Red Bank High School Student Aims To Make Difference With Senior Project

RED BANK,(WDEF)-Kailey Bowman wanted her senior project to change lives so she set up a special "Giving Tree" and started taking clothing donations for Chattanooga’s homeless.

Kailey Bowman, Red Bank Senior,"They don’t have a lot of this stuff, there are not a lot of people that can hand them things, get something like warm clothes, hand-warmers and everything they could have."

Kailey’s teachers say her project has garnered a lot of attention and showcases high schoolers in a positive way.

Deb Weiss, Student Council Sponsor,"To go beyond the classroom and to follow their passion, to identify and follow their passion and to do something that will make a difference for themselves and others."

Justin Robertson, Principal of Red Bank High School,"So often stories are negative about high school students the reality is that the majority of kids that go to High School in Hamilton County are doing exceptional things and are good citizens wanting to do positive things in the community."

According to non profits Relevant Hope and Scenic City Ark Chattanooga has a growing homeless population with many folks moving south from colder states such as Michigan looking for work and help in the Scenic City.

Kailey already has a room full of donations in her house and wants her project to keep going long after she graduates.

"I would honestly like this to be an ongoing thing, somebody to pick this up every year and just kind of lives it on, they would just love, the people would love to have this every year."

Senior projects require 25 volunteer hours and students can’t graduate unless they complete it.

Previous Red Bank High School senior projects have recognized "The Brick People" and helped the environment.