Local Girls Honored in Kindness Campaign

On Sunday October 15th the Mary Jo Brown Foundation announced the finalists of their 2017 Kindness Campaign which recognizes young girls and boys for their altruism. Two young girls from Melrose, Scarlett Timm and Anna Burtnett, were among the four children receiving awards.

Scarlett Timm was nominated for her continuous work for the Wildlife Conservation Society. Since the age of 5 Scarlett, who is now 11 and a student at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, has been raising money and awareness to protect elephants in Africa from poachers. After her mom, Sarah, read her an article that elephants were getting killed at the rate of 96 animals per day, Scarlett asked :”What can I do?” What she has done has evolved from raising $100 in her first year by selling bracelets at the Melrose Farmers Market to this past year where she raised over $1000 selling crocheted hats made by her mom and grandmother. All monies have been donated to WCS program titled ’96 Elephants”. State Representative Paul Brodeur of Melrose nominated Scarlett for the Zoo New England award as Young Conservationist. Scarlett attended the Zoo New England Gala where she was one of two people to receive an award. Zoo New England President and CEO John Linehan says he hopes that Scarlett “will inspire other kids to take initiative and make a difference….we were truly honored to present her with the Young Conservationist Award”. Scarlett was not able to attend our ceremony. Accepting in her behalf was her dad Brian and brothers Bryce and Caleb. Scarlett continues to support the 96 Elephant campaign and will again be selling hats and bracelets at the Melrose Farmers Market.

Anna Burtnett is 14 and a student at Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School. When Anna had difficulty transitioning from Roosevelt Elementary School, she had the good fortune to be paired with para-professional Christina Hutson. Through Christina’s advocacy, Anna truly flourished and was able to try cheerleading, learn yoga and gain the confidence she needed to attempt new things. She also proved that her extra chromosome does not define her and that the only limitations we have are the ones we impose on ourselves. Shortly after Christina moved away, Anna learned that she had taken ill. Wanted to repay her friend, Anna helped organize a successful yoga fundraiser. With the proceeds, Anna sent meaningful gifts to help her heal and also provided gift cards for educators to provide materials, awareness and opportunities for literacy enrichment for all. Christina says;” this story is for all of us. May we see the power of kindness, the unique gifts and beauty of every person, and the ripple effects of a community that links arms to create more light in this world”

Other finalists were Mason Adams of Gloucester and Kailey Moras of Methuen. Congratulations to these four great young citizens and to their parents who have raised them with such great values.