Carrie Underwood is an inspirational teen mentor not only because of all the success she continues to have, after becoming the winner of American Idol, but also because of the way she has carried herself since then. Overnight fame did not change her as she is still known for being America’s sweetheart with her sweet, girl-next-door likability and extraordinary work ethic.

Carrie Underwood grew up in the small town of Checotah, Oklahoma with her parents and two older sisters. She began singing at a local church at the age of three, starred in musicals through elementary school and performed at festivals in several states as she got older. The well-rounded student eventually graduated from Checotah High School in 2001 as her class salutatorian and majored in Mass Communications at Northeastern State University until she heard about the auditions for the 2005 season of American Idol. The rest is history…

Since then, she has reached superstardom status by putting out 13 #1 singles, receiving ACM Entertainer of the year, winning five CMA and ten ACM awards, taking home five Grammy awards, and receiving many other awards including People’s Choice, Billboard, The American Music Awards, Teen Choice and CMT.

Carrie Underwood has put on countless exciting and high energy shows by living a healthy lifestyle regularly and even when she is on the road. She stocks her tour bus with healthy food from local grocery stores so she won’t grab her favorite fast foods like pizza or order room service like many other traveling musicians. She also has a positive outlook and has fun staying fit. "Cardio makes me feel good, it makes me happy. It really makes a noticeable difference."

Her healthy lifestyle, humble attitude, strong work ethics and friendly personality has recently attracted many great things both in her professional and personal life. Fans will watch her debut as an actress in her first movie, Soul Surfer, and also see her in Olay advertisements as she is their spokesperson. More exciting news is that she is a newlywed to the man of her dreams, Mike Fisher, hockey player for the Nashville Predators.

Carrie Underwood is a small town girl living a superstar dream because of her perseverance and positive outlook on life.

"It's a lot easier to focus on the negative," she says. "It really, truly is. But when you take a moment to think about all the good things in your life, you become happy. And I think happy attracts happy. So to me, it's really important to wake up in a good mood. Because I feel very lucky."

Justin Bieber is an inspirational role model for teens as he has achieved monumental success as a self-taught musician at such a young age. Despite his quick route to fame, he’s managed to keep it all in perspective and maintain grounded and real.

Justin Bieber was raised by his single mom in the small town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. As a child, he taught himself how to play the piano, guitar, drums and trumpet. In early 2007, when he was just 12, he sang in a local singing competition and placed second. His mom posted a video of it on YouTube for family and friends to see. She continued to upload videos of him singing covers of various R&B songs and his popularity grew.

“I taught myself to sing in front of my bedroom mirror and to play guitar on a hand-me-down,” Justin Bieber has said about his younger years. “My mom posted my first videos on YouTube. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd sell millions of records, sing for the president of the United States and sell out a massive arena tour.”

Justin Bieber’s future manager, Scooter Braun, stumbled on his YouTube video accidentally. When he was 14, they joined forces with Usher. Shortly after turning 15, he released his first single, “One Time”, which charted within the top 30 in over 10 countries. In 2009, Justin Bieber launched his debut album My World and he took part in recording “We Are the World 25” in 2010.

Justin Bieber still finds time in his busy touring schedule to stay active and fit. He loves skateboarding, snowboarding and basketball. He plays basketball with the crew backstage at his concerts.

Justin Bieber supports childhood education by donating to these charities:

• Jumpstart - supports early childhood education in low-income communities.
  
• Pencils of Promise - supports building schools and increasing educational opportunities in the developing world.

Justin Bieber just published his first autobiographical book, “Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story.” He is also launching his own line of nail polish and perfume as well as being considered to host the new “Punk’d” show for MTV. A movie about his extraordinary life so far called “Never Say Never” will be released in February 2011.
“This is just the beginning,” Justin Bieber said in his book. “Thanks for making a small town kid’s dreams come true. Never say never.”

The three brothers are originally from Wycoff, New Jersey and sons of musical parents, they spent a lot of time singing together around the family piano. Each brother plays guitar, keyboard and/or drums and they made their start as a band by putting on concerts in their family basement as kids. "We kind of always grew up into music and making music with my dad," Joe Jonas told the Houston Chronicle in 2008. "He was part of record labels and things like that. My mom's an amazing singer. We kind of grew into it.”

