Winners Announced in 'Living the Example' Video Contest

(August 16, 2019) The winners of the Mentor Foundation USA’s 2019 Living the Example Video Contest have just been announced!

The contest, which was launched in 2012, was open to youth, ages 13-24, and encouraged them to share how they are “living the example” and making a difference in their communities through healthy drug-free activities.

Sixteen-year-old Gael Fernandez, from Anaheim, California, is this year’s first place winner. His prizes include an all-expense paid trip for two to the red carpet in Hollywood and $1,000. 

During his video, he discussed his popular podcast, Teenager Therapy, which addresses the tough issues young people like himself may face.

“I believe you can make a change in the world by talking about the things others are too scared to talk about,” Gael said during his video. During the last eight months, his podcast has gotten over 400,000 plays on Spotify, he said.

Watch his video below. 

Jenna Wang, age 16 from Iowa City, Iowa won second place and $500. In her video she showed how she inspires her peers through her K-pop dancing. Watch.

Fourteen-year-old Stephanie Sidhu from Louisville, Kentucky, won third place and $300 for her video which highlighted her animation and art skills. Watch. 

Winners were chosen by a diverse panel of judges.

Learn more about the Living the Example program.