Biodiesel teen Cassandra Lin honored with Nickelodeon HALO Award

Westerly, R.I., teenager Cassandra Lin, founder of Turning Grease into Fuel (TGIF)—an organization that gets local citizens and restaurants to donate their used cooking oil for conversion to biodiesel that is then used to heat homes of families in need—was announced as a Nickelodeon HALO (Helping and Leading Others) Award honoree Oct. 12 in New York City. Lin was surprised by Nick Cannon, the host, creator and executive producer of the HALO Awards, with a check for $10,000 for her college education. Lin was also a special guest at a music performance by pop star Jessie J. 

The Nickelodeon HALO Awards is an hour-long concert special celebrating extraordinary youth who are involved in their communities. Led by Cannon, the star-studded musical event is being held at New York’s Pier 36 and will premiere Sunday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time across all Nickelodeon networks (Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons and Nick Jr.) and will stream live for the first time ever on Nick.com and the Nick App. The concert will also feature Nick stars, celebrity presenters, interactive elements and special surprises.

“We’re taking over New York City with the hottest music performers and the most awe-inspiring kids for one huge fun night at this year’s Nickelodeon HALO Awards,” said Cannon. “The HALO Awards embodies the altruistic spirit of the holidays with its positive message and I can’t wait to celebrate the terrific work of these young heroes.”

Currently in its sixth year, Nickelodeon HALO Awards is an annual awards show that recognizes real-life kids that are doing extraordinary things in their communities and “Helping and Leading Others.” In addition to being awarded a grant for their organization and scholarship funds, each HALO Award honoree is given an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and connect with celebrities that share their same passion for service.

Lin will be part of the event airing on Nickelodeon next month, which will feature additional music performances by Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Echosmith and The Vamps.  

For more information, visit www.nick.com/halo.