On June 22nd, over 1,000 spectators gathered underneath a white tent pitched on the manicured lawn of the National Constitution Center to watch with awe as the Liberty Medal was awarded for the 25th time. However, this time seemed to be different.

The tent made the ceremony more intimate and the unexpectedly young crowd was a refreshing change from the usual audience. The real star of the show however, was a girl of merely 17 who despite nearly losing her life to Taliban kilers, continues to strive ahead, fighting for future generations.

Malala Yousafzai became the youngest recipient of the quarter-old century medal, making for one of the most unforgettable ceremonies.

After braving the cold in a long security line, guests were ushered into the tent, where they were guided to their various seats. Before long, the lights flickered to a blue hue and the line-up of powerful Philadelphian speakers graced the stage. Malala was the last to be presented and she grinned to herself as the crowd, resembling 12-year-old girls at a One Direction concert, went utterly wild.

Among the speakers were Mayor Michael Nutter, Minnijean Brown, a singer in the famous African American group “Little Rock Nine,” and Dr. Amy Gutmann, the president of the University of Pennsylvania. During her speech, Gutmann thanked Malala “for reminding us that education is the hand that rocks the cradle of liberty.”

When the speeches came to an end, the Pennsylvania Girl Choir fittingly performed “Brave” by Sarah Bareilles. “Let your words be anything but empty. Why don’t you tell them the truth?” they sang.

Finally, 40 minutes past the expected time, the crowd was more alert than ever before. CEO and President of the NCC Jeffrey Rosen rose to the podium clutching a navy blue silken box. The audience began to stir with anticipation as Malala took the stage and suddenly, the tent was filled with an eruption of whistles and thunderous applause when she placed the medal over her head.

Draped in a striking red and gold Pashtun shawl, Malala began with her customary “Dear brothers and sisters…”. In her speech she touched on the global education crisis and spoke bravely about her experience with the Taliban. “I think they [the Taliban] committed a big mistake. They did a big mistake because nothing changed in my life. Weakness, fear and hopelessness died, and strength, power and courage was born.”

What is really striking about Malala is her humbleness and how fame never got in the way of her advocacy for her cause.

“Let us not forget that one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world,” she declared.

Malala charmed the hearts of the audience even further when she announced that she was going to donate every penny of her $100,000 prize to her charity, the Malala Fund. Not only does this teenage hero have a powerful, rallying personality, but also a witty side that made the audience roar with laughter.

The news of her winning the Nobel Peace Prize inhibited her from finishing her homework, however, “That excuse didn’t work. She [Malala’s teacher] told me, you should finish your homework tomorrow.”