Nelly Sheppui, who creates computer labs for Kenyan schoolchildren, is CNN’s Hero of the Year.

CNN
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Nelly Shipoywho in 2019 left a lucrative software engineering job in Chicago to create computer labs for Kenyan schoolchildren, is the 2022 CNN Champion of the Year.

Online voters chose her among the top 10 finalists of CNN’s Champions of the Year.

Cheboi’s non-profit organization, TechLit Africa, has provided thousands of students across rural Kenya with access to and donation of recycled computers – and the chance for a brighter future.

As CNN Hero of the Year, Cheboi will receive $100,000 to expand her work. She and the top 10 CNN Heroes honored at Sunday’s ceremony receive a cash prize of $10,000 and, for the first time, additional grants, organizational training, and support from the Elevate Prize Foundation through a new collaboration with CNN Heroes. Nelly will also be named the winner of the Elevate Prize, which comes with a $300,000 grant and an additional $200,000 in support for her nonprofit.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper and ABC’s Kelly Ripa co-host the 16th annual “CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute,” which features more than a dozen celebrity presenters.

“We are so honored to be here,” said actress and singer Sofia Carson, who performed a song with award-winning songwriter Diane Warren at the ceremony. “Diane wrote this amazing anthem ‘Applause’ for those who lead, fight and survive and tonight we dedicate this song and performance to our heroes.”

Actor Aubrey Plaza presented the first CNN Hero, Aidan Rileywho launched his nonprofit while at home from college during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“From his pandemic couch, Aidan and his friends co-founded Project Farmlink,” Plaza said. The nonprofit organization connects surplus food from farms across the United States — food that would otherwise go to waste — to those who need it. “In just two years, it has moved … more than 70 million pounds,” she added.

Actor Adam Scott famously invoked a quote from the children’s TV presenter who wears a cardigan when honoring the nurse and paramedic. Theresa GrayMobile Medics International, a non-profit organization that sends medical teams to respond to natural disasters and refugee crises around the world.

“Remember how Mr. Rogers told us…that in frightful times, we need to look out for helpers?” Scott said. “Okay, meet Teresa Gray.”

Debra Vines — whose nonprofit The Answer Inc. supports Families Affected by Autism in Underserved Communities Throughout Chicago – Honored by Actress Holly Robinson Beatty, “Fellow Autistic Mother.”

Vines says her group has provided programming and counseling to more than 4,000 families. “Join me and be an servant of change today,” Vines said upon accepting her award.

Emmy Award-winning actor Justin Theroux brought his rescue dog, Kuma, to the stage to pay tribute Carey Brooker and its nonprofit organization, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.

Two teens making a difference in their communities were also recognized as the 2022 Young Wonders:

Ruby Schetsy, 15, of Harrison, Arkansas, started “Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents,” which donates personal possessions to nursing home residents who can’t afford it.

Sri Nihal Tamanna, 13, of Edison, New Jersey, started Recycle My Battery, which keeps used batteries out of the ecosystem through a network of collection bins.

The show was also honored Two poll workers in GeorgiaShay Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, whose lives are turned upside down after false allegations of their involvement in election fraud spread on social media.

CNN has partnered with GoFundMe for empowerment Donations to this year’s top 10 honorees. GoFundMe is the world’s largest fundraising platform that enables individuals and charities to give and receive help. Supporters can make online donations to CNN Heroes’ top 10 nonprofits directly at CNNHeroes.com. Subaru is matching all donations of up to $50,000 to each of this year’s honorees through January 3.

Do you know someone in your community who is doing amazing things to make the world a better place? Stay tuned CNN.com/heroes And consider nominating that person as a CNN Hero in 2023. You can also read more about the many past 350 CNN Heroes who have helped more than 55 million people in all 50 US states and in more than 110 countries around the world.