Plan International and Paramount launch "Worthy" campaign to support girls' education worldwide
New PSA invites supporters to give back by giving backpacks to girls around the world
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2025 -- Plan International and Paramount, in partnership with Nickelodeon, today launched the next chapter of their global campaign featuring beloved explorer Dora, to raise awareness about the importance of education. At the heart of this year's movement is a joyful new public service announcement, 'Worthy,' set to the empowering anthem by Mavis Staples, celebrating the courage and promise of girls everywhere.
For generations, Dora has inspired young explorers to dream big. Now, her iconic purple backpack is helping girls around the world unlock futures filled with possibility. In the new PSA, girls from across the globe are seen dancing, singing and walking to school — their purple backpacks serving as both a tool and a symbol of confidence, dignity and hope.
"It's not just about what's inside the backpack, but what's inside the girl. Her power, her voice, her potential." - Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA.
The 'Worthy' PSA will air across Paramount's Nickelodeon and MTV networks in more than 170 markets worldwide, as well as on social media channels.
Watch the "Worthy" PSA and experience the campaign's message at
This year's campaign is a reflection of Plan's growing partnership with Paramount, which launched on International Day of the Girl last year. Since then, we have delivered backpacks filled with essential school supplies to girls in five countries, helping them show up prepared, proud and ready to learn. For many, this simple gift has made the difference between dropping out and stepping forward into a future full of promise.
This year's campaign also powers The Dora Fund, a new initiative that invests in grassroots and youth-led organizations advancing girls' education. By providing direct grants and resources, the fund helps community leaders address barriers to learning and unlock opportunities for girls worldwide.
"It's not just about what's inside the backpack. It's about what's inside the girl — her power, her voice, her potential," said Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA. "Together with Paramount and Nickelodeon, we're reminding every girl that she is worthy and making sure she has what she needs to lead — not just in school but in life."
A gift of just $25 provides a backpack for a girl in need — and that's just the beginning. When you give, you're not only helping her carry books but also helping her carry her future.
Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children's rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won't stop until we are all equal.
About Paramount
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount's portfolio includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Paramount holds one of the industry's most extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions.
For more information about Paramount, please visit www.paramount.com and follow @ParamountCo on social platforms.
Enjoy the brand new Paramount+ Original series Dora, now streaming! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com
Join your favorite explorer in NEW and EXCITING adventures on YouTube! Play games, dive into adventures, sing along to songs, solve puzzles and so much more! Subscribe to the OFFICIAL Dora & Friends YouTube Channel! Ready? ¡Vámonos! Let’s go! https://at.nick.com/DoraSubscribe
Meet BGT Finalist and Wildlife Conservationist Aneeshwar | Extraordinary Me | Nickelodeon UK
Extraordinary Me uncovers what drives Britain's Got Talent finalist and wildlife conservationist Aneeshwar to protect wildlife, and how he hopes to change the world!
Paramount+ UK & Ireland is HERE! Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favourites! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Paramount+ is also available with Sky Cinema at no extra cost.
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2025 -- To celebrate International Women's Day, Plan International has launched its "Empower Girls. Change the Future" campaign in partnership with Paramount and KFC. This initiative champions education and leadership opportunities for girls worldwide, ensuring they can learn, lead, decide and thrive.
The need for action is urgent. The global gender equality gap is now projected to take 137 years to close — three years longer than in 2024, signaling a troubling reversal of progress. Without intervention, girls will continue to face barriers that limit their potential. Plan works alongside girls to remove obstacles and create pathways to leadership.
"Girls need our support now more than ever. When we invest in their education and leadership, we're not just changing their futures — we're changing the world," said Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA. "Through our partnerships, we're giving girls the tools to overcome barriers and lead with confidence."
Paramount – Championing girls' education and equality
Plan and Paramount have partnered since 2015 to raise awareness about girls' education and equal opportunities. Building on this long-term collaboration, they have once again joined forces for International Women's Day. Nickelodeon released exclusive content featuring beloved bilingual explorer Dora, who speaks directly to grown-ups about the importance of girls' education and equal opportunities.
