Matthew Bigongiari
“I was born on the South Side of Chicago,” Matthew Bigongiari says. “I went to the same grade school as my mom, the daughter of … Continue reading
Happening People
Joi Cardinal
Born in Pittsburgh, Joi Cardinal moved to Los Angeles with her mom at age nine after her father died. “My older sister was living there,” … Continue reading
Jennifer Denson
Born in Eugene, Jennifer Denson went to grade school at Spring Creek Elementary, then migrated with her family to Silver City, New Mexico, for middle … Continue reading
Happening People
Genevieve Schaak
“My parents had a restaurant called The Kitchen Store,” says Genevieve Schaack, who grew up in Chicago. “My mom would feed unhoused people who came … Continue reading
Sidney Campbell
“My uncle trained elephants at the San Diego Zoo,” says Sidney Campbell, who grew up in nearby Los Angeles County. “I spent time at the … Continue reading
Kiasia Baggenstos
In June, following her freshman year in the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, Portland native Kiasia Baggenstos was named the first-ever winner … Continue reading
Lee Bliven II
Happening People
“The main thing I do is help people,” says Lee Bliven II, who spends 80 to 100 hours a week volunteering with organizations that serve … Continue reading
Devon Lawson-McCourt
“I’m fortunate to have worked on 27 political campaigns since fifth grade,” says Devon Lawson-McCourt, currently 15 years old and sophomore class president at McKenzie … Continue reading
David Strahan
David Strahan grew up in Southern California, a few blocks away from Disneyland. “Four days after my high school graduation,” he relates, “I grabbed the … Continue reading
Jasmine Darmadi
“I was born and raised in Eugene,” says Jasmine Darmadi, now a senior at South Eugene High School. “My mom immigrated from China and my … Continue reading