Springstead senior one of 5 teens to win state volunteerism award

All it took was a smile from then-15-month-old brain cancer patient Tucker Brown and Jessica Doolittle was hooked.

In 2006, she and her brother Shawn were singing during a fundraiser for the child when Doolittle decided the siblings should use their talents to help other children in need.

"I saw just how happy and carefree he was and so I wanted to continue helping other kids like that," Doolittle said.

For the next few years, Doolittle — now a senior at Springstead High School — and her brother created their own nonprofit organization, called the Kids Helping Kids of Shawn & Jessica Doolittle Children's Charity Fund Inc. and led after-school programs at J.D. Floyd four afternoons a week that provide music and dance lessons as well as tutoring.

The group has also raised $30,000 to benefit children at St. Jude's Hospital and local children.

It's hard work and dedication that hasn't gone unnoticed by local educators or state officials.

The Florida Department of Education is awarding Doolittle with the Outstanding School Volunteer Award — making her one of five teens in the state to receive the honor and the only Hernando County resident out of 15 youth, adult and senior citizens to garner the honor.

According to a FDOE news release, the award recipients will be recognized with a letter from Florida Education Commissioner Gerald Robinson, a certificate of commendation in their school and a feature in the Florida Association of Partners in Education newsletter.

Jamie Mongiovi, an FDOE spokeswoman, said Doolittle was chosen based not only on her taking part in creating the after-school program and fundraising, but also for the countless volunteer hours she spent teaching singing, dance, guitar and piano.

Doolittle said she plans to study to become a pediatrician. She's been accepted at the University of Central Florida and plans to run a similar after-school program in Orlando.

"Kids really are our future and I think they should be brought up with good values and be confident in themselves," Doolittle said. "Hopefully they'll learn about sharing and giving back to the community at an early age also."