Alabama Public Television's 2002 Young Heroes
Recognizing that the future of Alabama is in our youth, we wanted to tell the stories of some of our state's outstanding young people. Students in grades 4 - 12, who have excelled in academics, given of themselves through public service, overcome adversity, or inspired others through their deed and strength of character were eligible to be nominated.

Darryl Fancher, Jr.
Brighton, Alabama
Physical limitations haven't kept this Pleasant Grove senior from striving to be the best. His accomplishments as Captain of the varsity basketball team most recently earned him a "most valuable player" award and a nomination for the Bryant-Jordan Foundation Student Athlete Achievement Award. Darryl carries a 3.302 GPA, excelling in honors classes. He is also actively involved with his church, a member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and the Spanish Clu. Of all of these qualities, Darryl's basketball coach says, "My favorite quality that he has is leadership. He is a leader in the classroom and on the court."

Mathew S. Weems
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Being diagnosed with autism at the age of 5, Mathew's future may have seemed bleak. Seemed, is the key word here. No one could know the potential that would one day be realized. Strong parents worked with him through special classes in elementary school, to mainstream classes in high school. A history buff, Mathew excells in Advanced World History going above and beyond class assignments. His interest in history, particularly World War I and World War II, keeps Mathew an active member of Holt High School's Jr. ROTC program. Not only is Mathew an outstanding student, he is also a model citizen. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in September 2001 by coordinating a toy drive for the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Clinic at The University of Alabama.

As though this weren't enough, Mathew also attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where he serves as an altar attendant and studies for his May confirmation.

Austin C. Scott
Birmingham, Alabama
A 17-year-old Junior in the Math and Sciences Program at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), Austin has maintained ASFA's tough GPA requirements despite hardship at home. Fueled by her desire to succeed, Austin has always remained a true servant of the community. She is an active member of Birmingham AIDS Outreach Youth Action Committee and attendee of the Ryan White Youth Council On AIDS in Washington DC. Austin was also a 2000 delegate to "Anytown, Alabama", one of the premiere human relations and leadership programs for youth in America. A past member of the Teen Advisory Board at the Homewood Public Library, Austin actively serves her community every chance she gets. Just a few of her activities include, volunteering at City Stages in the children's area and the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. Though extracurricular activities keep her busy, Austin manages to remain president of the ASFA Ambassadors, and has held several SGA offices. In her mother's words "Austin is a leader and will continue to be a constant source of pride for her school, community and Alabama. She will always be my hero."

Cody Browning
Echola, Alabama
Bi-weekly treatments and medications with awful side effects wouldn't keep this young man from being a source of great inspiration. Surmounting a battle with cancer would be just the beginning of Cody's tour de force. Throughout his treatment, Cody worked diligently to keep up with his class, opting to take home assignments early so that they could be completed on time. Cody has received many awards during his school career including Student of the Month, Most Outstanding Student, Presidential Award, and Most Outstanding Eighth Grader. He has remained on the "A" and "A/B" honors roll in spite of health issues. One of Cody's teachers had this to say, "Cody makes me want to strive to be a great teacher for such a great student."

Shannon Alyson Day
Wellington, Alabama
Shannon, according to her teacher, "has had a long history of success...beginning her academic career with high marks and perfect attendance from kindergarten to ninth grade." She will graduate with honors this Spring as an all-A student. Shannon is Vice President of the Beta Club, a University of North Alabama scholarship recipient, and Glencoe High SGA Chaplain. She is also a member of Glencoe High Literary Club and editor of the school's yearbook. Not only is she an exemplary student, Shannon is also a model citizen. She is a member of the Glenco High School Junior Civitan Club, and volunteer with the Etowah County Special Olympics. Though these achievements are great accomplishments, Shannon's most impressive project may be her founding of the James E. Day Foundation for Cancer Research, begun in memory of her late father. Plans are in the works for a benefit softball game, golf tournament, and pancake breakfast, with proceeds going to the Day Foundation. Shannon also makes bracelets and soaps whose sales benefit the Foundation. Teacher Donna Ingram says, "Shannon is truly a Young Hero in Glencoe, Alabama."

Lauren Faraino
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
"In order to be inspired by ten-year old Lauren Faraino, you need only be in the same room with her." Lauren excels in every school activity, maintaining an A-average in every class. She also participates on her school's Creative Problem Solving team. Academia is not the only area in which Lauren excels; she's also a fantastic artist. Working with paints and pastels, Lauren creates beautiful pictures. In October, Lauren was the featured artist in her school's art display. Her work has also been show at the Birmingham Museum of Art during their Very Special Arts Exhibition.

