Each year, TIME Magazine recognizes 30 teenagers whose lifestyles include expressing themselves in both unique and powerful ways. The annual list recognizes a variety of teens from athletes and activists, to musicians and entrepreneurs. Each person honored may come from a different field and background, but these chosen individuals have all have put their young voices to right-minded use and created a long lasting global impact.
One of this year’s honorees is rising beauty queen, James Charles. Charles recently received a great deal of attention in the media when CoverGirl named him its first ever “cover boy.” But, the 17-year-old makeup enthusiast caught our attention through his YouTube page where he teaches both men and women how to apply makeup. Charles told the New York Times he wants others to be inspired and to “express themselves in a manner they haven’t been comfortable doing before.”
Three Olympians have made TIME’s yearly list, which is ranked simply by youngest to oldest. Final Five gymnastics squad members, 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez and 19-year-old Simone Biles have been selected by the magazine, in addition to 18-year-old Katie Ledecky, the five-time gold medalist who is currently a freshman at Stanford University. The trio represented the USA this past summer in Rio, all achieving first-place finishes.
Sia’s alter ego, 14-year-old Maddie Ziegler also earned a spot on the list. Ziegler’s recognition came about when she joined forces with the shielded singer and appeared in the music videos for “Chandelier” and “The Greatest.” The former Dance Moms star is one of this year’s youngest honorees. She is deeply committed to her passion for dance, recently becoming the youngest-ever-judge on Fox’s hit show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Other familiar faces honored by the publication include musical prodigies, 18-year-old Shawn Mendes and 19-year-old Camila Cabello, as well as 19-year-old reality television personality, Kylie Jenner. You can view the full list of TIME’s 30 Influential Teens here.
Readers, how do you feel about this year’s list? Tweet us at @CelebMix and let us know your thoughts!