To nominate a student for Youth Spotlight, email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com or call 315-4478.
SANTA ROSA BEACH — Nothing is impossible for 12-year-old Ally Woodard.
The seventh-grader at South Walton Middle School runs, dances and works as an ambassador for Art Miles, a national charity that promotes global harmony through artistry.
Ally doesn’t ask for credit for her works, though. She just wants to have a part of making a difference in the world.
“I just really think when you volunteer it not only helps other people, but you help yourself,” Ally said. “I always feel really good about myself just knowing I’ve helped somebody else.”
Tommy Fairweather, a former Walton County school teacher, said it’s important for teenagers to see their peers who are making a difference.
“(Ally) has been caring about others since she was in elementary school,” Fairweather said in an email to the Daily News.
Earlier this year, Ally gave a TEDxOrangeCoast talk to inspire others to venture out of their comfort zones to help those less fortunate.
Ally says her passion for helping has always existed.
“When I was 3 I saw the victims from a tsunami in Indonesia and I asked my pre-school class to bring in toys so we could raise money for them,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others.”