This content continues the story started on International Day of the Girl 2024, when Plan and Paramount distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to young people in Cambodia, Mexico, Nepal, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. Inspired by Dora's iconic purple backpack, these backpacks symbolize the tools needed for learning and adventure, giving girls the resources they need to stay in school and pursue their dreams.
Paramount and Plan also continue to amplify girls' voices through the 8M Infinito campaign on MTV in 2025 across Latin America, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality.
KFC partners with Plan to create pathways to leadership, education and employment for youth, especially girls and people with disabilities. This partnership supports KFC's commitment to promoting gender balance in leadership roles through its community impact strategy, Feeding People's Potential.
In February 2025, KFC hosted Girls Takeover events at two KFC corporate offices: Plano, Texas and Bangkok, Thailand. During these takeovers, girls stepped into leadership roles, including Chief People and Culture Officer and Chief Development Officer, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating their potential.
These inspiring moments will be shared on social media, amplifying girls' voices and encouraging others to support youth leadership.
Click here to learn how KFC is helping youth build skills and lead.
Campaign overview
The "Empower Girls. Change the Future" campaign showcases how education and leadership empower girls to shape their futures. Aligned with the global advocacy theme "Accelerate Action," it underscores the urgency of closing the gender gap so girls can learn, lead, decide and thrive.
Through strategic partnerships, impactful blogs and inspiring Girl Takeovers, the campaign highlights what's possible when girls have the support they need to lead. The #HerFutureStartsNow social media challenge encourages meaningful conversations about leadership and future goals, inviting people everywhere to join the movement.
About Plan International
Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children's rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won't stop until we are all equal.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We’re there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. We drive changes in practice and policy at the local, national and global levels using our reach, expertise and knowledge.
With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in over 80 countries.
PLAN INTERNATIONAL AND PARAMOUNT PARTNER TO EMPOWER GIRLS WORLDWIDE
Global campaign launches on International Day of the Girl Child to support girls' education and gender equality
A young girl proudly wearing a purple backpack stands alongside animated characters Dora the Explorer and Boots, symbolizing the journey toward education. Plan International and Paramount have partnered to empower girls worldwide through a global campaign promoting girls' access to education and gender equality. Learn more at www.planusa.org/dora.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2024 -- In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child (Oct. 11), Plan International has announced a partnership with Paramount to launch a new global campaign, featuring Nickelodeon's iconic Latina heroine Dora, to champion girls' access to education and gender equality. Kicking off today, the multiplatform initiative includes:
The establishment of a new Dora Fund: Provides grants for youth-led organizations dedicated to girls' education.
Backpacks and supplies: Paramount will provide funding for the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies. Audiences can choose to contribute to this through Plan's Gifts of Hope initiative.
Global PSA: A powerful public service announcement airs across Paramount networks.
A Plan International resource hub: Offers additional ways for audiences to get involved in the campaign and learn more.
Globally, 224 million children and youth are out of school, with girls facing the greatest barriers to education. To help address this crisis, Plan reached 10.5 million people through inclusive, quality education programs in 2023 alone. Building on this impact, the campaign invites the public to help break down these barriers and ensure all children, especially girls, have the opportunity to learn.
"This partnership showcases the power of education to transform girls' lives," said Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA. "By partnering with Paramount, we are raising awareness about the barriers girls face and providing ways for people to help break them down. Together, we won't stop until every girl can access the education she deserves."
Dora - International Day of the Girl
Bradley Archer-Haynes, senior vice president, cross company impact at Paramount, said: "We are so proud to partner with Plan International to encourage discussions about access to education and gender equality for the next generation of female leaders, innovators and groundbreakers around the world. Kids are powerful contributors to societal change, and we hope Dora's legacy of empowerment, inclusivity and adventure continues to inspire positive transformation through this campaign."
Campaign details
The campaign kicks off on Oct. 11 with a 60-second PSA airing across Paramount's networks in more than 160 markets worldwide including Nickelodeon and MTV global feeds, as well as social media, along with a shorter version for broader distribution. The PSA celebrates the limitless potential of every girl, encouraging them to face challenges and pursue their dreams with courage and determination, embodying Dora's core values of bravery and empowerment.
