Glenn McLaurin, 17, from Garner, North Carolina

Attending the University of North Carolina this fall, Glenn McLaurin has done much in the way of helping his community in Wake County, N.C. As an only child, his parents always gave him a forum. He thought if he had that opportunity in the family, he should have that in the community, too.

Glenn has worked hard to give other youth a voice. He's been involved in Teen Court, a restorative justice program that gives first-time juvenile offenders a second chance to have a clean slate. He's also been involved in several local elections and is a member of the North Carolina Civic Consortium Committee, a youth board charged with increasing youth involvement in their communities. Last year, they organized a kids' vote, including a mock election, and they are working on establishing youth advisory groups at organizations in their communities that involve youth.

It was in that capacity that he approached his local 4H program. "I wrote to them hoping to find a way to make sure they really stayed in touch with the youth [and didn't just include] executives who really didn't have an idea of what it takes to be a teenager in today's world," he said. He was so convincing that 4H ended up hiring him to be their youth leadership coordinator.

How long have you been doing this kind of work?

I've been involved in civic engagement opportunities for the past two years now, beginning with membership on the North Carolina Civic Education Consortium Committee. I've always been interested in ways to get youth more active, more involved in the community.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?

In terms of the community effort, I think probably my proudest moment has actually been my involvement in Teen Court. I'm there every other week often till 8:30 at night, and I'm working with these kids who have taken some wrong turns in their life, but have finally had an opportunity to turn things around and they need some support and some help. Every time I walk out of the courthouse doors, I realize that I've made a difference in somebody's life.

You mentioned that you've volunteered with some local campaigns. Are you also involved at the national level?

I found that working with local candidates is just easier and has a little bit more person-to-person contact. I would actually support a national candidate. I'm very excited about the election, about being able to vote. But I find local politics more engaging 'cause it is that much more personal.

Whom do you support for president?

Barack Obama. … I was fortunate enough actually to hear both him and Hillary Clinton speak at a conference in North Carolina a few days before the primaries. When he speaks, I certainly feel that he is all about change.