A math phenom, a celebrated artist, a varsity swimmer and water polo player, a Latin and Greek scholar, a Harvard Book Prize winner—what an amazing group of teens, right? Wrong. That list describes just one of our 2024 Teens to Watch. Andrew Tu, the teen in question (the question being: How on earth?), might feel special for the mention here, but honestly, all of these ten superstars are a multihyphenates of mind-boggling proportions. And not only do they do it all, they do it all with heart.
They build computers from scratch, start robotics clubs for younger kids and help the elderly with tech tasks. They go to Juilliard on weekends, break Guinness Book records and raise tens of thousands of dollars for children in need. They conduct sophisticated scientific research with college professors, publish in scholarly journals and break down barriers in sports.
In short, they give us hope. Read on to be reassured that the future of our community and the planet is in good hands.
ANNA LEVENTON
Greenwich Academy
From robotics to art, photography, and writing, Anna Leventon is always creating and, in the process, thinking about how to make the world a better place. She is particularly interested in sustainability, having documented in photos the ecological changes over the years in Nantucket, where her family vacations.
“Two key endeavors for me are leading my school’s robotics team and my advocacy through creating and promoting environmental art,” says Anna. “I have always loved building gadgets and creating art.”
On the robotics team, Anna loves the collaborative process of building a new robot each season “to solve challenges and compete in competitions. I also started a VEX Robotics program with the Boys and Girls Club last year to introduce younger kids to the fun of it,” she adds. It was a gift on her sixth birthday—a remote control car—that sparked Anna’s interest in robotics.
“I just had to learn how it worked and how I could build my own car,” she recalls. “At first, I used Legos for my projects, and then circuits, and now I am able to machine the parts I need. My early projects were an RC door lock and a hand that could play the piano. Now, I am inspired by the development of humanoid robots and autonomous transportation and often wonder how they will be integrated into our everyday lives.”
On the art and design side, Anna creates through photography, sculpture and interactive games; plus, she has written and illustrated a graphic novel. “First Light is about a boy, Zac, who goes on an action-packed adventure with four elements of life—Earth, Fire, Water and Air,” she explains. “The elements teach him about environmental issues, as well as sustainability practices, and technologies that offer potential solutions. The adventure inspires Zac to make a difference in his community and shows kids how they can also make a difference in their communities.”
Anna’s photography is inspired by her upbringing in New York City. “Observing people was part of my everyday experience,” she comments.
Anna’s work has been exhibited at iCreate at the Bruce Museum and earned awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Anna also works as a Junior Docent and teaches art workshops at the Bruce. At Greenwich Academy, she founded the Environmental Art Club to raise awareness about sustainability through art and is the Associate and Art Editor of Daedalus, the school art and literary magazine.
Q&A
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Moving from New York City in the middle of the pandemic, leaving behind my home, my friends, and my school was very tough. As a new ninth grader, I did not know anyone here. Looking back, the move gave me the push to step outside my comfort zone and find a new community, new friends and to grow as a person.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
To embrace the opportunity to meet people of all ages and generations across my community. This will unlock endless possibilities to not only express your own ideas, but to be part of something much bigger than you can imagine. There is so much to do, and it’s out there for you to discover.
which TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
I have had the privilege of having incredible teachers. My eleventh grade English teacher, Mr. Sullivan, has had a meaningful positive impact on my character. In class he created a space for each of us to read, interpret and discuss literature on our own terms and to express ourselves with conviction and point of view. As a mentor, Mr. Sullivan has encouraged me and made it possible within the school community to explore all my interests in depth, even supporting me in organizing a film screening and panel discussion for teens across all the Greenwich schools in partnership with Waste Free Greenwich. I would truly not be where I am now without his guidance and mentorship.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“We are what we believe we are.” —C.S. Lewis