Courtesy Photo | Elisabeth M. Polleys, a 12-year-old, seventh grader at Moanalua Middle School, with...... read more read more
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FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – The Military Child of the Year Award is an award presented to a military child who stands out among their peers in their communities by demonstrating resilience, strength of character and overcoming the challenges of military life.
Elisabeth M. Polleys, a 12 year-old, seventh grade student at Moanalua Middle School, represented U.S. Army Hawaii in this year’s competition. She is the daughter of Maj. Tara McCallum, the chief of operational and internal law for 8th Theater Sustainment Command.
Elisabeth was nominated as a semi-finalist in the Army Category along with 14 other children from across the Army.
Elisabeth became a nominee by supporting the Hawaiian Humane Society.
“I love animals,” she said. “And I feel like animals should have a home and should feel loved. I want to help them but I am too young to volunteer at the Hawaii Humane Society.
“So instead of volunteering, I raise money and donate gifts,” Polleys continued. “I raised $200 by doing a garage sale and selling Papa John’s coupons. And instead of asking for presents for Christmas and my birthday, I asked for animal toys and food. I feel like I am making a difference.”
“Since Elisabeth was six years of age, she recognized the need for homeless and lost animals,” McCallum said. “She independently thought of the idea to request gifts for shelter animals in lieu of birthday gifts.”
McCallum also said that Elisabeth also assisted Operation Homefront Hawaii by dressing up as a scary doll for a haunted house fundraiser and by donating toys for their toy drive.
“At school, Elisabeth tutored kindergarteners as an Academic Coach and served as a Junior Police Officer,” McCallum said. “Elisabeth is also a cheerleader and plays violin for Moanalua Middle School; she will be running track this spring. And through the Ala Puumalu Community Park, she participates in archery.”
The six categories for the award are Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard.
This year’s award will be presented by Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization with volunteers nationwide who provide emergency and financial assistance to families of service members and wounded warriors.
The award ceremony, which will be held April 16 in Washington D.C., will mark Operation Homefront’s seventh year presenting it.
Although Elisabeth did not reach the final level of competition, she is more concerned with making an impact than winning awards.
“It is an honor to have been chosen as a semifinalist for the military child of the year,” Elisabeth said. “I hope I can encourage others to help their humane societies in their states.”
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.03.2015 14:29 |
| Story ID: | 155812 |
| Location: | HI, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Operation Homefront nominates Hawaii student as Military Child of the Year semifinalist, by SGT Jon Heinrich, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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