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 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 Shasta Shasta has been trained to find people who have been lost in the woods, drowned, buried in avalanches. by Hans from Alaska Balto Balto led his dog team on the lifesaving 1925 serum run to Rome, Alaska. by Brooke from Toronto, Canada 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 Artist 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 Vincent Van Gogh Vincent Van Gogh overcame personal struggles to become one of the world's most renowned artists. by Claudia Herrera Hudson Fauzia Minallah Fauzia Minallah is the founder of Funkor Childart Centre and an ARTIVIST. by Joanne Tawfilis Bill Cosby Bill Cosby is one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century. by Melanie from Fredericksburg Maria Tallchief Maria Tallchief was a beloved Native American ballerina who pioneered many important roles. by Rebecca Miller 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 Business 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 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 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 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 Dolores Olmedo Patino Dolores Olmedo Patino was a beloved Mexican businesswoman, philanthropist, and art collector. by Claudia Herrera Hudson 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 Clotilde Dedecker Clotilde Dedecker provides educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan. Brandon Keefe Brandon Keefe provided books to underfunded libraries in his hometown. by Jerrilyn Jacobs Earthkeeper 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 Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks has educated over 5,000 students on sea turtles and marine conservation. 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 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 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 Marco Polo Marco Polo was a famous Italian explorer to the Far East. by Jessica from Milwaukee, Minnesota Family 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 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 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 Immaculee Ilibagiza Immaculee Ilibagiza demonstrates the power of forgiveness to bring healing and hope to the people of Rwanda. by Molly from Spokane, Washington Lifesaver Ryan Hreljac Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean water in Africa. by Wendy Jewell Ben Carson Ben Carson is the chief of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. 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 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 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 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 Mythological Jason and the Argonauts Jason and the Argonauts were a crew of brave Greek Mythological heroes. by Claudia Herrera Hudson Peacemaker 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 Peace Pilgrim Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles for peace. by Shiloh from 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 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 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 Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin was an American scientist, inventor, statesman and philosopher. by James from Taft 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 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 Galileo He was the first to use a telescope to observe the stars and planets. He tried to prove the things he saw to other people. by Rebecca Pollard 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 Augusta Ada Byron Augusta Ada Byron developed the world's first computer program while struggling with her own personal hardships. by Edward Ortiz 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 Sports Tiger Woods Tiger Woods one of the most successful golfers of all times, has inspired minority golfers and people around the world because of his philanthropy. by Wes from Sycamore Junior High Adaptive Action Sports Since 2000, the USASA has provided opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete in snowboarding competitions. by Amanda Molinaro 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 Teacher Louis Braille He invented braille and raphigraphy, which is a way for the blind to write to the sighted and vice-versa. by Malcolm from St. Paul, Minnesota Annie Mansfield Sullivan Macy She was the outstanding teacher of Helen Keller. by Sarah from Montvale 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 Ruty Hotzen Ruty Hotzen inspires students from around the world through Talking Kites, iEARN. by Reverend Charles F. Harper Ranald MacDonald Ranald MacDonald was a Native American/Scot wayfarer who helped open up Japan to the West. by Kelley from Spokane 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 Farkhonda Hassan Farkhonda Hassan is an Egyptian politician, scientist, professor, and women's rights activist. 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 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 Naguib Mahfouz Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arab to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. by Sufyan from Cairo