Grace Cortese

Grace Cortese, California, 10 years old

Grace is particularly interested in habitat preservation and halting species extinction. She saves her allowance and donates a portion to non-profits like NRDC. She is a part of “Teenie Greenies” at her school. They purchased a worm bin for the school and have taught the kids how to use it. She participates in waste free lunches and encourages all the students to participate. She helps with school recycling and also helped plant a school orchard. She raised $2,000 to save polar bears and also raised money to purchase malaria nets. Every year she and her family help feed the homeless. She believes every school should teach students how to protect the earth. While adults seem like they could do a lot to protect the earth, Grace feels like kids can make a difference too.