Kaitlin Brodegard is a senior at Wheeling Central Catholic High School. She has been a member of the volleyball team for all four of her high school years, and is the current senior class president. But, when she’s not on the court she’s helping her community.
“I serve as president of our all-girls club, Big Sisters Club, which aims to uplift younger girls,” said Brodegard.
She is a member of multiple other clubs and national honor societies at Central as well. Outside of school, she volunteers at Wheeling Hospital in the emergency room, St. Michael’s Parish children’s liturgy, and the YMCA as a lifeguard and swim instructor. But, there is a service project that always sticks out to Kaitlin.
“The most meaningful service project that I have been a part of is the annual CCHA canned food drive. It is so special to see hundreds of people come together to serve the greater Wheeling area,” said Brodegard.
During the first week of December, Central students go out into Wheeling neighborhoods and deliver brown paper bags to each doorstep. They then, with help from the community, collect, sort, and organize thousands of canned goods. They continue to sort the items at Catholic Charities to create and distribute holiday baskets for Wheeling families.
As high school students, it’s hard to find ways to get involved. But, there are many different communities and organization in the Wheeling area.
“Many local churches look for volunteers, Catholic charities, the soup kitchen, Ohio Valley Mutual Aid, the Armory, St. John’s Children’s Home, and the House of the Carpenter all will help guide you in the right direction,” said Brodegard.
No effort is too small to make an impact in other’s lives. Kaitlin has been living a life of service, and it has helped shape her in the best possible ways. She grew up around others who helped not only lead but get involved in the community.
At Wheeling Central, students are required to fulfil service hour requirements. This is how Kaitlin became passionate about helping others.
“One of the best things you can be is empathetic. Really recognize others’ situations and not judging them, but assisting the best you can is something I have learned to do while serving others,” said Brodegard.
Even those in her circle can benefit from her dedication to helping others. Kaitlin and current Wheeling Park senior, Sammie Ashmore, have been friends for years.
“Kaitlin has been by my side through the ups and downs of my life and she has pushed me to become a better person, as we are both very involved people,” said Ashmore.
Kaitlin, along with many others, helped during the flood clean up. Even though no one close to her was directly affected by the flood, they continue to come out day after day to support those who lost everything.
After high school, Kaitlin plans to attend Marshall University and major in health sciences on a pre-med track, with a minor in healthcare administration. After that, she hopes to attend med school and become an OB-GYN.
“I definitely see community service playing a role in my future, whether it be through work as a doctor, giving back to our local community or anyone in need, or still doing what I do now. No matter your age, it is important to go out there and do the most you can to give back to help our community thrive,” said Brodegard.
Given her dedication to her community and those around her, it’s clear to see that Kaitlin will continue to live a life of service. Her hard work does not go unnoticed. Anyone who knows Kaitlin, knows that she is willing to help in any way she can.
“A trait of Kaitlin I admire most is how selfless she is and how quick she is to put others before her,” said Ashmore.
To know her is to love her. Kaitlin Brodegard continues to make a lasting impact at not only Wheeling Central, but the Wheeling community as a whole. Getting out there and getting involved is truly one of the greatest things we can do for others, take it from Kaitlin.
