Madam Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a special message Saturday (March 13) for the youth during Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards. Harris was selected to give her remarks by the network for its Generation Change initiative, which connects leaders and innovators with kids to create a difference in their communities through civic engagement.

With a rousing applause in the background, Harris thanked the “young leaders” for stepping up this past year, wearing their masks and being role models despite the challenging circumstances.

“Thank you for being so incredible, and for all that you do, and will do,” she said. “From social distancing to remote learning, you’ve been through a lot this year. But through it all, you young leaders have really stepped up.”

As she often does, Harris bridged the moment with a memorable lesson she learned from her mother. “When I was younger, my mother used to say ‘Kamala, don’t just sit around and complain about things, do something about it.”

“Well, you are doing something,” she continued. “You are creating a better future, and you inspire me and President Biden every day. We are so grateful for you, and we want you to know that we’re doing everything we can to make sure all of our students and young leaders can get back to school, and back with your friends, and be safe and thrive.”

Harris made history in January when she officially became America’s first Black vice president. In a statement released by Nickelodeon’s parent company ViacomCBS, global head of inclusion Marva Smalls said the vice president “is a pioneer and role model for us all, but especially for today’s kids, who can find inspiration in the story of her path forward and the barriers she has broken from childhood to today. Nickelodeon is proud to bestow this year’s Generation Change Award to kids everywhere, and we’re honored to have the Vice President further trumpet the courage and vitality they have in the wake of so many challenges.”