Distinguished Finalist

Abbey Pemberton, 17, of Hutchinson, Kan., a senior at Hutchinson High School, led a lobbying effort that persuaded the Hutchinson City Council to pass an ordinance banning electronic cigarettes in the same places where traditional cigarettes are not allowed, then convinced six towns in her county to prohibit tobacco use in public parks, as well. Since then, she has made several presentations to educate her community and its civic leaders about the dangers of smoking.