Little kids can do big things. These young leaders demonstrate that with passion, drive, and determination, WOW is possible at any age:

• Robert Nay: This 14-year-old from Utah designed and developed an Apple iPhone gaming app called Bubble Ball. Although the 8th-grade computer aficionado had no previous code-writing knowledge, he didn’t let his inexperience stop him. He made his vision a reality by doing research at his public library and then applying what he learned to Corona SDK software. Upon Bubble Balls release, it was such a hit that it actually beat out Angry Birds as the number-one free downloaded game in January 2011. Robert is reportedly creating another game, and without a doubt, this prodigy has a long, successful career in computer gaming ahead of him.
• Jordan Somer: Honored in 2010 with a TeenNick HALO award, Jordan Somer combined her pageant experience with her passion for helping others to create the Miss Amazing Pageant. This unique new genre in the pageant world empowers and celebrates girls and women with physical and mental disabilities. Inspired by her volunteer work with the Special Olympics, Somer created Miss Amazing in her home state of Nebraska at the age of 13. The entry fee was five cans of food, which were then donated to local food pantries, creating a second level of giving back. Jordan has continued to work tirelessly for her cause, securing sponsorship and volunteers to join in her mission. Miss Amazing has grown to include pageants in 11 states in 2012, and this impressive, giving teen is not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Simply Amazing!
• Leanna Archer: Using her grandmother’s “secret recipe” for hair care products, Leanna Archer turned compliments she received about her own hair into a money-making enterprise called Leanna’s Inc., at the age of 9. Today, the 16-year-old CEO enjoys a steady profit margin, was the youngest person ever to ring the NASDAQ opening bell, and is a sought-after public speaker and leadership mentor. This impressive young woman’s entrepreneurial drive and spirit also translates into the philanthropic arena with the Leanna Archer Education Foundation, which focuses on building schools for children in Haiti.
• Alexandra “Alex” Scott: Diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer, before turning 1, Alex Scott only lived 8 short years, but her determination and initiative live on with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. ALSF began when, at the age of 4, and suffering from cancer herself, Alex enlisted her brother’s help and set up a lemonade stand in her yard to raise money for kids with cancer. That day, more than $2,000 was earned, and an annual tradition began for Alex and her family. Media attention quickly gave way to more stands and events for the cause, eventually leading to a full-scale effort which included all 50 states as well as areas in Canada and France. In 2004, the year Alex passed away, more than $1 million was collected. In addition, a successful documentary inspired a telethon that generated more than $3 million. Today, Alex’s parents work full time at the foundation in their daughter’s name. If anyone was given lemons in her life, it was Alex Scott…but like a true leader with a vision and the drive to make a difference, she made lemonade.

Kids, by their very nature, are curious, creative, and motivated to succeed. With the right support systems and encouragement, young people can, and do, step up to the plate and leave their mark in the world as leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. The next time your child has a great idea, pay attention and support their dreams…you never know where it might lead!

–Sheri Staak