Mackenzie is spreading the word throughout her community - and beyond - about the importance of learning sign language. She first became interested in the language after attending speech therapy classes with her youngest sister, who needed communications therapy for delayed speech.

When she saw the way sign language transformed her sister's life, she created the program Seeing Voices. Mackenzie has worked to bring Seeing Voices to her school and community, promoting the appreciation and advancement of sign language.

Seeing Voices has been so successful that it was recognized by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who helped Mackenzie reach out to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Director of World Language to discuss the possibility of developing sign language courses in the public school system. With the help of her school principal, she has started a sign language club for students in grades 7 through 12.

Mackenzie has federally trademarked her program Seeing Voices and continues to spread sign language appreciation. She works as a volunteer and has signed at a variety of public events, including Pittsburgh Steelers games and 9/11 memorial services. She continues to volunteer at day care centers and nursing homes.

When she's not developing her program, she stays busy as a varsity cheerleader, a writer for the school paper and involved in Student Council. Mackenzie is also dedicated to many non-profit groups and organizations on the local, regional and national level. She volunteers to promote Universal Newborn Screening for the state of Pennsylvania and through the March of Dimes. And last year, she was selected to promote Arts in Education at the Pennsylvania State Capital to state legislators.

All of her hard work has not gone unnoticed. Before becoming our Teen of the Month for January, she was named the National Amazing Kid of the Month in April 2008. She's been honored with many other awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award for Young Adults and the Pittsburgh's Outstanding Young Citizen Award for Community Service.

As such an outstanding teen and member of her community, we know we'll be hearing a lot more from Mackenzie in the future.

To learn more about her special program Seeing Voices, visit www.mackenziebart.com/seeingvoices.htm.