The Zonta Club of Trenton/Mercer County has presented $500 to a high school junior for its “Young Women of Public Affairs” award. Taylor Kane, 16, of Medford and a student at Lenape High School, was selected for her extensive volunteering in the community.
Kane will be submitted for the Zonta District/Regional Award of $1,000 and could go on to the International Award of $4,000. This annual award is open to high school girls who demonstrate leadership and volunteerism.
Taylor has served on the Principal’s Leadership Council, is founder and president of an extracurricular club called the “Hero Club” which grants wishes to people in need in the community and around the country, vice-president of Students Against Destructive Decision (SADD), intern for Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D7); chairperson of the Junior Board of Directors of Wish Upon a Hero, participates in Girls Advisory Council of the Alice Paul Institute; youth volunteer leader for “Run for ALD” which raises awareness of Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare disease from which her father died; she founded and currently leads a campaign called Y.A.C. (Young ALD Carriers) to unite, educate, support and empower teenage/young adult female carriers of ALD.
In pursuing her interests, Taylor has testified before the Advisory Committee of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. and advocated before the New Jersey legislature a bill requiring ALD newborn screening and testified in support of the bill before both the Assembly and Senate. New Jersey became the third state in the union to require ALD newborn screening.
Taylor plans to pursue a degree in either Public Policy or Political Communication so that she can further her passion for advocacy and helping others. Her ultimate goal is to become the Executive Director of an international non-profit organization.
The Young Women in Public Affairs Award’s goal is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a commitment to the volunteer sector through evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.
Zonta Club of Trenton/Mercer is part of the international service club working to improve the legal, political, economic and health status of women and children. For more information on Zonta Club go to zontatrenton.org or call (609) 851-0384.
