We awarded the seventh KJO Memorial Scholarship of 2020 to Kate Mitchell of LTHS.
The value of this scholarship is $2,000 annually, renewable for 4 years. All recipients must maintain a B average in college. This is a category 2 scholarship.
Sports and Activities in High School:
Kate played volleyball for LT all four years and played club volleyball since 7th grade. She was a member of the National Honors Society, the French National Honors Society, SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Club, and Class Board.
Highlights from the Essay:
Here’s a story from Kate’s essay about “Paying it forward”. “In middle school, we watched a movie called Pay it Forward where a kid decides to spread the message and pay a good deed back by doing one for someone else. Ever since I saw this movie, I tried to incorporate it into my life. This past summer I was stuck at the Orlando airport for upwards of 12 hours. The airport was in chaos; gates were constantly being changed, people were scrambling to get out of there or to find a place to sit. I was sitting on the ground when I noticed a woman on the phone who was very pregnant with a young girl, probably around 2 or 3. I noticed she was speaking french. Once off the phone, she tried communicating with the gate agent, but it was apparent that she didn’t speak English. Once I noticed this, I got up and tried translating for her. She was at the wrong gate and had no idea where to go, as well as not having the strength to carry her daughter and all their luggage. I was able to get her a wheelchair and a flight attendant to help her get to her gate and carry everything she had. I will always remember the look the woman gave me when I was able to help her. She had tears in her eyes, constantly repeating “Thank you so much. You are an angel. Thank you so much.” All I got was the warmth in my heart that I helped a woman in need.”
Highlights from the Recommendations:
Here’s an excerpt from one of her volleyball coaches: “Kate always looks for ways she can help someone else. When we needed a volunteer to work co-curricular or 8th-grade night, Kate was the first to volunteer. Kate loves interacting with others and has a way about her that makes everyone feel comfortable. Kate also worked our summer camps as a leader to middle and elementary school students. She was in charge of coming up with drills and interacting with the campers. Campers loved working with Kate! She was patient with them and always encouraged them to try again.”
We are happy to add Kate to the ranks of KJO Memorial Scholarship recipients for 2020. Congratulations!