Katie Krueger, a resident of Brandon and junior at Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, was one of ten winners of the Dr. Sylvia Richardson Young Women of Promise Award (Athena Society).
Katie Krueger of Brandon is many things- scholar athlete, community service volunteer/organizer and Young Woman of Promise. Krueger, a junior at Tampa Preparatory School, recently received the 2012 Dr. Sylvia Richardson Young Women of Promise award given by the Althena Society.
Since 1981, the Althena Society has recognized outstanding high school junior women in Hillsborough County. Over 31 high schools nominated students, but only ten young women were selected for the honor. The Althena Society selects young women who display academic excellence and have established themselves as leaders at their schools and in the community.
Krueger is a marvelous young woman who truly epitomizes the definition of “Young Woman of Promise.” In addition to playing competitive volleyball at both Tampa Prep and at the club level, Krueger maintains a rigorous academic schedule and still found time to give well over 400 hours of community service since 2009.
Krueger established Students Support Service in the Community (SSSC) at Tampa Prep. This organization assists local non-profits such as ECHO, Metropolitan Ministries, Feed the Bay, Holiday of Hope, Faith Cafe, Glazer Children Museum, Little Manatee River State Park, The Turtle Hospital, Project Linus and World Vision.
“At the time I formed SSSC, Tampa Prep had other service clubs but none focused on local community needs. I wanted to do something to direct students to hands on opportunities to help people and organizations in the Tampa Bay area,” said Krueger.
Krueger started volunteering at an early age. “Initially my parents got me involved whenever they volunteered,” said Krueger. “It is not so much about my participation, but more about the constant need for help that is not always met. Many students today don’t realize how blessed they are and what a difference they can make in someone’s life by just volunteering a few hours. Plus they don’t realize how rewarding and fun it can be.”
Krueger said she was honored to recognized and included in a group of such amazing women. “Receiving the award helped affirm that all my hard work, both at school and in the community, is worthwhile.”
Krueger wants to become an environmental geologist with a focus on reclaiming and restoring wildlife habitats. Krueger will get to see this dream come to fruition, as well as her dream to play Division I volleyball when she attends Virginia Tech in the fall of 2014.