In the 90s, their parents encouraged their musical ambition and they started getting paying gigs. The three oldest boys performed in a series of commercials for Burger King, Clorox and Lego, and Nick performed in Broadway musicals like “Les Miserables” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

In 2005, the Jonas Brothers signed their first record label deal and in 2007, the trio made their Hollywood debut. Their premiere single, “S.O.S.,” quickly hit #1 on iTunes, and their CD shot to #5. The Jonas Brothers are also popular for their starring roles in the Disney Channel original movie, “Camp Rock,” as well as their own Disney Channel comedy series, titled “JONAS.” Their popularity soared in 2008 with the release of their chart-topping multi-platinum CD, “A Little Bit Longer,” and a sold-out world tour, “Burning Up”.

The Jonas brothers are very health conscious and make it a priority to stay active and fit. Joe Jonas has been called an ‘exercise addict’ by some celebrity magazines. He likes to go running and lift weights to stay in shape, and works out before every show so he can get pumped up for the performance.

“Kids can have a tough time growing up, overcoming obstacles in their lives and achieving their full potential, especially when their health is holding them back,” - Nick

The Jonas Brothers actively support many children’s charities including their own, Change For the Children Foundation. “We started The Change for the Children Foundation to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed. And we think the best people to help children are their peers -- kids helping other kids who are a little less fortunate.”

Specifically, Nick Jonas supports diabetes awareness, as he has been living with diabetes since 2005. In fact, his struggle with diabetes was the inspiration for their hit song, “A Little Bit Longer”.

”The fact that I’m able to have somewhat of a spotlight to share my story, I just feel blessed. I carry a supply of guitar picks in my pocket, and whenever I meet another “diabetic buddy” as I call them, I give them a pick, a cool little thing." - Nick

Joe Jonas’ charity of choice is the Special Olympics and believes that all people should have equal opportunities. “Organizations like The Special Olympics help support people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment. In life, we all need a level playing field.” - Joe

Kevin Jonas supports volunteerism and is partnered with DoSomething.org, an organization that believes you have the power to make a difference. “I believe in the power of change--no matter how big or small. One person can make a difference by donating a little time and effort. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.” - Kevin

These are just a few of the child-centered charitable causes the Jonas Brothers have supported through their foundation: American Diabetes Association, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Miracle Network, City of Hope (prevention and cure of cancer), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Nothing But Nets (to prevent malaria), Shriners Hospitals for Children and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, to name a few.

Apolo Anton Ohno is a short track speed skater who is the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time -8 Olympic Medals total. He is a solid example of perseverance and dedication to his sport.

Apolo was born in 1982 in Federal Way, Washington and he grew up in Seattle. His interest for short track speed skating began when he saw the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. With his father’s support and encouragement, he was admitted to the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center as the youngest skater when he was just 13 years old.

Apolo won his first Olympic medals in 2002 at Salt Lake City - gold in the 1500m and silver in the 1000m. He went on to win three more medals at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy - gold in the 500m, bronze in the 1000m and the 5000m Relay.

In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Apolo followed a rigorous training regimen. He got his weight down to 145 lbs. and his body fat percentage to 2.5% by working out 3 times a day for 5 months and by following a strict nutritional program. Apolo was quoted as saying, “I’ve never prepared like this in my life—for anything.”

As a result of his disciplined training, Apolo won three medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver - silver in the 1500m, bronze in the 1000m and bronze in the 5000m Relay.

Apolo recently formed his own charitable Foundation, the Apolo Anton Ohno Foundation, which will focus on providing youth of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds with the opportunity to play sports, be active and learn about the benefits of making responsible and positive choices. In conjunction with the newly formed foundation, Ohno has partnered with The Century Council and its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program, and just made his final stop on a five-city tour to schools throughout the U.S. encouraging kids to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking.

Taylor Swift has been writing songs since the age of 5 and playing guitar and singing since 11. As a girl, she performed in front of a wide range of audiences every chance she could in her hometown of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. At just 14 years old, she was hired as a professional staff songwriter at Sony/ATV Publishing and she was 16 years old when she released her first album.

