Hampstead resident Allison Harmon is an ambitious young woman. A senior at North Carroll High School, she also attends Carroll Community College as a concurrent student. When she’s not studying, she is a community volunteer.

In recognition of her dedication to community service, she received an award from the Community Foundation of Carroll County as Youth Philanthropist of the Year. The award is for “exemplifying the spirit of giving, by consistently responding to the needs of our community, with generosity and leadership.”

“I felt honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Harmon. “Honestly I didn't quite believe it at first. Though I am very humbled, I am trying to make this award a way to help expand my volunteer work.

“I want to thank all the volunteers who aren't recognized for everything that they do,” she said.

“I would also like to thank the Community Foundation of Carroll County for giving me this wonderful chance to show everyone that it isn't hard to make a difference in the world. All you have to do is try,” she said.

Although Harmon is only sixteen and does not know for certain what she wants to study after high school, she is interested in humanities, history, politics, education and law.

After completing college, Harmon hopes to get a job with a social action group like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, or another equally service-oriented group.

“I hope to continue my service activities and travel all around the world, on my houseboat, doing volunteer work,” she said. “On my list of things to do are things like working at an orphanage in India, a refugee camp in Darfur, a school in Thailand, or helping with disaster relief projects in the U.S, and anything else that helps better the world.

“My ultimate goal is to live in Africa during my twenties and work at a school for the underprivileged. Then I may come back to the United States and adopt many children, live on a self-sufficient farm, and continue the legacy of volunteer work. After all, youth are our future,” said Harmon.

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