While most 10-year-olds were complaining about homework, Riley realized the importance of these assignments. She also knew that many students took for granted the ability to complete them. During a field trip to one of the elementary schools in her community, Riley had an eye-opening conversation with a girl in kindergarten. Like many other students, this young girl did not have the supplies to complete her homework because her family could not afford them. Inspired by the conversation, Riley founded Rainbow Pack, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing students with materials that will help make them successful learners, regardless of their economic circumstances. Even schools without a great deal of financial support manage to acquire supplies for the classroom. However, the real disadvantage for students occurs at home. Simple tools, like a pencil or a ruler, can be the difference between success and failure. When students are able to complete their homework, they perform better in the classroom and are less likely to drop out of school.
Riley Gantt, at Universal Orlando Resort filming a segment of the 2015 Nickelodeon Halo Awards with Nick Canon premiering November 29, 2015, on November 6, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)
With funds raised through fundraising, grants, social media and school supply drives, Riley has successfully donated over 9000 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in the Los Angeles area. In all of the schools where Riley and Rainbow Pack have helped, the teachers attest that almost all of their students complete their homework and are more excited about learning!
Watch Riley Gantt, along with her fellow HALO Awards honorees - Joshua Williams, Miami Beach, Florida, Ethan Cruikshank, 16, Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Ruchita Zaparde, 18, Plainsboro, New Jersey - receive their honors at the must-see concert event of the season, the 2015 HALO Awards, hosted by Nick Cannon, premiering Sunday, November 29th at 7pm (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon USA, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App! For more information about the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards and Riley's fantastic work, visit nick.com/halo-awards and rainbowpack.org. Congratulations to all Nickelodeon HALO Awards honorees!
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