The campaign also offers an online landing page offering an opportunity for girl- and youth-led organizations to apply for grants to support their work to promote girls' education, a quiz to test your knowledge of the futures girls want, inspiring stories of changemakers, and other content featuring practical information on how to support girls' rights.
As part of the campaign, the "Dora Fund" has been created to provide grants to organizations that support projects aimed at advancing girls' education in communities around the world. Paramount will also fund the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need, and audiences will be able to directly contribute to this effort through Plan's Gifts of Hope initiative, an affordable way to address global challenges and injustices.
"This campaign opens doors for girls to become leaders, teachers or explorers by providing the resources, support and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams," Marzilli added. "Through education and community, we can help girls break barriers and create the futures they want."
Get involved
Be a part of the movement for change. Scan the QR code in the PSA or visit www.planusa.org/dora to join the campaign, apply for grants through the Dora Fund and discover more ways you can champion gender equality today.
About Plan International
Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children's rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won't stop until we are all equal.
About Paramount
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount's portfolio includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Paramount holds one of the industry's most extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions.
For more information about Paramount, please visit www.paramount.com and follow @ParamountCo on social platforms.
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Enjoy the brand new Paramount+ Original series Dora, now streaming! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com
Join your favorite explorer in NEW and EXCITING adventures on YouTube! Play games, dive into adventures, sing along to songs, solve puzzles and so much more! Subscribe to the OFFICIAL Dora & Friends YouTube Channel! Ready? ¡Vámonos! Let’s go! https://at.nick.com/DoraSubscribe
Nickelodeon’s latest edition of ‘Together For Good’ urges kids to embrace their individuality and celebrate being #OneOfAKind
India, 14th March 2023: Category leader and the pioneer in kids’ entertainment, Nickelodeon India continues to engage and entertain young minds through its thought-provoking and compelling initiatives. In today’s world, children are often exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, societal pressures and comparisons that leave a lasting impact. Recognizing this and staying true to the commitment of always being there for kids, Nickelodeon’s latest edition of its global pro-socio initiative ‘Together For Good’ encourages kids to celebrate their individuality and believe that they are #OneOfAKind.
Through its innovative initiative, this season of ‘Together For Good’ is all set to inspire self-acceptance and self-love amongst kids and will help them in developing a strong sense of a positive self-image. In its quintessential creative style, Together For Good will see Nicktoons – Chikoo, Bunty, Motu, and Patlu, bring alive the message of the initiative through two engaging, fun, and light-hearted films propagating this message.
Speaking on the latest edition of Together For Good, Nina ElaviaJaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network at Viacom18, said, “Nickelodeon as a brand believes that every child is special, unique and worthy of celebrating. Keeping this brand belief at the core of all that we do, this year’s ‘Together For Good’ focuses on imbibing self-acceptance and self-love among kids. In a day and age of severe stress and comparisons that kids are faced with, we are hopeful that our initiative with the powerful message of ‘You are #OneOfAKind’ will strike a chord and help them tackle the curveballs that life inevitably throws at them”
Driving the message of #OneOfAKind further, Nickelodeon will leave no stone unturned in reaching out to kids through on ground engagements, partnerships, contests, dialogues with mom bloggers, teachers, and advocacy groups.
Kids will be encouraged to take the “I am #OneOfAKind” pledge on the Nick India website. To promote this initiative further, an Instagram and Facebook AR Frame has been created to inspire kids to be at ease with themselves without any filter.
Elevating the innovation game, Nickelodeon will also launch a ‘Jaadu Ki Jhappi’ movement, one hug at a time! Adding to the scale of the campaign will be an interesting and thought-provoking panel discussion with eminent panellists from different walks of life discussing self-love and the role of parents and educators in cultivating a sense of self-worth in children.
It’s time to inspire kids to say I am #OneOfAKind! Log onto nickindia.com and get kids to take the self-love pledge.
True or false: Inner city pigeons are being installed with CCTV cameras, and a two-headed rattlesnake nicknamed "Double Dave" has been discovered in a New Jersey forest? Find out the answers in the animated videos by Kristal Melson below, produced by EYEYAH! for Nickelodeon Asia's Together For Good campaign with support by Media Literacy Council.
