Amid the pandemic, Kennett High School sophomore Bella Hanson had an exceptionally busy year, writes Alfred Lubrano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 15-year old shepherded her second nationwide poetry and art competition, organized a Juneteenth commemoration, published a children’s book, and was named Time magazine’s Kid of the Year.

She’s also a poet, and her affinity toward that style of expression precipitated the “I Matter” competition. The theme was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

More recently, Hanson became part of Lady Gaga’s social justice foundation.

In addition to juggling all that, she runs track

“She’s a once-in-a-lifetime student,” said Kennett principal Jeremy Hritz.

Hanson’s call to action was the killing of George Floyd.

“I had to give voice to what I was feeling,” she said. “And the killing really motivated me into thinking about what I could do to explain why Black lives matter.”

Acknowledging that Hanson’s list of extracurricular activities would impress any college admissions officer, Hritz praised the young woman’s energy and work ethic.

He said, “It’s hard to remember, but she’s still only a sophomore, with more to do.”

Read more about Bella Hanson in The Philadelphia Inquirer.