed to fold 644 out of 1000 cranes for world peace before she died.
by Amanda E. from Derry NH
|
| Animal |
Binti Jua
Binti Jua is the hero of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. He rescued a 3-year-old child who fell 18 feet into the zoo's exhibit.
by Nancy Nickerson
|
Balto
Balto led his dog team on the lifesaving 1925 serum run to Rome, Alaska.
by Brooke from Toronto, Canada
|
Shasta
Shasta has been trained to find people who have been lost in the woods, drowned, buried in avalanches.
by Hans from Alaska
|
Big Ben
Big Ben raced his way into the hearts and memories of fans.
by Kayla from Malcolm, Canada
|
S.A.D. Horse Rescue
S.A.D. Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing neglected draft horses.
by Lindsay from Millbrook, Canada
|
Puppies Behind Bars
Puppies Behind Bars is a program that benefits both inmates and dogs.
by Jennifer Beck
|
Hero
Hero is an extraordinary therapy dog.
By Hero's Friends at School
|
| Artist |
Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh overcame personal struggles to become one of the world's most renowned artists.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Jim Henson
Jim Henson was the world's most famous puppeteer, bringing smiles to children worldwide.
by Joe from Fredricksburg
|
Rembrandt van Rijn
Rembrandt van Rijn captured the suffering, reflection and compassion of humanity in his art.
by Rebecca Miller
|
Edmonia Lewis
defied restrictions placed on black women and found fame and respect in the art community.
by Jerrilyn and Madline Jacobs
|
Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange used her photography to convey the dignity and honor inherent in all people.
|
Fauzia Minallah
Fauzia Minallah is the founder of Funkor Childart Centre and an ARTIVIST.
by Joanne Tawfilis
|
Friedl Dicker-Brandeis
was an artist and teacher who gave children hope during the Holocaust.
by Taylor Copeland from Connecticut
|
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby is one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.
by Melanie from Fredericksburg
|
Mamadou Tall Diedhiou
Mamadou Tall Diedhiou combines recycled materials and his love for his village, to create inspiring works of art.
by Cheikh Darou Seck from Dakar, Senegal
|
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams was an 'artist-activist' whose photographs of nature inspired conservation.
Donita from Billings, Montana
|
Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel revolutionized women's fashion and empowered women.
by Melanie from Fredericksburg, Virginia
|
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt filled the world with her beautiful paintings of children, mothers, love and kindness.
Claire from New York
|
Wang Yani
Wang always loved to paint and started at quite a young age. At thirteen, her art was being hung in galleries around the world.
by Elena from Center Valley
|
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank was born on June 8, 1867 in Richlard Center, Wisconsin. He is one of the most famous architects in the world.
by Nico from California (crossroads school) 6th grade
|
Bajé Whitethorne
Bajé illustrates children's books about Navajo Traditional Stories. His art fills the gap between people and their differences that suggests living in harmony.
by Olin Smith from Flagstaff, Arizona
|
Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief was a beloved Native American ballerina who pioneered many important roles.
by Rebecca Miller
|
| Business |
Madam C.J. Walker
C.J. Walker started her own business specifically for African-American women and became extremely successful. She gave money to organizations that would help or encourage black Americans.
by Alexandra from St.Paul
|
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an American scientist, inventor, visionary, statesman and philosopher. By Christopher from San Diego
|
Soichiro Honda
Soichero Honda was a successful inventor and businessman who built the Honda Motor Company.
by Isabella from San Francisco
|
Oprah
Oprah Winfrey was honored by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity on May 20, 2007.
by Kyra Kirkwood
|
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, innovator and founder of Apple Computer, created the first personal computer.
by Max from Roxboro, New Jersey
|
Blake Mycoskie
founded TOMS Shoes to bring shoes to children who don't have them.
by Alecia from Hawaii
|
Milton S. Hershey
Milton Hershey made a fortune on chocolate and gave back to children.
by David from Montvale, New Jersey
|
Jack Odell
Jack Odell was an English engineer who invented the Matchbox car for his daughter.
