Amelia Kennerly of Webster Groves High School
Amelia Kennerly knows about balance. Along with excelling at academics, The Webster Groves High student also makes her mark on the soccer field and volleyball court. While that’s enough to keep anyone busy, she also finds time to give back to and serve her community.
You helped establish a food pantry at Hixson Middle School.
In seventh grade, I was part of an after school leadership program in seventh grade. We learned about equity, the difference between sympathy and empathy, and how to make a difference in the community. Three other students and I decided to create Friday food bags that kids with free or reduced lunch could take home for the weekend if they wanted. It started at just Hixson, but the program spread to other schools. It also grew into a little food pantry in one of the classrooms where students could get items.
How did you become interested in food insecurity?
With other students, I visited LifeWise STL to learn about food insecurity, and we also had a hunger banquet in middle school. We got to experience how it affects people on different levels, such as what it takes to qualify for food stamps. Even though Webster is more of an affluent area, I was surprised to learn that food insecurity also impacts people here. There were students I went to school with every day who were dealing with it. I decided I wanted to try to do something to change that.
Last year, as part of the JV soccer team, you had the winningest season in its history. What was that like?
I’m not playing soccer this year, but I really loved the season last year. The team was a mix of freshmen and sophomores, so I didn’t know everyone, and we had a new coach, so there were a lot of team building activities and team dinners. We got really close, and it was just a fun team to be on. Everyone worked really hard, which just pulled us closer together. I think we all loved it, and we ended up with a record of 9-3.
You also play volleyball. What do you enjoy most about that sport?
Volleyball is my favorite sport overall. There’s something I love about the way you win and lose as a team. Last year, I made varsity, and I was quite surprised. The experience really taught me about how fun it is to be on a team. Everyone is so supportive, and you can really feel the energy out there on the court.
Do you have any hobbies?
I do play a lot of sports, and I spend quite a bit of time on schoolwork. I am a leader in the Interact Club. We do different service projects, such as participating in a suicide prevention walk, volunteering at St. Louis Area Foodbank or visiting the senior living community Bethesda. Other than that, I like hanging out with my friends or reading in my free time. I also love shopping. I enjoy thrifting.