Ridgefield Teen Uses Creativity And Compassion To 'Lead the Change' Nationally

**News Release Submitted by Sphere**

Sept. 18, 2025

In a time when teens are often bombarded with messages about likes, status and competition, Ridgefield High School student Max Nadoraski is building something different: a powerful movement grounded in kindness, inclusion and community. And, it’s making waves nationally!

Max, a junior at Ridgefield High School, recently launched a new t-shirt company called Lead the Change–not just as a business venture, but as a way to start conversations and bring people together. Each shirt carries a simple, positive message like “Kind is the New Cool” or “Walk a mile. Then speak.” (https://leadthechangeshop.com)

However, the shirts are just a vehicle. What really drives Max is his belief that small, intentional acts can ripple out to make a real difference, especially when they’re rooted in empathy. People all over town, and even across the country, are buying the shirts, posting photos and helping spread a wave of kindness, connection and compassion. So far he’s had sales from Hawaii, Iowa, Texas, North Dakota, California, Washington, Mississippi, Michigan, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut. Just this week U.S. Congressman Jim Himes posted a social media photo wearing a Lead the Change shirt on his flight back to Washington. Max points out that his mission is non-partisan though and he’s had orders and support from people in all political parties. (Check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadthechangeshop)

A Personal Mission, Grounded in Service

Max’s mission grew out of his time volunteering at Sphere, a Ridgefield-based nonprofit that supports adults with disabilities through music, art and community engagement.

Max has spent the last year helping participants prepare for performances and spending time building friendships. “Being at Sphere changed me,” he says. “It made me think about how people are seen, and how we all want to be valued, included and heard.”

The experience inspired him to channel that insight into something tangible. What started as a few custom-designed shirts for friends and family has grown into a broader message of inclusion, and a way to give back. A portion of all proceeds goes directly to Sphere.

Leading by Example

Max isn’t your typical teenager. Quiet, thoughtful, and deeply intentional, he’s proof that leadership doesn’t always look like being the loudest in the room. Sometimes, it looks like noticing who’s being left out.

He hopes his peers, and the Ridgefield community at large, will see that anyone, at any age, can take initiative and lead by example. “You don’t have to fix the whole world,” he says. “You just have to start with your corner of it.”

About Sphere
Sphere is a local nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with disabilities through the arts, athletics, and volunteerism. Their annual performances and programs are powered by community members like Max, who show up not just to help, but to connect. (https://www.spherect.org)