by Kathy Crockett
|
Dolores Olmedo Patino
Dolores Olmedo Patino was a beloved Mexican
businesswoman, philanthropist, and
art collector.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
John Tu
John Tu is the founder of Kingston Technology (computer memory products), a musician and a supporter of Erin Gruwell's Freedom Writers.
by Casey from Laguna Beach
|
| Child |
Hannah Taylor
Hannah Taylor started the Ladybug Foundation to help the homeless in her community.
|
Ana Dodson
and Peruvian Hearts
Ana Dodson and Peruvian Hearts formed an organization to provide children in Peruvian orphanages an education and hope for the future.
|
Iqbal Masih
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws in Pakistan.
by Attie from Anmore, Canada
|
Ruby Nell Bridges
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of school as a child.
by Madison from Maine
|
| Community |
Kimmie Weeks:
Youth Action International
Kimmie Weeks survived the war in Liberia and now works to rebuild communities in war-torn countries.
|
Art Miles Mural Project
Art Miles Mural Project uses art to create a more peaceful global community.
by Kevin Metz
|
Jessie Christopherson
Jessie Christopherson helps the physically and mentally challenged accomplish things they never thought possible.
by Emily from North Sioux City
|
Ralf Hotchkiss
Ralf Hotchkiss is an engineer, inventor and humanitarian, and the founder of Whirlwind Wheelchair International.
Kathy Crockett
|
Richard Proudfit
Richard Proudfit founded Kids Against Hunger to feed starving children around the world.
|
Luis Bohorquez
Luis Bohorquez started the Biblioburro Library in the mountains of Colombia.
by Ryan from San Diego
|
Brandon Keefe
Brandon Keefe provided books to underfunded libraries in his hometown.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs
|
Clotilde Dedecker
provides educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan.
|
| Earthkeeper |
John Muir
John Muir dedicated his life to preserving wilderness areas for the beauty and peace they bring to our lives.
|
Benjamin Kahn
Benjamin Kahn involves school children in regrowing coral to help save damaged reefs in the Red Sea.
by Christina, Caracol, Maddie, and Sophie from Seattle
|
Fin Donnelly
He is a hero in different parts of the world. He Fin Donnelly swims in different rivers to raise awareness for how much pollution we have in our waters.
by Jenny Kim
|
Zander Srodes
and Turtle Talks
Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks has educated over 5,000 students on sea turtles and marine conservation.
|
Dr. Shirley McGreal
Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League.
by Julian Siminski
|
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-profit organization that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa.
by Heidi Antocicco
|
John Muir
John has been called the "greatest Californian," "the father of our national parks," and "protector of the wilds."
by Harold W. Wood, Jr. a teacher who helps run the Sierra Club education outreach unit
|
| Explorer |
Sally Ride
Sally was the first American woman to go up in space.
by Sara
|
Daniel Boone
Daniel was a great pioneer explorer. He went on many journeys and explored many places.
by Tim
|
Amelia Earhart
She became the first woman aviator in the world to try to fly around the world. She made it easier for women in the world to do things only men had done.
by Brenna
|
Marco Polo
Marco Polo was a famous Italian explorer to the Far East.
by Jessica from Milwaukee, Minnesota
|
Alexandrine Tinne
Alexandrine Tinne was a young Dutch explorer in Africa and the first female to attempt to cross the Sahara.
|
Matthew Henson
Matthew Henson was a brave African-American Artic explorer, and the co-discoverer of the North Pole.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Sacajawea
Sacajawea helped guide Lewis and Clark across the northwestern United States.
by Lydia Ratna
|
John Glenn
John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth. He has served his country and family with great love and devotion.
by Kathy Crockett
|
| Family |
My Grandfather Pepe
overcame great obstacles to eventually own his own ranch.
by Maryfer from Mexico
|
Sadie Dunn
Sadie Dunn is an inspiring role model as a teacher and great-grandmother.
by Jemirio from Roxboro, North Carolina
|
Ivan Babak
Ivan Babak is a hardworking immigrant father from Ukraine who helped build a caring and sharing community.
by Lilia from Spokane, Washington
|
Erika
Erika has cerebral palsy and underwent a back operation to help her walk better.
