Are you willing to take a chance?

I received an email from a friend with the attached story!

Here is an inspiring story of how a really young person can make a huge impact because she BELIEVED she could make a difference!


A message from LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL

LMS 6th grader, Katie Goodman is the winner of the 2012 Governor’s Volunteer and Community Service Award, Youth category. She is the youngest person to ever win this award!

"The Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards are presented annually by the Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteerism and National Service and the Office on Volunteerism and Community Service on behalf of the Office of the Governor. These awards recognize the significant contributions of Virginia citizens to the life and welfare of the Commonwealth and its people."

Congratulations Katie!

Excerpt from Virginia Service email newsletter, from the Office on Volunteerism and Community Service/Va Dept of Social Services

Youth Volunteer: Katherine “Katie” R. Goodman, Richmond
Twelve year-old Katie Goodman has been described as a “little dynamo.” Despite the fact that she was only ten years old when she started her mission, she is doing more to feed the hungry than many adults. After seeing television commercials about hunger and its consequences, Katie was inspired to take action as part of her requirements for a public speaking contest for her 4-H club. Her research led her to local service organizations and a connection with the Central Virginia Food Bank; she set a goal to feed 1,100 hungry people. First she engaged her entire family by growing vegetables for the food bank and asking hunters in her family to donate venison during hunting season.

Her 4-H project became her passion and she recruited Hunters for the Hungry and organized food drives at her elementary school. In addition, she engaged Ashland Feed and Seed Store to assist by donating plants and seeds to sell at the Master Gardener’s sale and to act as a collection site for food donations. When the Ashland Farmer’s Market began its 2011 season, she asked producers to drop off their surplus at the Ashland Feed and Seed store so that she could deliver it to the Central Virginia Food Bank. She met her goal of feeding 1,100 people in just six months and then surpassed her new goal of serving “2011 people in 2011” just two months later.

Despite her young age, Katie is motivated to serve and make a difference for others. When speaking to a Master Gardener’s Club of adults or to a group of youth, both older and younger than herself, her excitement and sincerity is infections. Her accomplishments mobilize others to get involved!

In an essay Katie wrote, “If I could speak to other young people, I would tell them that just because we are young, does not mean that we cannot make a difference, anything is possible if you just take a chance.



I say,

"It's time to get out of the boat and walk on water!"