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Whiz Kid: Sowing Compassion Reaps Happiness for Chesterfield Student

Katie Hornsby, a West Middle School student, was nominated as "Whiz Kid" for her service to others.

Katie Hornsby, a seventh-grade student at Parkway West Middle School, lives the virtue of compassion. She has given time as a volunteer since she was six years old, often tagging along with her mom and older sister, Megan. “I like the happiness I feel after I’ve worked a volunteer project,” Katie said.

“Katie is caring, compassionate and wise beyond her years,” said Jack Jackson, a communication arts teacher at West Middle. “She has a special knack for working with kids who haven’t developed all their social or academic skills,” Jackson said.

“She’s always had a giving spirit. It’s just the way she is,” said her mother, Stephanie.

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Katie is active in a number of nonprofit groups. She has worked with Circle of Hope Bracelets, which makes bracelets to fund cancer research, for the past seven years.  She is active in the formal service of The National Charity League (NCL) Gateway Chapter, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization that serves 25 charities and uses service projects to instill leadership skills in young women. Katie serves as NCL recording secretary and also volunteers at the St. Louis Area Food Bank.

A personal connection to those in need has affected her view of serving others. Her maternal grandparents were victims of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding of New Orleans. She and her family visited St. Bernard Parish, LA, in 2006 and saw the devastation. “This tragedy, seeing those in need, helping to feed the hungry, gave Katie a different perspective on the needs of others,” her mother said. 

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"It makes me feel good to think that maybe I’ve improved the life and happiness of other people,” Katie said. “The Circle of Hope is special to me and I like the Food Bank. I love boxing the food to give to the hungry.”

In addition to her volunteering schedule, Katie plays volleyball, soccer, softball and golf. She finds plenty of time to maintain an A average and enjoys studying world history, social studies and science. “World history is one of my favorite subjects because we learn about other cultures,” Katie said.  Her free time is spent delving into the arts. She also enjoys cooking. “I like to make bruschetta and pasta. I just love Italian food,” she said. 

Katie is the daughter of Roger and Stephanie Hornsby. Her sister, Megan, is a junior at Parkway West High School.

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? Or did your kids' soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kids honoree.

Each week, Chesterfield Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to rachel.heaton@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

  • Nominator's Name
  • Nominator's E-Mail
  • Whiz Kid's Name
  • Whiz Kid's Age
  • Whiz Kid's School
  • Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
  • Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

We'll contact you if your nominee is selected. For questions, e-mail rachel.heaton@patch.com.

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