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Blalack student recognized for dedication to service
By Senitra Horbrook, shorbrook@acnpapers.com
Kamish Kabani’s dedication to community service makes him a little different from the typical 12-year-old.
He dedicates an hour and a half hour every week to community service for the Northern Texas Volunteer Corps. As a Cub Scout, he serves as a leader who mentors and engages younger Cub Scouts. Other projects include “Scouting for Food” to help low-income families and fundraising and walking for the Aga Khan Foundation’s Partnership Walk.
As part as a personal initiative, Kamish creates a monthly total of 50 cards that get sent to Children’s Hospital in Dallas. These get well soon cards that are meant to be given to patients who cannot be with their families.
“When I found out that I won second place, I could not believe my ears. It made me realize that I am actually making a difference, and somebody actually noticed it,” Kamish said.
The Gee Whiz Kids Award is given to children age 12 and under who exemplify the value of service in America. Kamish received an award certificate and a $150 educational scholarship donated by Marilyn Perlyn, author, and Amanda Perlyn, illustrator, of The Biggest and Brightest Light.
“Kamish stands out because he has done a variety of service activities and he’s only a sixth-grader. He serves as a junior volunteer with the Northern Texas Volunteer Corps, participates in service activities as a Cub Scout, and created the ‘Get Well Soon’ cards initiative,” said Colleen Noland, vice president of programs. “At his age, he is juggling a variety of activities as well as keeping up with his school work.”
Noland said they look for children who make a difference in the lives of others through acts of caring and compassion. The age of the child, the level of difficulty of the project, how many people are being affected and how long the candidate has been volunteering are all taken into consideration. About 60 students are nominated each year for Heart of America programs, according to Noland. Kamish was nominated by his older brother, Faizan.
“My brother inspired me to get involved into these activities because he wants me to help people,” Kamish said. “He continues to encourage my efforts in volunteering.”
In addition to his volunteer work, Kamish is in all honors classes at Blalack and plays the flute in the band. Kamish said he is inspired by a quote from Gandhi that states, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
“This quote really pushed me into doing the voluntary service that I do,” Kamish said. “He was a good man and an amazing leader. I too want to be a great leader in the future.”
Other awards
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Kamish received a “Gold Service Pin” by the President's Call to Volunteer Action. For his age, Kamish needed to have committed more than 100 hours of service annually to receive this “Gold Award.” He anticipates to receiving it this year as well.
Mother of the Year Essay Contest
Kamish placed first in the state of Texas and third in the United States for his fifth-grade essay on “What My Mother Means to Me.”
Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program
This award is given to those youth members in society who go above and beyond what is expected for someone their age. Kamish has been awarded because of his dedication to helping the community and his peers.
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