JACKSONVILLE — Earlier this year, Routt Catholic High School (RCHS) administrators had the privilege of selecting then-junior, Abigail “Abby” Beddingfield, as the recipient of the Francis J. Clancy/Kiwanis Citizenship Award. The award is presented annually to an underclassman to recognize the student’s efforts in service and leadership. Abby completed an incredible 192 service hours during the 2019-2020 school year.

“The majority of my hours came from a camp that I go to in the summer months called Association of Horizon,” Abby said. “I’m there for an entire week and during that week, 24/7, I take care of — and spend time with — a person who has a disability.”

Abby admits that despite completing more service hours throughout the academic year, she didn’t continue to track her hours (since she had already surpassed the mandatory 15 hours each student must complete), but she did continue to serve the community. She helped at the Family Fun Festival, at K.C. Hall fish fries, and she is a member of the Routt Catholic High School Crochet Club, where she has made baby blankets and lap blankets that are then donated.

“(Service hours) are important to me because it doesn’t only show that others can trust and respect me, but it shows that I’m responsible,” Beddingfield said. “I love giving back to my community.”