Look over Kate Hyder's accomplishments and you might wonder whether she puts on a superhero suit and fights crime in her spare time, too.
Kate, 18, is a Westside High School senior and has a 4.0 grade point average.
She has been the captain of the girls varsity soccer team for four years, is the founder of the Invisible Children Club at the school and was recently crowned Miss Westside.
She is also involved in her church, Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church.
She's a Christian first and foremost, though.
"That's definitely who I define myself as first," she said.
She's also invested in her schoolwork, which she says is a priority, then sports.
"She leads on and off the field," said her soccer coach, Larry McAlevy.
Since the summer of her freshman year, she's participated in Service Over Self with her church. The group that year restored an inner-city home in Memphis, Tenn.
Her mother, Jeanne, says the trip had an impact on Kate.
"She came home from that week and said 'this has forever changed me,' " Mrs. Hyder said. "It shaped her life."
That led to her founding Westside's Invisible Children club, which benefits children affected by war in North Uganda.
"I have a huge passion for children and service, so it just hit me," Kate said.
She also maintains a part-time job, is vice president of the Executive Council and is president of Key Club.
Kate says she's able to balance all her activities because she is driven.
If she's not passionate about an activity, it doesn't make the cut, she said.
Her mother said one thing others might not see is that she's a great big sister to her younger sibling Mattie, 15.
The two are close, and are playing soccer together this year.
"Kate is a compassionate child that cares more for people than the accolades," Mrs. Hyder said.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY COUNTS?
Community Counts is The Augusta Chronicle's collaborative effort to benefit the communities in our area.
SALUTE A YOUTH
Community Counts Youth of the Month award recognizes students who have talents in the arts, athletics or other areas. Nominees must be ages 8-18 and Aiken-Augusta area residents. Nomination forms are at chronicle.augusta.com/communitycounts/nominate. For more, call (706) 823-3223 or e-mail sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.
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THANKS for shining your light upon such a highly moral, hard- working adolescent! Young folk like Miss Hyder give me hope for our nation's future.
Ms. Hyder, I would like to ask you a question because I'm sure you will be reading this. This question is not intended to be negative in any way, I'm just curious. It seem's as if every time I hear of a story like your's where people are helping other's for the good of mankind, it is seldom here at home in the US where the good deeds are being accomplished. I do admit it's your decision, no arguing that fact but why? With all the hungry, homeless etc. we have right here in our own front & back yards Why do so many choose to put their efforts into another country? No bad intent is meant on my part by asking this question, just curious?
Wonderful work, Kate Hyder! You're a fine example for all of us!
politicallyncorrect might have missed the point that all who inhabit this planet are children of God and none is less deserving of His Grace and Mercy because of where He wants them to live.
And besides, more can be done with less money in North Uganda.
Good job Parents !!!! Katie you go and shine your light all over the world......you and your kind are our only hope.................
politicallyncorrect, your question is valid but we must remember that even the poorest here in America is rich compared to the poor in other countries. Kate, may God bless you and continue to follow his direction in your life.
westside is a great school
Come on, Politically Incorrect. In the ninth and tenth sentences above it says she did a missions project in Memphis. That would be Tennessee, not Egypt.
Kate Hyder sounds like a wonderful young woman. May God bless her.
I don't know Kate but I have met her parents and would like to say to Jeanne & Jim...Great job as parents rearing a very successful young lady. My guess is that Mattie's character is every bit as strong as Kate's. Great story, continued success to the whole family. Keep up the good work Kate.
Kate is our oldest granddaughter. She certainly deserves this honor. She is everything this article states and much more. We have seen Kate grow from a beautiful, precious baby and little girl into the exceptional young woman she is today. We thank God for her place in our family and for her wonderful parents and younger sister. We know that she will always do well, and succeed at whatever she undertakes.