WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAM

While the Make It Your Own Awards grants were awarded in May 2008, the projects live on. Read more about the Top 100 projects, or see what made the MIYO Awards novel. This site has been archived to serve as a resource for anyone wishing to create a similar project in their community.

Project Summary

S.H.I.N.E is a student run organization to break the cycle against childhood bullying. Encouraging kids one positive word at a time. We travel around New Jersey we help children to be proud of themselves and take a stand against bullies.

About me

I am a 17 year old honor student who was bullied as a child and ever since the sixth grade I was determined to take a stand for the underdog. Recently I was crowned your 2007 Miss Teen New Jersey International. Soon, after I became the National Bully Prevention Spokesmodel for Love Our Children USA. I traveled throughout the state speaking from a rags to riches approach showing everyone that I spoke to that people don't make who you are you can achieve whatever you believe in. I am interested in this grant because now I am not a one man show anyone. I have begun S.H.I.N.E at my regional high school where I have teens from all over New Jersey helping me beat out bullying. This grant interests me because it would help fund our team. We would be able to donate some money back to Love Our Children USA who has helped us tremendously, and be able to buy coloring books, educational material, and give aways for the schools we talk at. I have a great team behind me filled with enthusiastic people throughout New Jersey who are willing and ready to help. We have been able to pull of numerous events like a "Dance A Thon", Cook Out, Raffle, and many more.