Congratulations to Kenzi Badr, winner of the 2020 National Pet Week Essay Contest sponsored by Cornerstone Animal Hospital.

Let us introduce you to our 2020 Contest Winner.

Kenzi says
“I have been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, and am currently working on completing Girl Scout’s highest earned award, the Gold Award. My project is focused on improving communication between Joplin School District and student parents/families concerning active shooter emergencies. I experienced an active shooter on a school trip, have seen similar scares in Carthage and Irving Elementary in Joplin, and realized that parents need better information to help respond appropriately.

I have volunteered all my life for nonprofit organizations, and am a lifeguard certified in CPR and first aid. I love nature, and have worked with youth at Camp Mintahama and coordinated many outdoor activities. I am graduating with a 3.6 GPA, having taken advanced and honors courses. I earned a varsity letter in tennis, competed in show choirs, served as Layout Editor for Spyglass, enjoyed featured roles in theater productions and have been a conference delegate for International Thespian Society. I love Joplin, and am excited to continue my education and career here.

I am enrolled at Missouri Southern as a pre-dental major, and after receiving my bachelor’s degree, hope to attend the Kansas City University Dental College when it opens in Joplin in 2022. I want to be a pediatric dentist, and look forward to teaching kids about oral hygiene and owning a clinic where kids will look forward to coming to see me, and not experience the dentist with fear.”

Winner – Kenzi Badr

Read the full essay