James Sullivan, 18

Accomplishments: Connecting senior citizens to their technologically savvy children and grandchildren. Sullivan, an Arlington resident, teaches computer classes at the Arlington Senior Center. Two years ago, he got the computer room up and running in an old arts and crafts room. He solicited the donation of nearly a dozen computers, cables, switches, and rotors from MIT and other area businesses. He and his friends then networked the room. As part of an Eagle Scout project, he spent 148 hours installing and checking smoke detectors in 20 senior citizens' homes. He also coaches youth soccer and is a first responder for the Arlington Emergency Management Agency.

Destination: Framingham State College, business information technology

In his words: ``One of the most challenging parts was getting the computer room off the ground. The building didn't have Internet. I don't think I thought of how big of a project it was, but it became a project I liked doing. I love doing the stuff I do and helping people. I try to make a difference with the people in the things I do and hopefully I do make a difference. I definitely would like to work in a position where I work with people and am involved with the community."

In the words of his computer technology teacher, Mike Staropoli: ``He's one of the best students we've had coming out of here. He's able to take an idea and concept and go with it. A lot of kids will do an assignment and say so what, but he finds a way to use it and that sets him apart."