These accomplishments seem even more impressive, when you consider that Lauren has been denied use of her arms since birth. She zips through school in a motorized wheelchair, leaving her feet free for writing, painting, cutting and drawing. According to teachers, Lauren often amazes classmates as she discovers creative ways to participate in whatever the days activities happen to be. Above all, Lauren's positive attitude may be her best attribute. One fifth grade teachers says, "Lauren so adeptly overcomes her handicap that classmates often forget that it exists...as her teacher, I am completely overwhelmed by her abilities. Lauren Faraino is truly a Young Hero!"

Tarria Jannette Poplar
Fairfield, Alabama
Caring for her sick mother is just the beginning of Tarria Jannette Poplar's good deeds that earned her nomination for Alabama Public Television's 2002 Young Heroes Award. Tarria is also an accomplished classical pianist, having performed in Birmingham, Montgomery and Fort Worth, Texas. While Tarria enjoys playing the piano, her main goal in life is to become a medical doctor. This past December, she was invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, a program dedicated to helping prepare out nation's most promising future physicians for the opportunities and responsibilities which lie ahead. Tarria is also an active volunteer at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, at the Alabama Radio Reading Service for The Blind and at Music For Kids. Having survived open heart surgery as a 9-year-old, she has come to understand that our own physical limitations should not ever overshadow our spirit's potential.

Joseph Dees
Enterprise, Alabama
Having lost both parents at an early age, Joseph would be tested by circumstance at a very early age. As time passed Joseph developed an intelligent, athletic and determined character. Early in his school career, teachers noticed his penchant for creative writing. Joseph won several writing awards and became a voracious reader. He has been nominated for the B.F. Garth Award, which is given to a young man who possesses great character, high academic grades and who could be called the ideal student. Joe currently carries a 3.986 GPA that reflects advanced courses he has successfully completed. Not only is Joseph an extraordinary student, he is also an outstanding athlete, arriving at school every morning at 6:15 for his early workout. He recently won the award for highest GPA for all junior football players and consistently stated throughout the season on the varsity team. According to his French teacher, "Joseph Dees is not just a young hero, but he is a hero and role model for us all.

Hunter Daniel Agee
Cottondale, Alabama
After undergoing many tests, and repeated misdiagnoses, it was not until the 6th grade that Hunter's parents, teachers and doctors finally found a diagnosis that fit. He was diagnosed with a form of autism called Pervasive Development Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This form of autism not only affects motor skills and information processing but also social and behavioral skills. Up to this point, Hunter's speech was unintelligible, and expressing himself verbally became at times insurmountable. Through lots of hard work with his parents, he has worked to overcome this obstacle. Though Hunter's speech is still somewhat delayed, doctors at one time thought he would never be able to attain an intelligible speech pattern. Today, Hunter is quite the conversationalist, favoring a discussion of University of Alabama football above all.

Through all of his hardship as a boy, Hunter found his way to Christianity at the age of 16. He began corresponding with the Christian Foundation. Without his parents knowing, Hunter was saving his lunch money each day for tithing, feeling that the Christian Foundation needed the money more than he needed lunch. His parents only found out after receiving acknowledgment of Hunter's $300 pledge in the mail. The same year, Hunter would read his first book. He read the entire Harry Potter series and now reads his Bible every day. Next year, Hunter will enter the 12th grade at Holt High School. He plans to graduate and continue his education. Hunter's mother says, "he is a role model for other children who have been burdened with adversities and limits, and have had labels attached to them."

Matthew Bedwell
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
In just seconds a family vacation went terribly wrong. One moment three-year-old Joseph Seale was playfully splashing about in a hotel pool, the next he was drowning. Family friend Matthew Bedwell, a 15-year-old ninth grader at Open Door Christian School, dove in and pulled the child out. Thanks to a recent CPR class, Matthew knew how to help Joseph clear his lungs. Had Matthew not acted quickly, Joseph surely would have drowned. Though Matthew has been treated as a hero since this event, he tends to shy from the attention.

Matthew is consistently on the Open Door Christian School honors roll, and excels at basketball. According to Rebekah Ensor a school administrator "I can't think of a finer young man to fit the profile of a young hero. He truly embodies all the qualities and characteristics of heroism, and I fully and wholeheartedly recommend him for this award."