"One kid can make a difference," says Kory Johnson, 19. She should know. Since age 8, she's been helping to keep the planet safe from toxic-waste polluters. This week the college student from Phoenix, Arizona, is one of six winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize, honoring environmentalists from around the globe. She's the youngest winner ever. Her prize: $100,000.

As a fourth-grader, Kory formed Children for a Safe Environment (CSE). Her sister had died of heart problems, likely caused by contaminated water. CSE works to keep polluters out of poor neighborhoods. The group also got McDonald's to reduce its plastic-foam use. Kory plans to use some of her prize money to keep up the fight.

Daily News from TIME for Kids

April 24, 1998 World Report