2014 Outstanding Young Leaders

Lindsy Nix spent 6 years in Montana's foster care system. Lindsy loves animals. She was in 4H as a child, has worked with dogs and horses most of her life and has been training her own service animal for over a year. She has volunteered at the Humane Society as... Read more

Paige Dallmann spent 4 years in North Dakota's foster care system. Paige came into care when she 12 because of abuse and neglect. She was first placed with her a cousin but moved in with an aunt and uncle after 5 months. That placement was also short lived; 2 months... Read more

Ryan Cummings spent 11 years in Washington's foster care system. As Eli Wiesel once said “We must whisper, we must shout, we must not be silent.” Rest assured Mr.Wiesel, Ryan Cummings is listening! With humility and passion and a sense of duty, Ryan Cummings has shaped the future of many... Read more

Sade' Mitchell spent 4 years in Oregon's foster care system. Sade' Mitchell was placed in foster care when she was 15 years old and a freshman in high school. At a very sensitive time in her life, she changed homes five times and attended six different schools in both Oregon... Read more

Victoria Mirabella spent 7 years in Pennsylvania's foster care system. Victoria Mirabella was introduced to the foster care system under very difficult circumstances. As a pre-teen, she was reported living on her own without any supervision and facing serious health conditions. Her mother was living in another state and her... Read more

Trenton Miller spent 4 years in Florida's foster care system. As an older youth in the foster care system, Trenton spent most of his time in group homes. His mentor during his freshman year, got him involved in ROTC where Trenton flourished. He has logged more than 600 hours of... Read more

Dameika Merriwether spent 6 years in Michigan's foster care system. Dameika Merriwether is a tribute to the strength and determination of youth in foster care. Since she entered care at the age of 13, she has experienced four foster care home placements, six weeks of homeless couch surfing, seven months... Read more

Shanese Colon spent 21 years in Georgia's foster care system. There are many great benefits of attending college. Among them are the wonderful clubs and opportunities to meet others, educate the community and affect the lives of many people. It seems to be Shanese’s calling to help and educate others’... Read more

Trisha McGrotty spent 7 years in West Virgina's foster care system. Trisha is bright and motivated. She was on the Honor Roll from elementary grades through High School, and is now enrolled in college. Her personal goal is to become a social worker, and do volunteer work in the Big... Read more

Patricia "Patty" McChesney spent 7 years in Nevada's foster care system. Patricia McChesney, age 20 of Nevada, wishes to work with disabled youth using music therapy, but first she is focusing all her attention on school. She performed in the top 3% in the nation on her PSAT and ACT,... Read more