Newhouse wins Good Neighbor award

Katie+Newhouse%2C+senior

Katie Newhouse, senior

The definition of a good neighbor is subjective. Words used to describe a good neighbor are kind, compassionate and helpful.

These words have all been used to describe senior Katie Newhouse.

The Good Neighbor of the Year award is given each year to a deserving member of the Wake Forest community. The Wake Forest Human Relations council chooses a citizen of Wake Forest to be a Good Neighbor if he or she has been nominated by other members of the community.

“I felt honored when I found out I was nominated because I was the one selected out of all the other nominees,” Newhouse said.

Newhouse was nominated because of her involvement in the community and our school. She founded the Leo Club that coordinates events throughout the year such as Bowling for the Blind, Leo Drive, Forest Clean Up and a Christmas party with the special needs classes.

Bowling for the Blind was created for the Governor Morehead School students. This event allows them to have a fun, physical activity to participate in. Donations were given last year to help pay for tickets, food and beverages.

Leo Drive collects gently-used eyeglasses, hearing aids, cellphones and printer cartridges for people in need. Newhouse said the Leo Drive was very succesful but there is room for improvement. She hopes that it will be even better this year.

Being a good neighbor means community leaders feel a person is worthy of recognition.

Newhouse has advice for students who might wish to follow her example.

“Be connected with people inside the Wake Forest Community,” Newhouse said. “Help others as much as you can.”