JUDGE’S NOTE

Something unprecedented happened during this year’s 20 Under 40 judging session in the News Tribune’s main conference room: Our panel of DNTers and past winners selected two of the youngest nominees to win the annual award.

World, meet Helen Clanaugh, a student at Denfeld High School, and Bella Maki, a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Both are more than civic-minded — they’re incredibly active.

Consider this: The duo (they are good friends) has inside jokes about door-knocking.

Clanaugh is involved with political organizations ranging from Minnesota Young DFL to Take Action MN. She was a

By Christa Lawler clawler@duluthnews.com

in your life.

I wouldn’t be where I am in business if it wasn’t for my mentor Sue Bryce. She’s been in the industry for 30 years and shares all of her knowledge so openly.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

Our creative community. We have some of the most spectacular makers and creatives, and they’ve been so welcoming and supportive.

What words of wisdom do you live by?

Done is better than perfect.

campaign manager for State Rep. Liz Olson who is — fun fact — her former babysitter. Much of Maki’s work is with student Democrats at UMD. Both are currently involved in Mike Mayou’s City Council At Large bid.

At the other end of the age spectrum is Jeff Stark, the oldest person to win a 20 Under 40 award. Stark, who has spent his entire career climbing the ranks at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, turned 40 before this special section went to print. He was technically 39 the day that judges Jana Hollingsworth, Brooks Johnson, Terresa Moses, Laura Mullen, Addie Bergstrom and I picked the awardwinners. Enjoy your asterisk, Stark. Have you been astounded by the go-gettem-ness of a certain U40 in your life? We will start accepting nominations for next year’s 20 Under 40 award next summer. Keep your eyes open for young local humans doing big things.