Fake News. Kristal Melson x EYEYAH! x Nickelodeon Asia
Fake News 2. Kristal Melson x EYEYAH! x Nickelodeon Asia
Fake news is everywhere. Always check before believing and sharing.
Did you know that soft drinks are even more dangerous than sharks, as sugar increases the risk of disease?! Try spotting the differences in the animated short by YeahYeahChloe below, from Nickelodeon Asia's Together For Good campaign in partnership with EYEYAH! and supported by Tote Board.
Did you know that 60 billion emoji are sent everyday via messages?! Check out this short by Esther Goh from Nickelodeon Asia's #InternetSafe Together For Good campaign in partnership with EYEYAH!.
INTERNET. EstherGoh X EYEYAH! X Nickelodeon Asia | EYEYAH!
Meet 8 Year Old Gymnast, Harmonie-Rose | Extraordinary Me | Nickelodeon UK
Pride of Britian winner Harmonie-Rose is a super inspiring gymnast, who loves challenging herself. She suffered from meningitis as a baby which damaged her limbs and nose, but she doesn't let it stop her from doing anything! Harmonie says that if you believe, you can achieve, and we think she's right. Go Harmonie-Rose!
Nickelodeon is all smiles for slime this Holi and they're sure you will be too! Celebrate a Slime-Tastic Holi with your fav Nicktoons, 18th March, 7 AM onwards, only on Nick India!
Show off your cool moves & stand a chance to win a #NintendoSwitch 🎮
All you have to do is: 1. Checkout the latest reel on #VootKids Instagram page 2. Choose the ‘Voot Kids ft. Blazing Kid’ audio 3. Record your reel 4. Share it using #BlazingKidContest & tag us Participate now pic.twitter.com/Iyg8JGJGVS
Mumbai, India: As a pioneering kids’ entertainment brand, Viacom18’s Nickelodeon has always had the best interest of its young viewers at heart. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it a complex array of mental health challenges that have affected everyone including kids. Nearly every child in the country is going through some extent of stress and anxiety that the aftermath of the pandemic has brought about. Keeping up the promise of always being there for kids, Nickelodeon is set to launch the next edition of its global pro-socio campaign ‘Together for Good’ with the strong message of #TakeABreak. The core thought of the initiative is to tell kids to shed their stress, take a break and do what makes their hearts and mind happy.
The initiative is crafted with Nickelodeon’s most loved characters Chikoo and Bunty. Bringing alive the message of the initiative are Nickelodeon's toons through inspiring stories – First with a tired Bunty, who is unable to complete his homework, showcases an animated brain that understands the need to take a break. The second story on the other hand has a flustered and confused Chikoo who is constantly looking out for notifications and updates, showcases an animated heart relaxing and shedding worries and the pressures of daily life. Both stories conclude on a positive and encouraging note of ‘Be Smart! Take a break!’. The initiative will also associate with the Early Childhood Association of India (ECA) and its subsidiary for primary education – APER, a non-profit body that offers a one-stop connection needed for the enrichment, networking, awareness, and advocacy of childhood and everything that affects it so that Nick can create classrooms where children learn in a stress-free environment with the best from local and global education practices.
Apart from entertaining kids on their channels, Nickelodeon has also created a destination for kids called the “Nickelodeon Stress-Free Zone”, specially curated to give kids a place to Reflect, Relax, Recharge & Reset. The positive message asking kids to take a break will further be amplified through partnerships, social media & engagement with mommy bloggers and advocacy groups. Some eminent and expert partners like Lil Yogi’s, Synchrony India, and Artsphere will engage with kids all through the duration of the initiative with tools on what kids should do when they are feeling stressed using alternative methods like art, yoga, and visual therapies. Nickelodeon is also hosting a Facebook Live on 20th March called “Nurturing Young Minds” with these experts who will guide parents and gatekeepers on how to take care of their kid’s mental well-being.
