Teen Takes Steps to Help Others

Ryann Satterfield believes in tackling problems one step at a time.

The Albany, Ga., 17-year-old learned about conditions in rural West Virginia, where many families have no electricity, running water, or proper shoes. She recognized the need for decent footwear—especially for children in the winter—and she decided to do something about it.

Working with a missionary group called Global Outreach, she contacted local churches and launched a shoe-donation project. She educated people about the need and encouraged them to contribute. By the time the project ended, she had collected more than 730 pairs of shoes for West Virginia families.

This was not the first time Satterfield took steps to help peoples’ feet. Previously, she collected shoes for people in Africa.

For her enthusiasm and initiative, Satterfield is the winner of this week’s TeenUp Award. The awards are directed by Michael Robert Evans, the author of the young-adult novel 68 Knots, and they recognize teens who have tackled a challenge to help change the world for the better.

For a video about Satterfield’s award, see

If you would like to nominate someone for the TeenUp Award, please contact Michael Robert Evans at michaelrobertevans@yahoo.com.