Written by: Bailey Hemphill
MUSIC WEEKEND
AUGUST
Young Hero: Alexis Watters
24&25 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 6:35pm
A
lexis Watters, 9, attends Lifegate Christian School. She has a younger sister, Aubrey, who she plays with all of the time; she also has two dogs and three cats. Her grandma, Leanne, describes her as loquacious, adventurous, and caring. “[Alexis] is very friendly and talks to everyone; she loves going to new places and learning new things; [and] she is a caring soul who feels for other people.” And it’s Alexis’ care for others that makes her a Young Hero.
CONCERT UNCLE KRACKER
During a sermon one day during school, a speaker had come to talk to Alexis and her classmates about the kids and families in Mexico and Guatemala that didn’t have shoes. Alexis was very moved by what the speaker was saying, but it also upset her to hear that there were people in need. “This really spoke to [her] heart, and she went into immediate action,” says Alexis’ mom, Elizabeth. When her birthday came in May, Alexis decided that she wanted people to bring shoes for the kids in Mexico and Guatemala instead of birthday presents for her. “She thought about her own shoes—ones for playing, ones for school, and ones for dancing school,” says Elizabeth. “She couldn’t imagine kids that had no shoes at all. Her wish to help these children has grown into a huge project and has grown to a size that she had not imagined.” Alexis wished for 500 pairs of shoes for the kids in Mexico and Guatemala, and there have been at least that many pairs donated from Alexis’ family and friends and the community.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 6:35pm
BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
presents
Faith & Family Night
Jonny Diaz
Alexis’ grandma believes that Alexis is a great role model for other children, but that adults could learn a lot from her as well. “She is bright and doesn’t judge. She accepts everyone,” says Leanne. “She is like a lot of small children who just see the good in people, and wants to make sure we all share what we have.” Both her mom and grandma know that Alexis sets a great example for people in the community because she has inspired people to look beyond themselves and help those in need. “What started as a small wish and prayer for these less fortunate kids has touched so many hearts,” says Elizabeth.
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Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com. • readonlinenow.com August 2012 • • • •
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