Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.
For the second year in a row, Nickelodeon teams up with TIME and TIME for Kids for their Kid of the Year initiative, which is a multiplatform honor that recognizes extraordinary young leaders who have made amazing and admirable contributions in 2021 in a range of fields, including social justice, science, education and more.
Only one kid will be honored with the ultimate title of Kid of the Year, which viewers will get to see happen on a TV special tonight (February 9). Hosted by Trevor Noah, the special event will feature additional appearances from celebrities like Charli D’Amelio, Scarlett Johansson and Rob Gronkowski, along with a kid committee of Nickelodeon stars like That Girl Lay Lay, Young Dylan and The Loud House’s Wolfgang Schaeffer.
“I think that fans will expect to laugh a lot and have a great time! While also recognizing the amazing things that kids around the world are doing,” Wolfgang tells Celeb Secrets exclusively over e-mail.
Photographed on December 18, 2020 in NYC. Photo: Bryan Bedder/Nickelodeon. ©2021 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Revealed last month, the five finalists include, which were chosen by the network’s kid committee, include: Cash Daniels– A 12-year-old environmentalist from Chattanooga, TN. Mina Fedor– A 13-year-old activist trying to end racism towards the AAPI community from Oakland, California. Samirah Horton– An 11-year-old anti-bullying advocate from Brooklyn, N.Y. Orion Jean– An 11-year-old from Mansfield, TX who truly believes that treating people with kindness is his life’s mission. Lino Marrero– A 14-year-old eco-friendly inventor from Frisco, TX.
Celeb Secrets spoke to Schaffer to learn more about the special, who he’s rooting for, and how kids his age can get involved with giving back in their communities. Check out the full Q&A below and don’t forget to tune into Kid of the Year, tonight, February 9th @ 7:30PM ET/PT on Nickelodeon.
Celeb Secrets: This year’s “Kid of The Year” segment is expected to be bigger and better – what should us Nickelodeon fans expect and look out for?
Wolfgang Schaeffer: “I think that fans will expect to laugh a lot and have a great time! While also recognizing the amazing things that kids around the world are doing.”
CS: What was it like to work alongside Young Dylan and That Girl Lay Lay? Do you have a favorite memory?
WS: “Young Dylan and That Girl Lay Lay we’re great to hang out with! However, I think my favorite memory would be when Young Dylan and I tried to dribble many basketballs at once and it didn’t end well!”
CS: Have you had the opportunity to connect with the top five honorees? If so, which young superstar inspired you the most and why?
WS: “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet all the honorees, but I saw everyone’s causes and the work they did, and everyone was really inspiring.”
CS: Who do you believe will win the title come Wednesday, Feb 9?
WS: “Everyone that applied for Kid of the Year was so incredible and were really making a difference in the world. I don’t know if I can say who will win, but I know that everyone did a great job and good luck!”
CS: How could a Nickelodeon fan demand change and make a difference in their community? How could they get nominated next year?
WS: “Anyone could be Kid of the Year, all it takes is one change and a lot of determination, you could be TIME magazine’s next Kid of the Year!”
With reporting credit by Tiffany Goldstein.