by Eddie Becker, her father
|
Catherine Malonza
The diagnosis was kidney failure; only one person could save my life - my sister Catherine.
by Keegan Malonza a college student studying English as a second language
|
Karla Diane Hurrell
She has been a mother to at least 153 children. She has given so many children the chance to experience a better life.
by Sara
|
Jennifer Porter
Jennifer Porter is a hero to her daughter, Stephanie, because of the way she humbly cares for her family and others.
by Stephanie from Lindon, Utah
|
Dick Hoyt
Dick Hoyt is a dedicated Dad who breaks down barriers to his son's disability.
by Jay from Spokane, Washington
|
Irwin
Irwin kept a dream and family bagel business alive.
by Michael from Montreal
|
| Freedom |
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was one of the first to recognize and warn others of Hitler's danger to freedom and human rights.
by Riley McMahon
|
Ruby Nell Bridges
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation
of schools as a child.
Olivia from Glenbrook, Massachusetts
|
Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe in an effort to keep its homeland.
by Jennifer Beck
|
Rosa Parks
Rosa stood up against racism and stood up for herself.
by Francisca Stewart a 4th/5th grader from California
|
Jeremy Glick
Jeremy Glick was a hero of Flight 93 and Emmy's beloved father.
by Emmy
|
Iqbal Masih
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws in Pakistan.
by Stephanie and Audrey from Forest Hills
|
Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to freeing Burma from a repressive dictatorship and creating democracy without violence.
by Susannah Abbey
|
George Washington
George Washington led the American Revolution and was the first President of the United States.
by Alex from Selden, NY
|
| Heroes_of_Faith |
Regina Jonas
Regina Jonas was the first woman ever to be ordained as a rabbi.
by Ariel from Sycamore Jr High, Ohio
|
Immaculee Ilibagiza
Immaculee Ilibagiza demonstrates the power of forgiveness to bring healing and hope to the people of Rwanda.
by Molly from Spokane, Washington
|
Corrie Ten Boom
Corrie Ten Boom risked her life to help hundreds of Jews escape during WWII.
by Maddie from Maine USA
|
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi was a true example of harmonious existence on Earth.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Susanna Wesley
Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism.
|
| Lifesaver |
Ben Carson
Ben Carson
is the chief of neurosurgery
at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.
|
Ryan Hreljac
Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean water in Africa.
by Wendy Jewell
|
Jon Rose
is a surfer dedicated to bringing clean drinking water to the world.
by Laylan Connelly
|
Tommie Hamaluba
Tommie Hamaluba is a teacher in Botswana, Africa, working to eradicate malaria.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Irena Sendler
Irena Sendler helped Jewish children escape the Warsaw ghetto during the Holocaust.
by Kelly from Spokane
|
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing.
by Gretchen from Vermont
|
Eddie Aikau
loved the sea and often risked his life to save others.
by by Jon from Pukalani, Hawaii
|
| LincolnBicentennial |
Jerry King
Like Lincoln, Jerry King is a man of firm convictions who serves his community and inspires his granddaughter.
by Swen from Mt. Vernon
|
Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiesel personifies Lincoln's commitment to freedom and equality.
by Jack from Oak Forest
|
| Literary |
The Hero in Pop Culture
~ Stories That Inspire
by Ellen Wilson Fielding
|
Charlotte A. Cavatica
Charlotte A. Cavatica, beloved character in the book Charlotte's Web, is a true friend to Wilbur the Pig.
by Amy Mack from South Dakota
|
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
Harry Potter's characters will forever be in our treasure trove of children's stories.
by Kaiti from Cincinnati
|
| Musician |
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan has been a trailblazer for popular music for five decades.
by Jonah Cohen
|
Paul Hewson (Bono)
is a musician, family man and humanitarian.
by Kayla from Sydney, Canada
|
Ella Fitzgerald
was a beloved songstress who used her success to help people of all races, cultures and beliefs.
by Julie from Selden
|
Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas inspires his listeners with his meaningful lyrics, his strong faith and his willingness to share with others his fight against juvenile diabetes.
by Alexandra from Edmonton
|
Donald Knaack
Donald Knaack is a musician whose unique productions inspire people of all ages to explore, create and give back to others.