Taylor Swift’s preferred way to stay in shape is running. If she doesn’t have time to go outdoors for a jog, she uses her treadmill. She also keeps a treadmill on her tour bus to stay in shape while she’s away from home. She uses running as a way to fight off pre-show jitters.

“If I’m indulging too much and not exercising enough, I can feel that. I can feel a change before I see it,” says Taylor. “For me, working out is not so I can get skinny. It’s so that I can keep up my endurance so I’m not panting on stage. Heavy breathing is the worst when you’re in concert.”

Taylor Swift is a spokesperson for a teen charity called Donate My Dress. Donate My Dress is a national campaign to encourage girls around the country to donate their prom and special occasion dresses to those who can’t afford them. She has also recently donated to the Red Cross to help with the flooding disaster in Iowa.

She just released her 2nd album and she earned four Grammy awards in January - including the most sought after “Album of the Year” award.

Taylor Swift has said she’s not afraid of the cut-throat country music industry - “I'm intimidated by the fear of being average".

Hannah was born in 1987 and grew up with four older brothers in Belmont, Vermont. Two of her brothers were also on the US Snowboard Team, but have not qualified for the Olympics. Hannah started riding snowboards at the age of 8. Her parents encouraged and supported her from the beginning.

Since she was young, Hannah still enjoys staying fit jumping on a trampoline. She also surfs, wakeboards, kneeboards, plays soccer and does yoga. She also lifts weights as part of her training regimen.

Hannah made the US Snowboard Team at 16 and she has been one of the world’s best since 2002 when she was the Junior World’s Champion. She earned a silver medal at the 2003 Winter X Games and then won the 2004 Winter X Games. Then in 2006 she struck Gold at the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. And now her Silver medal in 2010 at the Vancouver Olympic Games makes her one of the very few two-time Olympic medalists.

What also sets Hannah Teter apart is how she gives back to the world.

Since the earthquake in Haiti, she has given all her winnings to the relief work there. But prior to this she has been supporting a project to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to the children of Kirindon, Kenya through a partnership with World Vision. This is also supported by several of her sponsors, Ben & Jerry’s and Samsung. You can also help support Hannah’s work, by visiting the website www.hannahsgold.com

Photo Credit: www.turtleridgefoundation.org

Bode Miller is known for his individuality and his personal determination that drove him to achieve the world’s highest ranking in downhill skiing. He was raised outside a small town in New Hampshire and started skiing at the age of 4. By age 11, he was the star of the local ski club. During his high school years due to all his athletics and development on the ski hill, he was also an excellent Soccer player and Bode went on to become his state’s Tennis champion. Bode always focused on learning how to improve his technique and how to always go faster than the time before.

By age 18 he was invited to the Junior Nationals and at 19 earned a spot on the Junior National Ski Team. He joined the World Cup Tour in the 97-98 season and in his very first race finished 11th! Bode Miller always followed his own heart and head when it came to training and racing. Over the next few years he showed incredible skill, but because he always skied on the edge, he also met with his share of crashes. Then finally in the 2004-05 season, Bode was recognized as the #1 skier in the world.

Bode Miller competed in the 2006 Olympics in Utah with disappointing results. Then in 2007-08 he stunned the world when he earned with his second title as World Cup Champion. His 'Super Combined' World Cup Event victory in the 2009-10 season once again brought world attention to Bode Miller, and once again gained position him on the US Olympic Ski Team.

Prior to the 2010 Olympics, Bode Miller has already won 32 World Cup Races - more than any other US skier in history. Then on February 15, 2010 - Bode Miller won the Bronze Medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in the Men's Downhill event, finishing a blink of an eye (0.09 seconds) behind Gold Medal winner Didier Defago of Switzerland. With this Bode Miller became the the most decorated Olympic Alpine skier in USA Ski Team history!

Ski fans around the world have learned to love, respect and admire Bode Miller for all he has accomplished through his unrelenting focus, commitment and dedication to the sport he loves.

In 2005 Bode Miller established the Turtle Ridge Foundation to support health, diversity and sustainable living in local communities: www.turtleridgefoundation.org

"The challenge in life for most people is making the conscious decision to do good for others or do nothing”, said Bode Miller. “It's that choice that defines the individual."