The Young Lions Initiative
The BeBop Channel recognizes the unique perspective of young people in our ever-changing world, and the need to support exceptional young talent. We have therefore created The Young Lions Initiative to provide management and representation of select, gifted, individuals in the Arts, Sports and Science to third-party advertisers, producers and manufacturers in search of their offerings. Our first additions are below as we look forward to adding many Young Lions to our client list!
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Zari Veres Royal: model, entrepreneur, fashion curator, theatrical director
Meet Zari Veres Royal, who, at just 18, is finding fresh ways to connect fashion, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Coming from a family of bold innovators, Zari, who stands at 5'11", is bringing her perspective to a business venture she is developing: Zari's List.
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This isn’t a typical business model. It will be a creative way of connecting style and storytelling. Instead of traditional content, Zari’s “content” will primarily appear in her sponsored commercial ads on social media and other platforms, all linking back to her website. On this site, you will be able to find products personally chosen by Zari — pieces that reflect her taste and creativity.
Zari's journey began at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Pre-Professional program, where she honed her craft as a dancer for seven years. Accepted to NYU for the 2025-26 academic year, Zari deferred enrollment to concentrate on launching Zari's List and to begin her modeling career, prioritizing her entrepreneurial vision over the traditional path—a move that echoes her family's trailblazing spirit.
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Zari has acted in multiple productions, including on Off-Broadway. She has also been a student director and assistant director on productions. She will continue to nurture her love of theatre by revising and revamping BeBop's musical God Doesn't Mean You Get to Live Forever.
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Zari invites everyone to visit zariveresroyal.com
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Marist Veres Royal, 16 year-old inventor, youngest football player in NCAA history
At just 16 years old, Marist Veres Royal is rewriting NCAA football history. Born June 14, 2009, the 6’3”, 275-pound Tight End and Fullback for Buffalo State University has become the youngest player ever to take the field in NCAA football competition, edging out former Louisville and NFL Defensive Tackle Amobi Okoye’s 2002 record by four days (June 10, 1987).
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Perhaps even more remarkable is his invention, the "Halo", a protective helmet mask, born out of playing in the trenches at Buffalo State's fall training camp, which prevents direct frontal head impacts. This invention is poised to potentially transform the football helmet as we know it, greatly reducing concussions in the sport. Read more here.
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​Marist’s journey has indeed been remarkable as at age 15, after being accepted at The University at Buffalo (UB) and posting jaw-dropping athletic metrics: a 320-pound bench press, eighteen 225 bench reps, a 1.58-second 10-yard split, a 7.1-second 3-cone drill, a 4.4-second shuttle, 33-inch arms, and 10-inch hands, UB would not allow him to walk-on or tryout for the team at fall camp prompting his transfer to Buffalo State.
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This was particularly heartbreaking for him because Marist was a vocal objector in the landmark NCAA v. House settlement (USDC N.D. Cal. Case No. 4:20-cv-03919-CW Document 628-5 at page 573 and Document 814 of 04/18/25), helping persuade Judge Claudia Wilken to adopt Designated Student Athlete (DSA) grandfathering protections for current D1 athletes and incoming 2025 freshmen.
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But out of disappointment came opportunity! A True Young Lion!
Follow him on X @MaristVRoyal or on his page.