by Kimberly Kenna
|
Alexander Borodin
was an accomplished chemist, composer and staunch advocate of women's rights.
by Rebecca Miller
|
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a celebrated opera singer who also worked for human rights.
by Elizabeth
|
Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is one of the most successful and influential jazz musicians in history.
|
| Mythological |
Jason and the Argonauts
Jason and the Argonauts were a crew of brave Greek Mythological heroes.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
| Peacemaker |
The 14th Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is the religious leader of Tibet and an emblem of Tibet's hopes for peace and freedom.
by Catherine from Villeurbanne, France
|
Andrei Sakharov
Andrei Sakharov was a Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner devoted to justice and human rights.
by Nate from Fredericksburg
|
Mohandas K. Gandhi
Gandhi shows the world that one can be a Hero and accomplish great things without guns or swords or hatred.
by Jeff Trussell
|
Jason Crowe
Jason Crowe was a peace activist. He has given the Global Peace and Tolerance Award in a ceremony at the United Nations for his efforts.
by Wendy Jewell
|
Peace Pilgrim
Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles for peace.
by Shiloh from Alaska
|
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin believed that love, not violence, was the most powerful weapon. He took a stand against powerful people to bring equality for all people.
by Nick Campbell from Juneau, Alaska
|
Archbishop Oscar Romero
Archbishop Oscar Romero was a passionate voice of hope, peace and justice in war-torn El Salvador.
by Natalie from San Francisco
|
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela dedicated his life to abolishing apartheid and establishing a democracy in South Africa.
|
| Philosopher |
Will Rogers
Will Rogers was a beloved American humorist and humanitarian.
by Rebecca Miller
|
Voltaire
Voltaire is considered France's greatest writer and philosopher.
by Thomas from Villeurbanne, France
|
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who is the founder of the study of logic.
by Maria from Jakarta
|
Confucius
Confucius was a religious philosopher of ancient China.
|
Pythagoras
Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher whose work in math and music laid the groundwork for us today.
by Yuma from Texas
|
| Poet |
Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda is the most widely read Latin-American poet.
by Claudia Herrera Hudson
|
Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi
is a renowned Iranian poet.
Atiyeh from Tehran
|
Mattie Stepanek
Mattie Stepanek began writing poems at the age of three.
His words and messages of hope and peace have inspired
people all over the world.
poems by this famous young boy from ages 5-11
story by Jim Hawkins from Children's Hospice International and My Hero staff
|
Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein was a poet, playwright, lyricist and good friend.
|
Theodor Seuss (Dr. Seuss) Geisel
Dr. Seuss was an artist, poet and philosopher for the child in all of us.
|
Anna Akhmatova
Anna Akhmatova is considered one of Russia's best poets.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs
|
Li Bai
Li Bai is often referred to as
the 'God of Poets' in China.
by Sukey from Flushing
|
| Science |
Philo T. Farnsworth
When he was fourteen, he drew his idea for a television on a blackboard in his high school. He is the inventor of television.
by Dave a sixth grade student from California
|
Madame Curie
She discovered radium and she invented the first mobile x-ray machine. She was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize for science.
by Robert B. Hole, Jr. and Allison a sixth grader from Connecticut
|
Andrea Mia Ghez
Andrea Mia Ghez is an astrophysicist best known for her discoveries about the black hole at the center of our galaxy.
by Jennifer Lauren Lee
|
Ameen Abdulrasool
Ameen Abdulrasool is a young inventor who developed a portable navigation system for the blind.
by David Kemker
|
Clifford V. Johnson
Clifford V. Johnson is a string theorist who studies the makeup of the smallest particles of the universe.
by Jennifer Lauren Lee
|
Dr. France Cordova
is a renowned astrophysicist who has broken gender
and cultural barriers.
by Barbara Field
|
Augusta Ada Byron
Augusta Ada Byron developed the world's first computer program while struggling with her own personal hardships.
by Edward Ortiz
|
Galileo Galilei
was the first to use a telescope to observe the stars and planets.
by Patricia from Spokane
|
| Sports |
Wilma Rudolph
She overcame a debilitating childhood illness and went on to become the first African-American woman to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympics.
