Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Caitlin Harrington
12th Grade, OH
ATTRIBUTES
Government
How do I explain my love for politics? Ever since I was young, I have devoured books about sociology and law. The thought of having the power to change the world is empowering and mind-boggling. I’ve already started on a micro level – becoming President of my FFA chapter and revitalizing it. Prior to me get involved, our chapter was lackluster and rarely did we participate in any events. I am proud to say that for the first year ever, we attended National Convention. I’ve fought for equal representation and attended political events, talking to local and national lawmakers about issues that are important to me. Being involved in my community is extremely important to me and it starts with my involvement at an educational farm. I've also been accepted to meet with state lawmakers.
Community Service
I have been involved in a multitude of extracurricular activities including: National Technical Honor Society, Equity Council (a school organization promoting equality and a safe environment), Cincinnati Museum Center Youth Volunteer, Hamilton County Park District, President of Diamond Oaks FFA Chapter, and finally, volunteered on multiple political campaigns in 2012. Not only did I teach special needs children and adults to ride horses and use them as therapy physically and emotionally, I also educated a wide variety of visitors about agriculture at an educational farm. My duties as an FFA President have been all reaching: running chapter and officer meetings, organizing fundraisers such as compost sales, overseeing officers, and coordinating and evaluating progress of activities.
Other Achievements
I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I went through three years of a horrific eating disorder that consumed every aspect of my life and required multiple hospital stays, partially brought on by my dreadful classmates that harassed and bullied me with every possible chance. I also watched my father succumb to heart failure and become eventually unable to work, and watch my mother go to college after being a waitress for nearly 25 years. During that time, we were extremely poor. It was not uncommon to come home to find the power or water off. My experiences in life, as awful as they may be, have made me into the extremely strong and determined person that I am today – still chasing the goal of changing the world, one person at a time.
