Distinguished Finalist
Nicole Vournazos
Connecticut
Nicole Vournazos, 18, of Newtown, Conn., a senior at Newtown High School, created a curriculum to teach fellow high school students about microfinancing, the practice of providing small loans to underprivileged people so they can develop a steady source of income and not depend on charity. Nicole worked with her teachers and the members of the Yale Microfinance Club in the development and teaching of the curriculum.