Gregory Smith - sounds like an ordinary name, doesn't it. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Smith is one of the most commonly occurring surnames in the United States. It's in the top five. Actually, it's number one. And, the name "Gregory" is in the top 40 for the most commonly occurring first names. Yes, it is an ordinary name. But as it turns out, Gregory Smith is anything but ordinary.

Gregory Smith has a college degree. To be specific, he graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Mathematics and minors in both History and Biology with Honors. OK, you're probably thinking, "Lots of people have college degrees - that's not so extraordinary." Keep reading.

Smith looks at education as a firm foundation for his future, "The academic foundation I am building will interconnect throughout my future as I aspire to make lasting contributions for the benefit of my country and to be of service to the world." Right now, he is working on a graduate degree in math at the University of Virginia. Smith received an important scholarship -- The Jack Kent Cooke award -- that should be enough to pay for graduate school. It will provide up to $50,000 per year to complete his PhD. Reportedly, this won't be Smith's only graduate degree. He also plans to study biomedical research, aerospace engineering and international relations at the graduate level. Again, you're probably thinking, "Hey, other people go to graduate school and get good scholarships." That's true, but keep reading.

IYA Club Greg encourages kids to take action. You can start your own IYA Club in your school or community. With your own IYA club, you can: Hold monthly meetings Organize special events promoting peace and nonviolence Sponsor donation campaigns for local and international charities Study the causes of conflict in your community and work for solutions Organize community service projects Connect with other young people to work for positive change in your community Source: http://www.gregoryrsmith.com/

Smith is the co-chair for the World of Children Awards. He's in good company -- the other chair is three-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. The World of Children Awards recognizes people who dedicate their lives to helping children all around the world. The fact that Smith is co-chairing such an event is not surprising; he founded International Youth Advocates (IYA). The mission of IYA is to protect young people from violent situations and to help promote good educational services and living conditions for kids. The organization does this by working with other key groups like the Christian Children's Fund and the World Centers of Compassion for Children. Together, they collect everything from educational material to clothing to medical supplies and deliver it to people all around the world. Yeah, we know, "Other people have started worthwhile organizations like this." Just keep reading, please.

Gregory Smith has spoken before the United Nations as a delegate for the very first children's summit. He's been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize - three times. The first nomination was in 2002, the second in 2003, and the third in 2004. Smith has been in the company of and worked closely with several of today's most notable leaders and other political figures. Among those on the lengthy list are former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former Russian President Michel Gorbachev, 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Desmond Tutu and 1976 Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams. Now you're starting to get the picture. Not everyone gets nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. But, you'll want to keep reading. It gets even more impressive. Promise.

Smith is a spokesperson for the World Centers of Compassion for Children and an ambassador for the Christian Children's Fund. His official titles are "Youth Spokesman" and "Youth Ambassador," respectively. You see, Gregory Smith is only 15 years old. Yes, that's right -- 15 years old. Gregory Smith has accomplished more than most people twice his age - even many three times his age. Now you're probably doing the math, "If he's 15 now and already in graduate school, then he had to be like 11 or something when he started college." Actually, he was ten.

Here are just a few of the stats of Greg's personal timeline:

• Born June 9, 1989.
• Age five: Enrolled in public school.
• Age ten: Graduated from Orange Park High School in Orange Park, Florida (Yes, he squeezed an entire K-12 education in less than half the normally required time.) Joined the freshman class of Randolph-Macon College in Virginia in September
• Age 11: Named Youth Spokesperson for World Centers of Compassion for Children
• Age 12: Nominated for 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, made Youth Ambassador for Christian Children's Fund
• Age 13: Nominated for 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, graduated Cum Laude with a BS in mathematics and minors in both history and biology with honors from Randolph-Macon College, presented with the "Force For Good Lifetime Achievement Award"
• Age 14: Awarded a Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship for Graduate Studies, totaling up to $50,000 each year, began graduate study in math at University of Virginia, nominated for the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, named International Humanitarian of the Year by the Lion's Club, presented with the National Caring Award

LOCKED DOORS by Gregory Smith When I approach a door and find that it is locked or being slammed in my face, I do not stand there and pound upon it. I step back and examine the hinges, evaluate the frame, and measure the keyhole. There is no door that is locked forever; however, it is up to us to find the portal of entry. There are several choices: Knock it down Bang on it until they surrender begrudgingly Beg, cry, and plead for someone to help Sit and wait for the day the door opens Go build another door and leave it open for others to enter I choose to build another door so all may enter! Source: http://www.gregoryrsmith.com/