Although she's busy with classes, sports and organizations at school, Kelsie Herring of Farmington still makes time to help people less fortunate.
A senior at Uniontown Area High School, she became involved with the Special Olympics program and wishes to continue her contributions to the organization.
"I enjoyed volunteering with Special Olympics, and I thought that it was rewarding," Herring said, adding that she has helped with track and field competitions and practices, as well as with the bowling program.
"When I was looking into college, I kept checking to see if there was a Special Olympics program in that area."
Herring participated in soccer, track and swimming, acting as captain in all three. She also was a four-year letterman in soccer, rookie of the year during her freshman year in track, and part of the 2007-08 championship swimming team.
School activities include membership in SADD, Academic League, marching band, concert band, photography club, the math team, ski club and National Honor Society.
Herring is involved with the school newspaper and yearbook, took part in the school's gifted program, and appeared with the team on the television program "Hometown High-Q" in her junior and senior years.
School leadership positions includes home room officer, sophomore class president and student council member.
Herring also acted as leader ambassador for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, a student-athlete academy, the track leadership conference, and the Penn State Women in Careers Conference.
"I've always been involved a lot with sports," Herring said. "I've played soccer since I was 4 and I still enjoy it."
When she's not busy in the classroom or on the playing field, Herring stays active in St. Therese Roman Catholic Church. She is a member of the church choir and the church youth group, where she acts as the newsletter editor for the organization.
Herring also is involved with the St. Joan of Arc Parish youth group, sings in the church youth choir, and serves as church lector and server.
Volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, she has helped with the group's annual road cleanups and bike-a-thons.
Herring, who enjoys hiking and biking, also works as an adventure center leader at Nemocolin Woodlands Resort and Spa.
The Uniontown senior has been named a student of the month by the chamber of commerce and the Rotary Club. She has been recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution and received the Violet Richardson Scholarship for community service.
Her family and her faith are important, Herring says, because she gathers strength from both.
"My family has always been involved and always has been supportive of me," she said, "and I've always had God in my background. I have always had God as a guiding source."
Herring is planning to attend Allegheny College, The College of Wooster or Denison University to seek a degree in biology.
The daughter of Mary and Brian Herring of Farmington, she has a brother, Craig.
