The 2015 Young Women of Distinction: Caitlin Zaragosa, Haydon Tucker, Anjali Chandra, Victoria Caldwell, and Mariana Hernandez
The American Lung Association in Tennessee will be recognizing the work of five local scholars, published authors, and accomplished philanthropists next month. But these women haven't had a lifetime to build their success. They haven't even graduated from high school yet.
The ALA Young Women of Distinction Award is offered each year to high school seniors who set themselves apart as outstanding in leadership, academics, and character. "Every year we see so many gifted young ladies, but this year is really special," said ALA Development Director Shirley Cudabac.
"The level of dedication these ladies have to making the world a better place is humbling and inspiring."
Among the honorees are exceptional students like Victoria Caldwell from the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, who dedicates hundreds of hours to rescuing dogs and volunteering at the hospital and library. And Mariana Hernandez from at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy who, despite being the first in her family to graduate high school, has been named to the Mayor's Ambassador Program for her excellent community leadership.
And a few of the girls are recognized for their service and accomplishments beyond Chattanooga. Caitlin Zaragosa from Soddy Daisy High dedicated her time between Future Business Leaders of America competitions to teaching English in Indonesia. Baylor School's Haydon Tucker harnessed her passions for literature and community service to write a children's book, which has since been adapted into literacy programs across the country. And Anjali Chandra from the Girls Preparatory School, who is both a National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar of Distinction, established a non-profit organization to provide education resources to underprivileged children in India.
The young ladies will be honored on April 24, at the American Lung Association in Tennessee's 30th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon. This annual event benefits the American Lung Association in Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. In Tennessee alone, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.
Individual tickets are $70 through March 31 and $75 starting April 1. Monies raised from the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon fund American Lung Association medical research, advocacy and education to ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all. For reservations or more information, call the American Lung Association in Tennessee at 423 629-1098 or through www.TNWomenofDistinction.org