Some of the most enthusiastic activists are teenagers, and the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE), the youth education affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States, wants to make sure that young people who make a difference for animals get the recognition they deserve.

NAHEE created the Humane Teen of the Year Award to honor the many remarkable teenagers working to create a kinder world. The third annual award will recognize a teenager who has made a significant contribution to animal protection, such as direct work on behalf of animals, aiding in the passage of humane legislation, or educating others to be kind to animals.

If you know a teenager who helps care for homeless pets, educates the public about an important issue affecting animals, or raises funds for our furred, feathered, or finned friends, we want to hear from them—quickly. The application deadline for the 2006 award is November 15, 2005. Any student, 13-18 years old, is eligible to apply. An application form is available online at www.HumaneTeen.org. The winner will receive a $300 cash prize.

Those chosen for the award must have made a meaningful, preferably long-term contribution to animal protection and express a sincere interest in protecting animals.

Last year's awardee was 14-year-old Laura Buell, whose work for animals includes caring for, socializing, and training homeless pets; teaching children about pet care and safety; and starting an animal protection web site. The 2004 award recognized 15-year-old Ariel Morgan Kravitz, chosen for her work rehabilitating cats with special needs; using her equestrian skills to help disabled children; and helping to find families for hundreds of homeless animals. (After being named Humane Teen of the Year, Kravitz went on to assist Rural Area Veterinary Services in August 2004 on Arizona's Apache reservations.) Buell and Kravitz talk about their work and give advice to other teens at www.HumaneTeen.org (Click on "Teens helping animals.")

www.HumaneTeen.org is a clearinghouse of information for young people looking to become involved in animal protection. It provides guidelines for starting a club; step-by-step, hands-on projects; updates on campaigns; and downloadable study and activity guides on animal abuse, intensive farming, animal research, and other topics of concern to teen activists.