Draft:James Crocker

James Crocker (born July 2nd, 2007) is a teen activist, renowned for his innovative accomplishments from a young age. His creative mind led him to invent the groundbreaking Lockdown Lookout at the tender age of 7, a remarkable achievement that brought him widespread recognition. Building on his early success, James went on to establish the nonprofit organization Letters for our Elders at the age of 13. This extraordinary initiative aimed to bridge generational gaps and spread joy through heartfelt correspondence with elderly individuals.

Early Life
Crocker was born on July 2nd, 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut. He grew up in East Granby, Connecticut and currently resides in Granby, Connecticut where he attends Granby Memorial High School. As the years go by, James continues to inspire others with his passion for innovation, philanthropy, and writing. With his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, Crocker is a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination and a desire to create change.

Career
Crocker has been speaking out against injustice for many years now. At only 16 years old, he had already created two nonprofit organizations.

The teen activist has been interviewed many times regarding his work and achievements, like on March 26th, 2024 when he was invited by Fox 61 Connecticut to discuss his acceptance into the Disney Dreamers Academy, a leadership conference for high school students.

Letters for our Elders
In 2020, when Crocker was just thirteen years old, his world changed dramatically as his beloved grandfather's senior home was placed on lockdown. Unable to visit him in person, James felt the sting of separation and the weight of his grandfather's loneliness. Determined to maintain their bond, James turned to letter writing in substitute for emails since his Grandpa swore against technology. Pouring his heart onto paper, he sent his grandfather messages of love and encouragement, hoping to bridge the physical distance with emotional connection.

As days turned into weeks and lockdown persisted, James realized that his late grandfather wasn't the only one experiencing this isolation. Senior homes across Connecticut echoed with the quiet ache of loneliness. Inspired by his own experience, James decided to take action. With a handful of letters and a heart full of determination, he founded "Letters for our Elders" in 2020, a youth-led initiative aimed at spreading joy and companionship to seniors in local homes.

As lockdown measures lifted, James didn't stop with letters alone. He began visiting his grandfather's friends in person, inviting friends to join him in brightening the days of seniors through shared conversations, laughter, and companionship.

What began as a personal mission to connect with his grandfather blossomed into a community-driven effort to combat senior loneliness across Connecticut, reminding us all of the transformative power of simple acts of kindness and connection.

Grandby's Got Pride
The nonprofit organization Grandby's Got Pride was founded by Crocker after organizing a LGBTQ+ pride rally in June of 2023 at just fifteen-years-old. ""Young people are going to change the world""

- — 16-year-old founder of Grandby's Got Pride, James Crocker

As the nonprofit's website states; through an annual June pride event and monthly programming for both adults and youth, [Grandby's Got Pride] aims to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion in Granby and Greater Hartford, CT. This is also achieved by the nonprofit by hosting speeches, get-togethers and movie screenings. Additionally, Grandby's Got Pride advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion on a state level to ensure that LGBTQ+ topics are being included in the curriculum and that LGBTQ+ youth are being supported.

In 2024, their annual pride event took place on Sunday, June 30th, at Salmon Brook Park in Granby.

Recognition
Crocker's achievements have been applauded by many people, including Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut ("A brilliant example of the future his generation is destined to bring") or Dara Reneé, Disney actress ("Did I mention that James runs not one but TWO nonprofits?!").