Yeh notification ke ghanti ko karo, bye bye 👋
Be like Chikoo, don't miss out on your dil ke signals and #TakeABreak
Speaking on the latest edition of Together For Good, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network at Viacom18, said, “At Nickelodeon, we always put kids first and understand the constant and infinite pressures they are faced with, especially in these challenging times. We have always believed in leveraging our influence and reach for the betterment and well-being of our young viewers. Our latest edition of Together For Good addresses a concern that is extremely important and requires attention. We are certain that our initiative will strike a chord with kids and their parents and are hopeful that the solutions and messages we seek to deliver will help children unwind, relax and be happy.”
Meet 14 Year Old, Blind Skier, Hester! | Extraordinary Me | Nickelodeon UK
Hester Poole is an international athlete, bronze medalist and championship Alpine Skier. She's also blind! Not only does she ski without being able to see, but she also volunteers and fundraises for less fortunate children. Check out her amazing story and get inspired!
Meet 7 Year Old, World Record Breaking Musician, Laasya! | Extraordinary Me | Nickelodeon UK
Laasya Chigurupati is a 7 year old musician, who has broken world records since she was 3 years old! She has an extraordinary talent, where she can easily pick up songs and play them on the piano and Xylophone, after only hearing them a few times. Laasya wants to encourage you to never give up and practice lots, who knows what your extraordinary talent could be!
NICKELODEON INTERNATIONAL AND ONESIGHT PARTNER TO LAUNCH
“FRAMING THE FUTURE” – A CAMPAIGN TO IMPACT KIDS’ EYE HEALTH GLOBALLY
MULTI-PLATFORM CAMPAIGN WILL EDUCATE, BUILD EMPATHY, ENCOURAGE ACTION TO MILLIONS WITH ORIGINAL SHORT FORM, DIGITAL CONTENT AND THEMED PROGRAMMING MARATHON
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 29, 2021—More than 230 million kids around the world under the age of 15 lack access to the glasses they need. To make a positive impact on kids’ eye health globally, Nickelodeon International’s “Together for Good” and OneSight, a leading global vision nonprofit dedicated to reaching the 1.1 billion people globally who lack access to eye care, today announced their partnership on a new, multi-territory and multi-platform pro-social campaign, “Framing the Future.”
Launching August 1st and culminating on World Sight Day, October 14th, the “Framing The Future” campaign will educate kids and families on the importance of eye health, clear vision and access to vision care on a global scale, through multi-property programming, original short form and digital content.
Broadcasting to more than 67 million households in 69 territories across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Brazil, the campaign encourages empathy, action and advocacy by highlighting solutions in a mission to help kids who can’t see clearly, get the glasses they need to learn more and live better. The campaign will be supported by a digital hub (eyes.nickelodeon.tv), also accessible in the U.S. among other regions, where kids can pledge to take a few small actions such as protecting their eyes from the sun and taking breaks from their devices. These actions will result in their commitment to being Junior Glasses Champions, advocating for healthy eyes and clear vision for all. The digital hub will also contain quizzes, polls, activity sheets, eye charts, videos and facts and resources on eye health.
The network will also air a 3-hour “Eye Spy Toons” programming marathon in August, showcasing episodes featuring Nickelodeon’s spectacled characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, and ALVINNN!!! And The Chipmunks. Viewers will be challenged to find and count the number of characters wearing glasses, while factoids about eye health pop up during the marathon.
“Research indicates that 30% of students around the world are unable to live up to their learning potential because they cannot see clearly in the classroom,” says Jules Borkent, Executive Vice President, Kids & Family, ViacomCBS Networks International. “As millions of kids worldwide prepare to go back to school, Together for Good’s partnership with OneSight aims to encourage families to think about their own vision care needs by harnessing the power of storytelling and our global brand to educate and advocate for a more inclusive world.”
“Kids are able to learn up to twice as much when they have the glasses they need, but they don’t always realize they have a vision problem,” said K-T Overbey, President & Executive Director, OneSight. “Through our Together for Good partnership with Nickelodeon International, we seek to educate kids on the importance of routine eye exams, caring for their eyes, and encouraging others who may need glasses. We welcome families to join OneSight in our mission to bring vision care to the 1.1 billion people globally who lack access.”
Viewers will be encouraged to interact with the Together For Good “Framing The Future” campaign on social media using #FramingTheFuture to join others in this important vision movement.
