It seems as though there’s nothing but bad news coming out of Flint, Michigan, these days. The city’s lead water crisis is one of unprecedented proportions. A Virginia Tech professor is trying to make a difference. Marc Edwards, professor of environmental engineering, is being called upon to help fix the problem in Flint. Edwards is no stranger to working on behalf of communities facing water pollution and discrimination. Read more about Edwards here. Share Edwards’ story with young adults and discuss the everyday people who are heroes.

• What did you think of Edwards’ story? What stood out to you?
• Who are the heroes you’ve heard about in the news this week?
• Who are the heroes in your community or parish? What traits make them a hero in your book?