"We have all been taught since we were very small children that actions speak louder than words," said Smith after receiving the award. "Let our actions be those of peace and nonviolence."

At age 12, Smith is a senior at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He is also the youngest student in the history of that institution. He is the founder of International Youth Advocates and the youth spokesperson for World Centers of Compassion for Children. The remarkable young man travels the world speaking about the needs of children across the globe. Smith has addressed the Security Council of the United Nations, has met with presidents and Nobel laureates and has appeared on numerous national television shows. In July, he appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to talk about his mission..

"We live in a world in turmoil, a world that often chooses violence as a solution to its angers and conflicts," said Smith. "I challenge the people in this room and the people of the world to change this trend, to walk with me through this century with peace and compassion, to greet our enemies' fists with open hands."

Smith is working to help build a peace school in the African nation of Kenya, a place where three tribes had been warring for many years until a recent truce. His goal is to make the school a place where the children from all three tribes can come together to receive an education.

"We must hear the cries of the children and answer their prayers," said Smith. "We have the power to change our world."