A Mazama High School senior was one of two students honored with the first-ever Youth Leadership Award from the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce.
Kennedy Lease, 18, is ASB president, a member of National Honor Society and FBLA, and caption of all three of her varsity sports teams. She is known for her dedication to her school and her ability to engage and involve her classmates.
“Kennedy is a role model for other students and leaders in the community,” said Mazama Principal Jennifer Hawkins in her nomination letter. “She is passionate, inspirational, and driven. Kennedy is just beginning her career in leadership and she will go far and accomplish great things.”
Kennedy received the award on Saturday at the Chamber’s annual gala.
As leader of Mazama’s student government, Kennedy has spearheaded assemblies, dances, and other events. This past fall, she organized a Miracle Minute fundraiser for breast cancer and organized and volunteered for an American Red Cross blood drive.
The three-sport athlete – she plays varsity soccer, basketball and softball – has been selected for numerous all-league teams and is often seen on the sidelines encouraging her teammates, Hawkins said. She has been class president since her freshman year, earning the spot of ASB president as a senior.
“It’s important to me to give back to my community,” Kennedy said. “My inspiration is my peers. A lot of students look at the negative, at things we’ve lost (because of COVID-19). I want them to know that there is someone their age who is there for them and to bring back some of the things we’ve been missing.”
After graduation, Kennedy plans to study Spanish at Oregon State University.
Abby Cook, a senior at Klamath Union High School, was the second student honored with award for her work leading her high school’s DECA program. The Chamber also recognized KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak with the Champion for Youth award for his work as an advocate for the community’s youth.
|