Two youth volunteers from West Virginia were honored in Washington, D.C. They were among 100 kids from across the country recognized for their services in their communities.
Some of the nation’s most outstanding student volunteers were honored with a gala dinner and reception at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and a chance to hang out with the Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker. Each also received $1,000 dollars.
Among them, 17 year-old Katie Cowie of Milton. A senior at Cabell Midland High School, Katie raised money for several different causes by making and selling blankets through a non-profit she created called “Blossom.”
Olivia Smith, 14 years-old, from Belleville, was also recognized for her work as an advocate for folks in her community with disabilities. Olivia says she inspired bu her sister, who has Down syndrome, her aunt who uses a wheelchair, and her mother who is the director of a program that provides services for people with disabilities.