Potential Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 61

Clanton , AL quotable
photography by Shelby Berry teen spotlight
stats
17 , Senior at Chilton County High School
notable
2017 Chilton County Distinguished Young Woman ; Alabama Girls State Delegate ; Walsh Academy of Leadership Participant ; Founder of Operation Birthday Wish ; FOCUS President ;

ada ruth huntley

Clanton , AL quotable

“ To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment .” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
her story
Ada Ruth Huntley is a natural-born leader . She has been selected for and participated in several distinguished programs , including the Walsh Academy of Leadership and the Capstone Leadership Academy . In addition to honing and exercising her leadership skills , Ada Ruth loves giving back to her community . In eleventh grade , she founded an organization called Operation Birthday Wish . The program has granted the birthday wishes of more than 150 foster children in Alabama so far . Each month , she coordinates donor assignments , present drop off and pick up times , and present deliveries . In addition to fulfilling her volunteer responsibilities , Ada Ruth serves as captain of the varsity tennis team , president of FOCUS , and Student Government Association member . She was chosen as Miss Kowaliga ’ s Outstanding Teen and also the Chilton County Distinguished Young Woman and 2nd Runner-up 2017 Distinquished Young Woman of Alabama
what ’ s next
“ I want to work in television and media communications .”
PG ( parental guidance ) rating
Ada Ruth shares , “ The best advice I ’ ve ever received came from my dad . He said , ‘ Don ’ t go around telling people how great you are , just show them ’.” She appreciates that everyone in her family is very different , yet they make sure to encourage those differences rather than put them down . parents ’ perspective
Tony and Liz explain , “ We admire Ada Ruth ’ s kind heart towards helping others . She regularly gives of her time to volunteer for various organizations and projects . We emphasized three things during Ada Ruth ’ s early childhood years : a love for Christ , a love for reading , and a love for music . Those basic things served as the foundation that shaped Ada Ruth into who she is today .”
parent-to-parent
Ada Ruth ’ s parents suggest that other parents give their own children a solid spiritual and academic foundation , the security in knowing that they have your support , and , most importantly , “ give them your most precious commodity- your time .”
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