At just 17 years of age, Julia Garnett has already accomplished more than some do in a lifetime, and she’s not finished yet.

On October 11, the International Day of the Girl, Julia, a senior at Hendersonville High School, was honored at the White House as one of 15 “Girls Leading Change.” Honorees were chosen from around the country to be recognized for their advocacy and leadership on a range of contemporary issues, from protecting the environment to ensuring rights for the disabled.

At the celebration, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden acknowledged the tremendous accomplishments of each honoree.

“It is my honor to celebrate this exceptional group of ‘Girls Leading Change’ at the White House,” Dr. Biden said. “These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope.”

An activist and organizer on multiple issues, Julia has planned and implemented a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, led a student walkout in protest of gun violence, and served as the President of HHS’s Gay-Straight Alliance. She was recognized as one of the “Girls Leading Change” for her dedication to combatting book bans and censorship, in addition to promoting educational freedom in public school and county public libraries.

Julia is committed to removing barriers to equitable representation and ensuring access to books that fully represent the diversity of the world. At the local level, she has advocated for student representation on book review committees by speaking out at school board meetings, and nationally she has contributed written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the topic of book bans.

Additionally, Julia volunteers with Student Advocates for Speech, a partnership with the National Coalition Against Censorship.

While advocacy came naturally to Julia, public speaking was initially a challenge.

“I used to be really shy and quiet, and I didn't feel like I was powerful enough to step up and make change for myself and those around me,” she says. “But I just think that access to equitable representation is so important.

“There was a moment at that first school board meeting that half of the room started clapping and half started grumbling. I felt so proud to be able to represent my community or, I guess, the values of some of the people in our community that I realized it wasn't so scary and it gave me the confidence to move forward.”

The trip to D.C. was a whirlwind for Julia, who received word from the selection committee a week-and-a-half before the celebration at the White House. The opportunity to meet the First Lady was an unexpected part of the event.

“We were taking a tour of the White House grounds and they said they had a surprise for us,” Julia says. “She just kind of walked out and we got to meet her, then we went down to her personal garden and she let us pick flowers with her. She gave us book recommendations and we talked about cats; it was just a normal conversation.”

As for her immediate and future plans, Julia shares that she would like to study political science or pre-law and does not rule out running for office one day. The legacy she leaves behind is something that weighs heavily on her as graduation looms closer:

“I think one of the most important things I can do is make sure there are students coming up behind me who will continue to protect books and make sure students are represented in the process.”

For now, the recognition Julia received as an honoree for “Girls Leading Change” serves as a reminder that the students of today are the embodiment of our future. And if this impactful Hendersonville High senior is any indication, our future is in good hands.