Michelle Couture

Michelle Couture, a 9th Grader at Tamanend Middle School in Warrington, PA, has a serious dedication and devotion to helping find a cure for cancer. Two years ago, she created a team and begun to develop and implement fundraising activities to benefit the American Cancer Society, culminating in their “Relay for Life” event. She was touched by family members who passed away from the disease and decided she had to “do something now” so that eventually other people can benefit once a cure is found.

Michelle wrote letters inviting girls to join her team. She held several teambuilding “craft sessions” to create posters for car washes, decorate bears to be raffled off, create purple “cancer awareness” pins for sale and make “Relay” bags etc. She also engaged in many activities over the last two years, including writing letters requesting sponsorship donations, shopping for boxes of candy that were distributed to each gem member for fundraising, gathering teddy bears and craft supplies to adorn them to be raffled off, working tables at school dances/events to sell various things, such as candy, pins, school spirit items and raffle bags, organizing, publicizing and volunteering at car washes and coordinating a Premier Designs jewelry sale.

Michelle has led her team to raise over $2,000 in 2006 and over $2,200 in 2007. Her actions and commitment to making a difference is demonstrated through her willingness to reach out to help those affected by cancer. She selflessly devotes many hours to making a difference in her community, and to motivating others to do the same. She has touched the lives of many people with her caring concern, call to action, and leadership. By raising awareness of this disease and of the ongoing need for funds to develop a cure, Michelle has contributed to making a difference for her generation. She called her team “Starburst” in 2006, and changed the name to “All-Stars” in 2007 because she said they are “all stars working together to shine and make a brighter future for everyone.”

This is one example of how Michelle Couture is dedicated to making a change through leadership and service. She has provided over 150 hours of service over the last two years, serving such organizations as The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, UNICEF, VOSH, and Neshaminy Manor (Elder Care Facility). She also serves as captain of the TMS Varsity Cheerleading Squad, and maintains an academic GPA of 4.0. Michelle dedicates herself to serving her school, her community and her world.