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Derry student honored for taking on the world

By Julie Huss
jhuss@derrynews.com
Published: August 6, 2009

DERRY — A Derry student continues to make his mark on the world.

Dylan Mahalingam earned a top spot as a winner in the 2009 Nestle Very Best in Youth Competition, a national contest honoring young people between the ages of 13 and 18 for their drive and commitment to helping change the world while maintaining academic excellence.

Hailing from 18 states, each winner represents a driving force for change in their local community and wins a donation of $1,000 to the charity of their choice. Created by Nestlé USA to spotlight the best in youth leadership, the program identifies teens whose efforts are making a profound impact in lives other than their own. Winners were honored in Los Angeles last month for their efforts.

Mahalingam, 13, the youngest of the 2009 honorees, impressed the judges with his keen awareness of global issues and dedication to making a change within his own community. At the age of 10, Mahalingam founded an organization called Lil' MDGs, inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which aims to educate and mobilize young people.

Mahalingam said he first realized he wanted to help others in need when he traveled around impoverished areas of the world, including India. Forming his Lil' MDGs organization gave him a chance to reach out and do something about the hunger and poverty he witnessed.

Since forming, Lil' MDGs has reached over 1,000 children from 34 countries and helped raise over $780,000 for tsunami relief and over $10 million for hurricane relief. Lil MDGs also helps organize relief to raise funds and gather supplies for under-resourced schools globally, as well as organizing events and yearly benefit concerts. Outside of the organization, Mahalingam is a straight-A, high honors student at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School.

"Dylan and the rest of our 2009 Nestlé Very Best In Youth winners truly represent the best and brightest of our future leaders" said Ken Bentley, vice president of community affairs/educational programs at Nestlé USA. "These winners reflect not only the best in youth, but set an example for us all of how to change and improve the lives of those around us."

Mahalingam said he is happy to be recognized for his work in trying to change the world.

"It's a real honor to be selected as one of the 2009 Nestlé Best in Youth," Mahalingam said. "Young people are more than willing to invest time and energy into solving issues, not just locally but globally; they just need a support network. I'm fortunate to have such a support network - my family, friends, school district, and community - as I try to galvanize youth as a driving force behind the efforts to achieve the goals."

The winners will also be featured in the 2009 Nestlé Very Best In Youth book, a publication available in the summer of 2009 with complimentary distribution to schools and libraries nationwide.

Mahalingam said he hopes Lil' MDGs continues to spread not only help to others, but also awareness to inspire youth around the world to get involved.

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