Needham Youth Services Presents...

Left to right: Katy Colthart, Clinician at Youth Services, April RAY of Hope Kat Fitzpatrick, Needham Business Representative Debra Kazarian Branch Manager of Family Federal Savings

April 2016 Recipient – Kat Fitzpatrick

Katherine or “Kat” as she likes to be called is a junior at Needham High School. She was nominated by Karen Mullen for her volunteer work through The American Cancer Society’s, Relay for Life annual walk. Just one of the many different organizations Kat is a part of here in the Needham community. Kat lost her father to Cancer over eight years ago and her mother is a cancer survivor. She became active in Relay for Life soon after her father’s diagnosis and is now a student organizer or team captain for “The Forget-Me-Nots”. As a team captain she plans the annual event, and participates along with her team mate’s walking through the night to raise money to support The American Cancer Society. This year, Kat was chosen to be the Chair of entertainment subcommittee.

Kat is a member of one of Needham High school’s a cappella group named Fermata Nowhere. Every year, the a cappella groups performs for various events to raise money for the charity of the students’ choosing. Last school year, all of the a cappella groups performed and raised money for Relay for Life. In the end Needham High presented a check for $3000 dollars to the Relay for Life.

From a young age Kat has been interested in the performing arts. When she entered high school in her freshman year she heard about the Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD). This group performs a musical every year where all the proceeds go to a charity of the cast’s choosing. Kat has performed in Chicago, Rent and most recently Legally Blonde. The proceeds to Legally Blonde went to the charity, Dress for Success. This is charity that promotes worldwide independence of disadvantaged women by giving them attire and support, to help them with their work and home lives.

At Needham High school Kat has been involved in the Best buddies program for the past three years .She is active with Take Back the Night – a domestic violence awareness club. She has been a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team. Even in the summer, Kat uses her talents and interest in musical theater to give back to the community by participating in St. Joe’s Summer Theater.

Watch the ceremony honoring Kat at: https://youtu.be/nwd2aO1lKKg

For more information please visit www.needhamma.gov/youth/ray