Kyle Monette, 18, was among the youth selected out of nearly 1,000 nominations nationwide. The award — given to young people between the ages of 10 and 18 — recognizes youth who are "committed to academic excellence and are devoted to leading a generation of positive change within their communities," Nestle said.

The company said Monette started "Kids Helping Kids With Diabetes" to encourage students to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walkathon. He created brochures and a Web site with information about the event and diabetes, and organized nearly 1,000 walkers, generating over $30,000 for the foundation. Nestle also said Monette successfully lobbied state lawmakers to add a check-off box to state income tax returns for taxpayers to donate a portion of their refund to childhood disease research.