Distinguished Finalist

Richard Cooper Kennard, 18, of Starkville, Mississippi, a senior at Starkville High School, started a project in 2004 that provides food, books, and other necessities to families staying at a Ronald McDonald House in Memphis while their children receive treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. When Richard and his group of volunteers bring the donations to the house, they also prepare a meal and play with the children.