From KRLD Difference Maker to Time Magazine's Kid of the Year. I first spoke to Orion Jean in 2020 he was a fourth-grader in Mansfield. He'd just launched his "Race to Kindness" campaign - tackling food insecurity, collecting toys for a local hospital, and donating books to low-income children.
"I basically just wanted to encourage everyone to go out and do an act of kindness because in this day and age, it's something everybody needs," Orion said. "And it's free and it's always going to make someone's life a little better and make someone's life a little brighter."
Now he is an author himself, writing a book called "A Kid's Book about Leadership."
Out of 5000 nominees, ages 8 to 16, Orion was selected as the 2021 Kid of the Year - for his determination, passion, kindness, bravery, and innovation.
It's not the first time he's been recognized for his philanthropic work. Orion was on The Ellen Show with guest host Katy Perry who pledged to donate $10,000 to his work. He'll also be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Texas' Rangers Opening Day on Monday, April 11th. Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez will catch for Orion.
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