It all started six years ago with cookies and lemonade. It was the summer before young Olivia Allson turned 10 years old.
Olivia’s stand raised over $10,000 for breast cancer research shortly after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Being part of change was nothing new for Olivia. Her family has always made giving back to the community a priority. She is an athlete, Olivia, she does 3 sports. basketball, golf and softball.
The athlete, now 15, also facilitates a program called “Diversify Golf,” teaching children of all backgrounds the basics of the sport.
Diversify Golf will be held at the Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center for children attending camp.
She hopes to reach young girls of color, but all children are welcome.
“A lot of my students don’t know anything about golf,” said Olivia. Her job, therefore, is to “inform people and diversify the sport.”
Olivia schedules children’s programs and invites special guest adults to mentor and teach children. They also talk about how they got interested in golf. She also has volunteer help from ETHS her first year her Belaye Hughes, sophomore her Miles Gustafson, Molly O’Hare and works with Olivia.
“I usually have two to four young volunteers come and help me every day. , how to use it, how to hit the club, etc. There are kids who don’t even know what the course is.” said Olivia.
Olivia plans to attend college, but also wants to see the results and benefits of a golf program in the near future. “I record many community hours of her service at school, but it’s not about the time, it’s all about the impact. Bringing joy to other children like the game of golf brought me. I really hope so,” said Olivia.
In the fall, Olivia will be a sophomore at ETHS. She will be on her golf team this year and will be volunteering as a freshman ambassador.
“I play three sports, do community service on the weekends, and do homework between practices,” Olivia said.
Olivia’s hard work didn’t go unannounced. She was nominated for the following awards by her ETHS athletic director her Chris Levintino. ESPY Award.
The projects she participated in shaped who she is today. Olivia said, “Seeing my impact in her keeps me moving forward.”
Olivia wants to be a biomedical engineer and has always wanted to be a doctor. “In engineering, I like making things and building things. I’m interested in participating in creating processes and tools for healthcare,” said Olivia.
olivia said ABC News: “Community service is essential to personal growth.”