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Based on the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (“repair of the world”), the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize teens who are exceptional role models in their communities and beyond. Congratulations to this year’s group of winners: Max Einhorn, Eric Feldman, Aaron Feuer, Jacqueline Rotman, and Erin Schrode.
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Max Einhorn (La Jolla)
Founder of “Disaster Aware” and La Jolla High School’s Entrepreneurs Club
The devastation and destruction caused by wildfires ripping through San Diego County in 2007, opened Max Einhorn’s eyes to an alarming truth: how few of his fellow San Diegans were adequately prepared for natural disasters—and how that lack of preparedness presents a grave danger for everyone. “I looked into buying a disaster kit for my family, and then realized that no one had one,” Max said. Max worked entrepreneurially with the American Red Cross and his high school to start a social business called “Disaster Aware.” The group raised more than $10,000 for San Diego’s 2-1-1 service, educated more than 1600 families about natural disasters, and has sold more than 300 customized disaster survival kits. Under Max’s leadership, a sustainable “Disaster Aware” business model and educational materials have been presented to, and adopted by, many area groups, businesses and schools.
Read Max's reflection
Read "La Jolla teen readies San Diego for disaster" from the La Jolla Light
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Eric Feldman (Palos Verdes Estates)
"Just One Night Fundraising Concerts for Orphaned Children in Kenya
By producing Jazz and classical music concerts, coordinating school assemblies and pursuing corporate sponsorships, Eric Feldman has raised nearly $40,000 to sponsor the education of seven orphaned children in Kenya. Eric was inspired by his grandfather and other members of his family who taught him about tikkun olam as he “tagged along to see my father’s patients, deliver Meals-on-Wheels, and visit half-way houses.” What started as a dream to save just one child after Eric read about the lack of education available to African orphans became “Just One Night,” his first fundraiser, reflecting the knowledge that one night of giving would change a child’s life forever. He even engaged his nine year old sister and organized a read-a-thon at her elementary school, and arranged for the Kenya Boys’ Choir to perform at his high school.
Read Eric's reflection
Read "Student is recognized for work with orphans" from the Palos Verdes Peninsula News
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Aaron Feuer (Los Angeles)
President, California Association of Student Councils
In the midst of California’s debilitating economic crisis, Aaron saw a need to engage and empower students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to improve their schools and fight for dynamic policy change from the ground up. He’s focused on “reinvigorating our student councils as the vehicles for change, providing leadership training for students from all backgrounds and giving students from across the academic and socioeconomic spectrum opportunities to lead and speak up about important school issues.” He initiated and organized the first Los Angeles Youth Summit, doubled participation in the California Association of Student Councils leadership training programs, added 17 new leadership training programs, and coordinated two statewide conferences that resulted in presentations to The State Board of Education and several pieces of new legislation including a pending Senate bill that will enable student-teacher feedback.
Read Aaron's reflection
Read "Local Teen Honored as Inspiration to Peers" from the Beverly Press (page 6)
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Jacqueline Rotman (Santa Barbara)
"Everybody Dance Now!” Positive Outlets for At-Risk Youth
Inspired to take action at a young age, Jackie was just twelve years old when her dance group performed a hip-hop routine for eighty teens with disabilities. When the audio system failed, she instinctively took the lead and adapted the performance “by inviting audience members onstage to have their own opportunity to express themselves freely through movement.” Five years later, she hasn’t forgotten “the way it felt to see those teenagers full of self-confidence and adrenaline from dancing.” Since 2005, “Everybody Dance Now!” has sought to provide a positive creative outlet for nearly 2,000 Santa Barbara young people considered destined for membership in gangs. Through this program Jackie helps combat peer pressure, build self-esteem and foster healthy lifestyles, while promoting diversity and global culture by offering world dance classes and community service outreach to the elderly, terminally ill and disabled.
Read "Santa Barbara Teen Awarded $36,000 Grant: Jackie Rotman Recognized for Charitable Efforts" from the Santa Barbara Independent
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Erin Schrode (Ross)
“Teens Turning Green” and “Teens for Safe Cosmetics”
Erin sees herself as “the ultimate green girl,” for whom “eco-consciousness forms the lens through which I view my entire life.” This young eco-renaissance woman from Marin County is the founding member and spokesperson for “Teens Turning Green,” a national teen movement focused on transforming the world by investigating harmful environmental exposures, advocating for policy and behavioral change and creating awareness of healthy lifestyle choices. She’s as passionate about going to battle with financially powerful companies producing “toxin-ridden products,” as she is penning her weekly column for the Marin Independent Journal or her “Sustainable Beauty” blog. She’s inspired millions of teens about sustainability, race awareness and other issues with national media appearances ranging from E! Entertainment, ABC News and Planet Green, to Family Circle, Seventeen, The New York Times and Teen Vogue.
Read Erin's reflection
Read "Green teen reaps rewards of eco-friendliness" from the San Francisco Chronicle
Read "Marin's eco-teen heads to college with a $36,000 head start" from the Contra Costa Times |
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