2020 was a year filled with challenges, heartbreak, and frustration. But, it was also a year filled with inspiration and hope, thanks to dozens of amazing young people in Southern California.
It may be hard to remember 2020 before the pandemic, but there were a few weeks when things were considered "normal."
Early in the year, I shared a “KNX Hero” story of teenager and aspiring lifeguard Gavin Pike, who saved two people who were caught in a riptide off the coast of Laguna Beach.
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"In probably less than a minute, they went from knee-deep to not being able to touch the floor."- Gavin Pike.
Gavin's heroic actions, no doubt, saved the two swimmers' lives.
We also celebrated “KNX Hero” Nico Craig of Culver City, a transgender teen who was named a national youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. His platform addressed mental wellness and suicide.
"Even if I save just one life, it means the world to me." - Nico Craig.
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Our young people had their lives turned upside-down almost instantly when the pandemic hit, many adjusting to at-home learning. It also meant no prom, no in-person graduation, none of the normal stuff many of us grew up with.
But some of them embraced the challenges, and became heroes in their own right, helping others during this life-changing year.
14 year-old L'Mio Edwards of Diamond Bar created a running challenge, running a 5K every day for entire month, to raise money for a local food bank.
Teenager Andrew Lee created "Giving Hearts United," providing hundreds of face coverings for nursing homes. He also organized letters for patients isolated in hospital rooms.
"I can't imagine how it must feel to be stuck on that bed. This was just a way for me to help patients feel a little bit better." - Andrew Lee, Los Angeles
15 year-old Nikiel Douglas and 10 year-old Alique Krikorian used their own money to feed local nurses and doctors.
"They save people's lives! And they try to care about everybody fairly and equally, so I thought I should donate it to them." - Alique Krikorian, Glendale
A dozen other teenagers and young adults gave what they had, or created some kind of learning program or entertainment event that just made life easier.
2020 was tragic year filled with a lot of heartache, but our bright, young “KNX Heroes” took this moment to step-up, and honestly hold many us up, with their resilience and inspiring actions.
“KNX Heroes” is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes.
A special thank you to ALL of our 2020 "KNX Heroes," who stepped-up this past year.
Nominate a “KNX Hero of the Week” for 2021 by clicking https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/nominate
Click https://www.crc.com/ to connect with California Resources Corporation.
