Santa Rosa’s Gabe Ferrick was one of five young Californians to each win $36,000 after being selected for the 2011 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award. Ferrick’s interview ran Monday and can be seen by clicking here.

Here is a brief bio on another young person to receive one of this year’s awards: Naftali Moed of Oceana High School in Pacifica.

Naftali Moed was the guiding force behind the Oceana High School Garden, a community-supported garden whose creation required hundreds of volunteers and the removal of thousands of pounds of gravel and waste.

With the help of a local biologist/mentor, Naftali got involved in community garden and national parks organizations. His efforts resulted in an invitation to attend the 2009 Rooted in Community Conference in Maine. There he was inspired to share the message of food justice and sustainable agriculture with his own community.

The garden he developed offers volunteers the opportunity to grow food, to explore renewable energy sources, to learn about irrigation systems and landscape construction, and to study sustainable agriculture. Naftali received his award for creating a garden that unites the school and the community, and also showcases the benefits of organic gardening, resource conservation and nutrition.

High School: Oceana High School, Pacifica

Favorite Place: Glacier National Park

Favorite Film: North by Northwest

Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird

Favorite Food: Fresh Kale

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Band: Pete Seeger and The Weavers

Favorite Activity: Farm work / anything outdoors

College: Deep Springs

Dream Job: National Park Ranger / Administrator or Farmer

Hero: Martin Luther King Jr.