Heart BEAT

Chamber Youth Of The Year

2012 Award Goes To Martin, An Avid Volunteer

DAYTON - For Day- ton High School's senior Chelsey Martin, commu- nity recognition means more than any state-wide award could.

So when Martin took a break during the Dayton Chamber of Commerce awards banquet to listen to the youth of the year announcement, hearing a description of herself just before she was awarded youth of the year was an incredible feeling.

Martin was working on behalf of Future busi- ness Leaders of America (FBLA) at the banquet when the award was announced. Standing with her friend, fellow senior Malia Frame, Martin said the announcement was unexpected.

Martin was recognized at the chamber banquet for her participation in many different community groups and programs. Martin had logged more than 100 hours of community service as of the award presentation. Martin has been active with Relay for Life, the Students Helping Each Other Out Draw the Line campaign, led cheer camp and volun- teered to help the elderly. Martin was also recognized for her activity in school as the freshman class president, sophomore class secretary and Associated Student Body public relations offi cer. Martin has also been a representative for the Coali- tion for Youth and Families.

Martin said she grew up in Dayton, like her parents.

"Dayton has been a big part of my life," Martin said.

Martin said she wants to help people as much as possible, especially in the community that was so in- fluential in shaping who she has become.

Martin, who has also been recognized and awarded for her work in the FBLA and by the American Association of University Women, said one issue she feels especially compelled to focus on is bul- lying. Martin works taking care of her developmen- tally delayed cousin before school every morning and Martin's time with her cous- in helped her understand her cousin's struggle with bul- lying and being targeted by other students because of her disability.

Martin said her cousin has been laughed at and mistreated, which made her feel unwanted. That struggle was especially poignant to Martin, who said she wanted to reach out and help ease the pain of a student in need.

Martin said she feels a lot of compassion for her bul- lied peers and tries to go out of her way to help them. Go- ing the extra mile got Martin recognition from Dayton counselor Rick Walters, who called Martin the student to turn to for other students who are new to the school or who feel bullied.

"It felt good (to be recognized)," Martin said.

Reaching out to those students is important to Mar- tin, she said, because it can be easy to think bullying is ubiquitous among students.

"I want (students who are bullied) to know that not ev- eryone bullies," Martin said.

After graduation, Martin will attend Washington State University where she intends to study physical therapy or business communication.