Laguna Niguel Teen Effecting Change by 'Being the Change'

A few years ago, Laguna Niguel resident Kaitlyn Waterbury adopted Gandhi’s philosophy:  “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” At 18, the student has already accomplished remarkable things for her school, her community and even those living in Third World countries, making her an ideal recipient of the O’Connor Mortuary Heart and Soul Award.

"I am not absolutely certain what drives me; I've just enjoyed working with people and helping others since I was a little girl," Waterbury said. "I was extremely honored and humbled to be considered for an award of this magnitude."

The Award

Created by O’Connor Mortuary, the Heart and Soul Awards program is designed to recognize Orange County residents for their passion for life and their dedication to making a difference, whether they've spent a lifetime in such endeavors or have had a onetime inspirational achievement. One person is presented the award each month.

 “I am so pleased to honor Kaitlyn this month. Philanthropy isn’t something she does; it is a part of who she is,” said Neil O’Connor, president and CEO of O’Connor Mortuary. “She has set a wonderful example with her unyielding compassion and fierce campaigns for all the individuals and organizations she helps.”

Be the Change

One organization that best illustrates Waterbury's philanthropic spirit is Be the Change, a club she founded her sophomore year of high school. Because of budget cuts in education and Waterbury's awareness that her school was in desperate need of funds, the club originally aimed to raise enough money to revamp the school gym—a goal recently accomplished with the help of a parent-led nonprofit group. Now, Be the Change is raising money for new computers, and Waterbury has implemented  fundraising tactics such as coin-collection jars in classrooms and recycling bottles, cans and ink cartridges.  She’s even spearheaded an extensive campaign to vie for a chance to win a grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project.

"I genuinely feel it is vital that every individual who can should give back. Why not?" she said. "I have also been involved with coaching Special Olympics most of my teenage years. These are what memories are made of and such a special time in my life. It is richly rewarding, something I very much like doing every week."

An Early Start

Waterbury’s passion for volunteerism began in sixth grade, when she started donating time once a week to the Laguna Hills Hawks, a coed team of Special Olympians from Orange County. Six years later, Waterbury can still be found on the basketball court every Sunday with her team. Waterbury has also devoted considerable time to a club that delivers supplies to children in difficult situations, providing them with the opportunity to express themselves through artwork.

But does she think she is a heroine?

"I don’t particularly feel comfortable with being referred to as a hero of any sort," she said.

When asked what makes her different from other teens, she said,"Well, I do not think I am different from everyone else. I just happen to view the world a little differently, and I have since I was pretty young. My mom says I was born an ‘old soul’ and that I am fairly insightful and perceptive to others."

Rather than accept gifts for her 18th birthday, Waterbury requested that her friends and relatives donate what they would have spent on gifts to Charity: Water, an organization that raises money to bring clean and safe water to developing countries.

According to Waterbury, her mother, Mila Evanovich, is her biggest inspiration, and much of what she has done for the community could not have been accomplished without her mother’s support.

Career Path

As for career plans, they are "definitely centered on helping others: possibly teaching, maybe in elementary education, early childhood development, or as an educational psychologist," she said.  "I know I will continue being involved in the service of others, not a surprise to anyone who knows me well."

As a winner of the Heart and Soul Award, O’Connor Mortuary will present Waterbury with a plaque, and a donation will be made in her name to the Be the Change club.

Waterbury will be honored at the quarterly awards reception on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills.

To nominate an outstanding Orange County citizen, e-mail Patricia Kolstad at patricia@oconnormortuary.com.