User:Walnutcanyonpress/Annica Benning

Annica Benning

Annica Benning (born June 1, 1994) is an Author, Photographer, and Community Activist. Annica is known best for writing Arizona: Nations and Art, a children's book about Native American art and culture.

Early Years Annica was born on June 1, 1994 in Le Chesnay, France to Jurgen and Adi Benning. Annica lived in France for only a few months before moving to Dusseldorf, Germany. Annica was primarily raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she resides today. Her love and passion for Native American art was brought on at an early age. Her mother, Adi often took her to Native American galleries and also had her do multiple projects on Native American art when she was younger. At age 10, Annica organized a used book drive for her 4H chapter. She collected over 2000 books. It was then when Annica truly realized how good it felt to give back. At the age of 13, she decided to write and photograph a book on Native American art and culture with the hopes of giving a copy to every fourth grade student in Arizona. At the age of 15, she finished her book and through the help of generous community sponsors, her book reached over 1,000,000 people. Annica co-founded Walnut Canyon Press, a non-for-profit company designed to promote and preserve Native American heritage. Annica's goal is to continue gifting her book each year to all fourth grade students in Arizona.

Awards and Praise Annica has been awarded many prestigious awards for her commitment to community service. In 2011, Annica won the prestigious Hon Kachina Award for her dedication to community service. Annica also won The Governor's Volunteer Service Award in 2011. In 2010, Annica won the Miley Cyrus Global Youth Service Award. Annica was a finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community award, as well as the SPUR Award through the Western Writers of America. In 2010, Annica was a finalist for the What's Your Issue International Film Competition. Her video was presented to senior White House staff. In 2009, Annica was nominated for the Governor's Arts in Education Award as well as the NARD Friend of the Native American Community award. The Heard Museum filmed a three-part documentary about Annica. Annica's work has been praised by the First Lady, Secretary Napolitano, Representative Hale of Arizona, as well as countless others.

Personal Life Annica currently resides in Tempe, Arizona where she is a student at Arizona State University and a member of the prestigious Barrett, Honors College. She is pursuing a degree in Business Sustainability through the W.P. Carey School of Business. In her spare time, Annica enjoys writing, listening to country music (she is a big George Strait fan and often refers to him as The King), watching Saturday Night Live, and doing anything outdoors including rock climbing, swimming, horseback riding, and hiking.