by My Hero staff and students' entries from the guestbook
|
C. Vivian Stringer
C. Vivian Stringer despite great challenges, pursued her passion for basketball and is known for turning women into champions.
by Cathy Crockett
|
Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols is a great ballplayer and a great advocate of children with Down's Syndrome.
by Travis from Roxboro, North Carolina
|
Pele
Pelé has been titled the best soccer player ever and is also an advocate of the poor.
by Brandon from Fredericksburg, Virginia
|
Mariel (Mia) Margaret Hamm
Mia Hamm has inspired the next generation of women athletes with her talent, her mentoring and her humanitarian work.
by Nia from Fredericksburg, Virginia
|
Olaf Kolzig
Olaf Kolzig is a hockey legend who founded Athletes Against Autism.
by Matt from Fredericksburg
|
Adaptive Action Sports
Since 2000, the USASA has provided opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete in snowboarding competitions.
by Amanda Molinaro
|
Jackie Robinson
broke the color barrier in major league baseball.
by Brandon from Selden, New York
|
| Teacher |
Ruty Hotzen
Ruty Hotzen inspires students from around the world through Talking Kites, iEARN.
by Reverend Charles F. Harper
|
Annie Mansfield Sullivan Macy
She was the outstanding teacher of Helen Keller.
by Sarah from Montvale
|
Ranald MacDonald
Ranald MacDonald was a Native American/Scot wayfarer who helped open up Japan to the West.
by Kelley from Spokane
|
Cheikh Darou Seck
Cheikh Darou Seck is an English teacher in Senegal who inspires his students to become MY HERO reporters.
by Seny from Dakar
|
Bill Belsey
Bill Belsey is a teacher with a mission to stop bullying.
by Jesse from Calgary, Canada
|
Viola Vaughn
Viola Vaughn founded an organization that supports girls working to achieve academic success in Africa
by Brande from Spokane
|
Erin Gruwell
Erin Gruwell is the founder of Freedom Writers and an inspiration to teachers and students around the world.
by Jerrilyn Jacobs
|
Louis Braille
Louis Braille invented a system of writing and reading used by blind people all over the world.
|
Raden Ajeng Kartini
Raden A. Kartini championed education and civil rights for women in Indonesia.
by Ines from Jakarta
|
| Women |
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth born into slavery, worked for the freedom of all.
by Nancy Nickerson
|
Dorothea Lynde Dix
Dorothea Lynde Dix was an advocate for the rights of the mentally ill.
by Sean from Connecticut
|
Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz
Sor Juana de la Cruz was scholar, writer, nun and early feminist.
by Eric from Port Royal
|
Queen Rania of Jordan
Queen Rania of Jordan is a crusader for the rights of women and children.
by Claudia Hudson
|
Farkhonda Hassan
Farkhonda Hassan is an Egyptian politician, scientist, professor, and women's rights activist.
|
| Writer |
Dr. Seuss
He wrote many wonderful children's books.
by Tina a teenager
|
Anne Frank
Anne Frank has been called the "human face of the Holocaust." Her diary lives on forever.
by Jessica
|
Elizabeth Jane Cochrane
(Nellie Bly)
Elizabeth Jane Cochrane was a well known female reporter at the turn of the century.
by Penelope
|
James Herriot
He has recorded his veterinary adventures and his books have been an inspiration to animal lovers (and future veterinarians) everywhere.
by Sarah Cowan a fifth grade student from California
|
Jules Verne
He was an amazing science fiction writer. Some of the inventions he imagined were created later in his lifetime.
by Matthew Goldstone a 4th/5th grade student from California
|
Mark Twain
Mark Twain was a prolific author and beloved American humorist.
by David Ginsburg
|
Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende is one of the first and most successful, eloquent, and admired novelists in Latin America.
|
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin to expose the injustice and inhumanity of slavery.
by Tara from Connecticut
|
Helen Keller
Helen Keller overcame blindness and deafness to become an accomplished writer and passionate advocate of the disabled.
|
Naguib Mahfouz
Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arab to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
by Sufyan from Cairo
|
