A Chattanooga student was named on Tuesday as Tennessee’s top youth volunteer for 2011 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
Kaitlyn Fox, 11, is a sixth-grader at East Lake Academy. She is being recognized in Washington D.C. this Spring for her dedicated service to a local military troop during their deployment to Afghanistan.
“Kaitlyn exemplifies the meaning of inspiration at East Lake Academy! She has a deep desire to serve others and demonstrates it often by mentoring her peers, making encouraging treats for teachers and participating in school wide goodwill community projects,” said Principal LeAndrea Ware. “In the words of her teachers, ‘Caring for others is simply second nature to Kaitlyn Fox!’”
As a State Honoree, Miss Fox will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C. While there, she will tour the capital’s landmarks, attend an awards gala at the Smithsonian and visit Tennessee’s congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
In Washington, she will also be honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. Miss Fox will receive a certificate and a letter from President Obama.
Inspired by a school program on Veteran’s Day, Miss Fox decided to support a local military unit while it was deployed in Afghanistan. Naming her project “Smiles for Soldiers,” she raised money by selling treats to teachers, church members, family and friends. She then bought $200 worth of personal supplies and presented them to the soldiers at a dinner in their honor, where she was asked to be the guest speaker.
After the soldiers left for Afghanistan, Miss Fox felt the need to do more. She continued raising money so that she could ship the soldiers a box of treats and other items every month they were away. She sent hygiene items, snacks, books and games to keep the soldier’s spirits up while away from home. Miss Fox also sent cards written by the community.
“I want them to know that they have people supporting them,” Miss Fox said. “They put their lives in danger so I can be free. This is the least I can do.”