Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie would be the first to admit that she had moments where she was envious of the popular kids at school, but at the end of the day, she would have never betrayed her two besties -- Miranda and Gordo -- to fit in with the crowd.
Jenna Hamilton, Awkward
Jenna shows us why it's totally normal to be totally awkward in high school. She's not afraid to admit it when she doesn't know what she wants (cough, Matty or Jake?) -- and when she <em>does</em>, she's fearless.
Matt Donovan, The Vampire Diaries
Despite every single person in his life being dead, being undead, a witch, or some other supernatural being, Matt is the least judgmental and dramatic friend ever. He also stays bffs with all his formerly-human exes -- that's <em>real </em>maturity.
Sonny, Sonny with a Chance
Sonny may be on a famous TV show, "So Random," and on-and-off dating a teen heartthrob, but she <em>doesn't</em> play the fame game. She's stays the same goofy small-town girl that she is at the start of the show -- and no matter what happens, she is ALWAYS smiling.
Harper Finkle, Wizards of Waverly Place
Harper is the epitome of an individual. She knows what makes her happy -- like wearing crazy, fruit-themed outfits -- and she doesn't care what you think about her.
Chase Matthews, Zoey 101
Chase is the "dork" of his group of friends -- goofy, a little clumsy, and loves his comic books -- and even though he has a crush on the more-popular Zoey, he never tries to change himself for her. And staying true to himself pays off, because he's the one who eventually wins her heart.
Boo Jordan, Bunheads
Boo is the friend you want by your side when things aren't going so well. She is compassionate, always considerate of her friends' feelings, and quick to forgive when they make mistakes -- for example, when her bff starts to date the boy she loves. Yikes.
Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
This studious high school student always put her family first -- and showed us that you can get both good grades <em>and </em>the guy, every time.
Jason Street, Friday Night Lights
Jason Street is one of the most inspiring TV characters we've ever seen. After a tragic football accident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down, in a town where sports are king, Jason must re-evaluate what his priorities are, re-learn how to use his own body, and pave a new path for himself, even if that means leaving behind the community he grew up in.
Veronica Mars
Veronica, the sharp-tongued high school detective, is about as badass as they come. She stands up for her family and what she believes in, even when all her friends turn against her, and she doesn't let anyone tear her down. Ever.
Marti Perkins, Hellcats
Nothing about Marti's life is perfect: even though she's wicked smart, she can't afford law school without a scholarship, and she has an unstable mom who she needs to take care of. But by working around the clock, believing in herself, taking a few risks -- like going for a cheerleading-based scholarship -- she makes her dreams come true.
Topanga, Boy Meets World
Topanga was smart, quirky, independent, and believed in true love -- but never at the expense of her dreams and what she believed in.
Seth Cohen, The O.C.
Seth is a non-conformist and shameless about his love for comic books (and super popular girlfriend, Summer), even though everyone initially makes fun of him for it. He shows us that you should never be embarrassed about what you like!
Sam Puckett, iCarly
Sam is the unapologetic, tomboyish girl that sometimes gets her friends into trouble -- but she always has their backs when it counts, and she shows everyone why it's okay to rebel every once in a while.
Daria
Daria didn't care what people thought of her, turned apathy into a powerful political statement, and defined a generation.
Buffy Summers, Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy stands strong against the monsters -- real ones and the ones all teens face, from divorce, to bullying, to vampires and demons -- and never loses herself and what she stands for. She will fight for her friends and for people she doesn't know, but lets the people around her help her when she needs it.
Kurt Hummel, Glee
Kurt is a true individual. He's proud and totally unapologetic about who he is... even though he gets bullied for being gay, dressing stylishly, and being in glee club. He inspires everyone in the club by his always-positive attitude.
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Posted: 01/22/2013 2:22 pm EST