Local Teen Named Top Youth Volunteer

NETTLETON, Miss. (WCBI) –  A Northeast Mississippi teenager has been named one of the top youth volunteers in the nation. The high school student is being recognized for her work helping children traumatized by sexual abuse.

UPDATE: National program for volunteering honors Nettleton teen

Grace McAllister has always pushed herself to excel.  She is a straight A student, holds the title of “Miss Blues Trail Outstanding Teen” and takes dance lessons four days a week.

“I’m very busy,” McAllister said.

The 15 year old Nettleton High School freshman also collects teddy bears and stuffed animals for children who are victims of sexual abuse.  The teddy bears are taken to the Family Resource Center.

“They would give the teddy bears to the victims after their forensic interviews.  They are a reminder to the victims that they are not alone and that there are people out there who are thinking of them,” she said.

Grace knows how the victims feel. She was sexually abused by a family member for several years before the crimes were reported.

Grace made a YouTube video telling her story and encouraging others to speak out.

“I want to break the silence, I want to give a voice to the one in four girls and one in six boys who are sexually abused each year,” McAllister said.

So far more than 1,000  teddy bears have been collected and Grace recently found out she was named a top youth volunteer in the annual “Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.”   She is one of 100 youth nationwide chosen for the honor, and will travel to Washington DC next month for an awards ceremony.

“I was over the moon, I didn’t expect it at all,” she said.

Along with the trip to Washington, Grace also receives a $1,000 for being named a top youth volunteer, she plans on using that money to help other young victims of sexual abuse.

“I could buy some more teddy bears but I’m really hoping I can be able to open a camp up for victims of abuse, a summer camp, they will be able to go to the camp, a place they can relax and forget about sexual abuse for a little bit,” McAllister said.

Grace hopes to use the recognition from her award to help even more victims of sexual abuse, and to let them know there is help and hope.

Grace hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, and after high school, use her dance background and try out for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

View her post confronting her story of sexual abuse here:

https://youtu.be/LQITEFOWAps