Junior Maya Millsape was one of five recipients to win the Chosen Women Leadership Award and was honored by the county council and the Chosen community.

The award recognizes women who are community leaders and advance the cause of women in leadership. This year’s award theme was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Maya describes this award as an excellent and respectable prize to win.

“I was honored when I received this award. To know that I was not only helping my community, but also being recognized, it was a very heartwarming award to have received.”

To get to this point Maya took any service opportunity that was offered. She stayed long days to be able to finish what she started and enjoyed helping those in need.

This award means a lot to Maya because it represents how well she has done with serving her community.  She did not know that she was going to be recognized, so it was a big surprise and a blessing, and she thanks God that she was given the opportunity to experience this.

“I felt very recognized and honored as I walked across the stage to receive my award. Not only did this make me feel happy, but it made me feel as though I want to continue to help my community.”

To anyone else wishing to receive this award, the advice Maya would give them is to continue giving and showing kindness.

“The physical award was great, but the real award is being able to help those in need or those who are unable to help themselves. Being able to put happiness in someone’s day or mood is a blessing.”

Maya added that students should not take serving the community for granted, “Yes, service hours are needed for school, but it’s good to help people in need regardless of the circumstances. Always bless those and you will be blessed as well.”