Teen's citizenship recognized
CRANBERRY TWP — A civic-minded Seneca Valley senior is the only student in the state to win an award recognizing her as a superior citizen.
Kristie Dash of Cranberry Township received the Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award, which came with a $250 cash award, a copy of the book "Alexander Hamilton" autographed by biographer Ron Chernow, and a celebratory proclamation signed by Hamilton's great-grandson, Doug Hamilton.
"I feel so honored. I can't believe it," Kristie said. "I like that it rewards community service, because I feel that whenever you are helping the community, you are helping yourself."
Kristie and 25 other high school students were chosen from a pool of 400 applicants from the United States. Candidates are judged on their personal and community service achievements. Scholastic and entrepreneurial categories and service to the applicant's school are included in the judging process.
"The award was very competitive," said George Cox, president of the Hamilton Friends. "Our goal is to identify young people who have set high standards for citizenship and achievement in their lives. We are very excited about Kristie's potential for future greatness. The Cranberry Township community is lucky to have her as a resident."
The upbeat award winner and singer/dancer said on Tuesday she has performed in numerous benefit concerts in the region. Two years ago, she organized Pinkapalooza, which saw Seneca Valley Intermediate High School students performing in bands, dance groups and choral groups.
The event raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which supports breast cancer research.
Kristie and her sister, Amanda, started a business called "A Dancer's Day," in which they attend toddler girls' birthday parties and show them basic ballet steps. The duo has attended about 30 parties since the business was started.
"It's fun for us, but also really fun for them," Kristie said.
She also dances at nursing homes during the holidays and organized a fundraiser for a Haitian hospital.
"I felt like I was using my talents to raise money for a great organization," Kristie said.
Seneca Valley High School Principal Matthew McKinley said administrators and school board members are proud of Kristie.
"I think it's outstanding that she's the only one from Pennsylvania to earn the award," McKinley said. "Seneca Valley provides the opportunities for students to attain these achievements, and it's up to the students to take advantage of them. Kristie has certainly done that."
Kristie got the application from the high school guidance office, but never expected to win.
"More students should take advantage of what they have to offer at the guidance office," she said.
Her dream is to perform on Broadway, so she plans to pursue a theater arts degree. She hopes the ballet and musical theater summer programs she has attended the past five years in New York, plus a grueling six-week dance camp at Point Park University this summer will help her achieve that goal.
