Need a dose of inspiration? Our Amazing Kids have you covered – Pamplin Media Group

Posted By on August 14, 2020

Don't miss our 2020 Amazing Kids special section, which hits the stands next week.

The Class of 2020 will forever be associated with a global pandemic and its disruptive impact on students, particularly high school and college seniors.

So, too, with our 2020 class of Amazing Kids.

The project, which usually culminates with a celebration at OMSI in May, was postponed because of the virus. We briefly considered skipping a year, but our employees from sales representatives to beat reporters urged us to go forward. And it's a good thing we did.

For in these days where hope and inspiration seem to be in short supply, we have plenty to share.

There's the caring spirit of Riley and Marley Hartgraves, Wilsonville residents and students at Boeckman Creek Primary School who have been consistent volunteers around town for the past few years. Amid the pandemic, their main concern is that they can't be as active as they were before. "We really want to be helping people now," says Marley, who is 11 years old.

There's the energy of 13-year old Alayna Neville, of Powell Butte, who is training Luna, a wild mustang yearling, for fall competition. But don't try and praise her for their success. "I don't think it's as much me," she says, "it's more Luna because she is so smart."

There's the emerging leadership seen in Aslan Newson of Portland, who, at 16, serves on her neighbor association board, is president of the Wilson High School Black Student Union, and has worked with the Anti-Defamation League to offer anti-bias training to incoming first-year students.

"I do get exhausted and burnt out, but I have the privilege of being able to stand up for my community in ways my ancestors did not," says Aslan, whose mother is Native American and father is African American. "I think about them and what they fought for."

We call this publication "Amazing Kids," knowing that some of the young people profiled are more mature than many adults.

A few years back, we asked some of the older honorees if they minded the label. They assured us it was fine.

While some in the Class of 2020 may not be kids, they all, in their own ways, are amazing.

Watch for the Amazing Kids section in your copy of the Lake Oswego Review next week!

You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts.Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.

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Need a dose of inspiration? Our Amazing Kids have you covered - Pamplin Media Group

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