Kelsey was found in a Russian orphanage when she was 11 months old weighing less than 14 pounds. Alone, sick, starving and emaciated, her head had been shaved due to lice. The doctors did not know if she would ever walk or talk. Despite these issues, she had big bright eyes, lots of energy and her enthusiasm for life captured everyone's attention.
Kelsey is currently a fifth grade autistic special education student. Although she is only 12, Kelsey is already a community leader. In 2015 she has raised over $5,000 of dollars and volunteered over 300 community service hours to help children in need and their families. She is currently serving as the local Coordinator for the Adventure Bags Project that works with local organizations (e.g. Department of Family and Children's Services, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, teen shelters, etc.) that work with displaced children to give a child a book bag filled with important hygiene and other personal items that they can call their own. She is also currently serving as the Special Needs Ambassador and Advocate for a six county regional prevention coalition serving over 10,000 students. Kelsey's responsibilities include collecting donated clinic supplies and educational outreach materials and speaking at community outreach events. In addition, since May she has supported a local Humane Society by donating 1,500 pounds of dog food. During the same time frame, she has also collected over 600 cans and boxes of food for the local Backpack Buddies Program which provides nutritious food for local hungry and malnourished students.
Kelsey is a finalist for the National Youth Activist Award in the Triumph and Helpful Humanitarian categories. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony next month. She is a shining example of the potential that exists for every special needs child and their ability to help others and make their communities a better place to live.
Bonaire, GA
