Lacey Teen Honored for Community Service

A Lanoka Harbor teenager was recently recognized by Kohl’s for her community service.

Samantha Pedre, 16, received a $50 scholarship from the department store’s Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program. The program recognizes teens nationwide that have made a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism.

Pedre participates in the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Bike Tour annually, volunteers at Community Medical Center and is a cadet with Lanoka Harbor EMS.

“I want to be a paramedic,” Pedre said.

Pedre has been volunteering with Lanoka Harbor EMS for four year. At the hospital, she’s a candy striper and volunteers on same day surgery where she wheels patients, stocks shelves, makes bags and cleans after patients are discharged. She has volunteered more than 400 to Community Medical Center.

For the bike tour, Pedre bikes 64 miles. Over her five years of participating, she has raised $1,750 towards MS.

“My mom always did (the tour). It really interested me,” she said of her involvement.

The next tour, which she is currently in the process of raising $350 for, is Saturday, Sept. 29. 

For the scholarship, Pedre received a scholarship and a gift card, which she plans to save for college. Pedre also plans to apply again in the future.

Kohl’s recognized more than 2,200 volunteers throughout the country. Each winner qualified for the chance to receive a $1,000 regional scholarship for post-secondary education.  Of more than 200 regional winners, 10 national winners will receive a total of $10,00 in scholarships and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf. 

“Every effort, large or small, makes a difference. Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, we strive to not only recognize these efforts but also encourage outstanding youth to improve their communities through volunteerism,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.