Awards & Recognition

Back to 2009 Winners

Abbigail Brenner

Sterling Challand

Principal:

Abbie Brenner of Sterling Challand is one of those kids whose creativity will lead her to new adventures in her life. She's interested in fashion design and culinary school both of which she says will allow her to try something new, either with fabrics or food, continuing to make things for the people she cares about in her life.

Swim team, track, theater, band and choir round out this teenager's list of activities. Abbie says of all the people she's known in her life, her swim coach Bill Yemm has made the strongest impact on her. Changes in his eyesight required him to rethink his dentistry practice, so he turned his attention to people in need performing the dentistry procedures he still could. Abbie never wants to take for granted what she considers basic needs such as food, water, healthcare, and having a warm, safe home. If there's one thing she could change in the world that would be to make sure all kids have these things taken care of for good.

Her bat mitzvah made a big impact on her life. In her family's tradition, turning 13 signaled her entry into adulthood. Abbie spent the year prior to the event learning Hebrew. After several discouraging experiences learning the language, she reached her goal and taught herself to never give up.

Back to 2009 Winners