A Chattanooga student was named 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, according to a news release.
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 troupe during their deployment to Afghanistan.
"Kaitlyn exemplifies the meaning of inspiration at East Lake Academy," said Principal LeAndrea Ware in the news release. "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."
As a state honoree, Fox will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense paid trip in early May to the nation's capitol. While there, she will tour Washington's landmarks, attend an awards gala at the Smithsonian and visit Tennessee's congressional representatives on Capitol Hill, according to the release.
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.
Inspired by a school program on Veteran's Day, Fox decided to support a local military unit while it was deployed in Afghanistan. Naming her project "Smiles for Soldiers," Fox 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, the news release stated
After the soldiers left for Afghanistan, 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. Fox also sent cards written by the community.
"I want them to know that they have people supporting them," Fox said in the release. "They put their lives in danger so I can be free. This is the least I can do."