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Let’s get to know the 2018 We Solve Problems Essay Contest winner, Jeremy Cavanaugh, who made history as the first freshmen to win the grand prize award with his essay titled “Protecting our LGBT Youth in Schools”. The 2018 Contest invited high school students from 7 districts to select a problem and solve it in a one-page essay, to be judged by a group of business owners and community leaders. Of the 1500 essays submitted, Jeremy’s was selected based on his choice of problem, solution proposed, and quality of writing. Alex and Molly find out what life is like for this extraordinary sophomore, and how he is helping improve the lives of LGBT students at Chagrin Falls High School.

Read Jeremy’s essay and learn more about the We Solve Problems Essay Contest by visiting www.wesolveproblems-essay.com. If you think you may want to be a judge or sponsor in the contest, join the mailing list at bit.ly/WSPlist to get all the updates.

Watch Jeremy and Alex’s interview on WVIZ/ideastream on May 15, 2018, at www.ideastream.org/programs/ideas/essay-contest-spotlights-high-schoolers-solutions-to-real-world-problems

SHOW NOTES * 1:06 Why Paul is so great; The Botanical Gardens is delightful; Surprises for Susan; Smart Uber-ing; Molly’s Bingo and Gyros with the Boy Scouts * 11:43 Introducing Jeremy Cavanaugh and sharing big news about the We Solve Problems Essay Contest * 19:00 Welcome Jeremy; Enjoying the contest prize; An important transition * 29:40 Helping other students find their path; Effects of winning the Essay Contest * 34:00 Just an average 10th grader, or more than that? Extracurriculars, Weekends, and Classwork * 50:35 Lightning Round

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paul Marnecheck, Chagrin Falls High School, Susan Priest Richlak, Floh Vodka, John Gadd, Robb Sapp