Established in 2015, Together For Good is Nickelodeon International’s platform to inspire and empower its kid audiences to get involved in their communities and make positive changes in the world around them. Nickelodeon believes that kids have a voice, and can improve their communities, create an inclusive world, and make a difference in their future. Previous Together For Good campaigns have been in partnership with various non-profit organizations such as Plan International, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, African Wildlife Foundation, and Kids’ Rights, tackling such issues as gender equity and ocean and wildlife conservation.
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About Nickelodeon International
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, with 1.2 billion cumulative subscriptions in more than 500 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 100+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.
About OneSight
OneSight is a leading global nonprofit dedicated to creating a world where lack of access to vision care is no longer a barrier to human achievement and potential. From one-week charitable clinics to long-term self-sustaining vision centers, OneSight delivers quality eye exams and glasses to underserved populations globally. In 33 years, OneSight has served 10 million people in 50+ countries and has provided permanent vision care access to more than 42 million people. Visit www.onesight.org.
"Eye Spy Toons" Airdates:
Nickelodeon South East Asia:
Viewers in Southeast Asia can tune in and join the fun on August 28 at 10.30am (WIB), 11:30am (MY,PH) and 3pm (SG)
Extraordinary Livingston Volunteer to Represent NJ in National American Miss Pageant
Livingston's Ava Thomas is crowned the 2021 National American Miss Jr. Teen in New Jersey and will compete in the national competition during Thanksgiving Week. Photo Credit: Simone Thomas
LIVINGSTON, NJ — A Livingston High School (LHS) freshman who received life-altering news during the COVID-19 pandemic has since used her experience to help others with her condition and has recently added to her growing list of accolades as a result of her extraordinary volunteer work and overall character.
Later this week, 14-year-old Ava Thomas will represent New Jersey in the Jr. Teen division at the National American Miss Pageant in Orlando, Fla., where she will have the opportunity to win her share of more than $500,000 in cash and prizes.
In addition to facing the typical challenges all students faced during the pandemic, Thomas learned that she has a vision issue called convergence insufficiency, which causes blurry and/or double vision and a need for vision therapy. Despite the difficulties of confronting this condition, Thomas was determined to raise as much awareness as possible so that other kids with vision issues could have an easier school journey than she did.
Ava’s Allies, which also donated more than 100 “earsavers” that Thomas made herself to first responders in the Essex County Office of Emergency Management during the pandemic and has previously raised money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, is one of many aspects that recently led Thomas to earn the prestigious 2021 National American Miss state title and a chance to compete in the national pageant.
National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to “celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders,” according to National American Miss, Inc. The program that is designed to be age-appropriate and family-oriented, with pageants being held in each state for girls ages four to 18 in five age divisions.
Each year, about $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes is awarded to assist the development of young women nationwide. This year, every girl that has qualified for the national pageant also has a chance to win a new 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible.
Thomas has competed in the National American Miss New Jersey State Pageant three times and was named third runner-up in 2016. During that year, her sister Soleil also competed and earned the title in the Jr. Pre-Teen division.
At age 14, Thomas is currently competing in the Jr. Teen division, which is open to teenage girls ages 13, 14 and 15. She and her fellow competitors in the statewide were judged in several categories, including an evening wear competition (30%), personal introduction (30%), a private interview with five judges (30%) and volunteer service (10%).
In optional competitions during which participants were judged by a separate panel of judges, Thomas also won the "Heart of Service" award for her volunteer work as well as the Top Model award.
Locally, Thomas also volunteers with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside as well as Jersey Cares, for which she recently helped sort school supplies for its back-to-school drive and also hosts an annual Halloween costume drive alongside her sister on behalf of those who cannot afford costumes.
For the last three years, Thomas has participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in memory of her Grandma Milly. Each year, Thomas makes thank you videos that are sent out to champion members and also makes surprise flower deliveries to thank Elite champion members.
She also has volunteer experience locally with Livingston Neighbors helping Neighbors, the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, Lyme Warrior and Home Front, a charity that helps families break the cycle of poverty.
In addition to her extensive volunteer work, Thomas also enjoys swimming, dancing, woodworking and playing with her dog, Maisie Grace.
