Quilts

Brooke

"In her short life, Brooke made her community a better place by combining her love of children, science and animals to become an outstanding community service volunteer. Brooke began her life of generosity at 8, when she began donating her hair to Locks of Love and did so every other year up to her death. She began volunteering at the Muldoon library – because of her love for books, then at Animal Control – because of her love of animals, at the STARBASE Program and the Imaginarium – because of her love of science and finally at The Children’s Lunchbox – because of her love for children. She volunteered at the Children’s Lunchbox for over 400 hours 2011-2013, until being hired as a fulltime employee in the summer of 2013. Brooke was always willing to support anyone in the community. She was generous with her heart and loved to laugh by making others laugh.

Brooke also participated in her local JROTC program at South High School and was honored with the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command’s Distinguished Unit Award. Additionally, Brooke’s efforts were highlighted when she received the Lion’s Club Award for philanthropy through JROTC. Brooke’s efforts made students recognize the value of volunteerism. Her example has inspired many of her peers to become actively involved in the community as volunteers. Because of this example, Brooke’s JROTC unit has developed an award in her name. Cadets who accrue more than 100 community service in an academic year will be awarded the McPheters Star on their service ribbon.

Brooke has received multiple posthumous awards for her outstanding service to community, including Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy and Honorary CASA Volunteer. She was recently awarded the 2014 Spirit of Youth Award for Service to Community, because Brooke’s efforts didn’t just impact the community, she made the world a better place by promoting kindness and inspiring others.

In addition to all of Brooke’s selfless contributions to the community she was a great support to her friends and family. As she wrote in an autobiography assignment, her goal was to make one person happy or smile daily. She exceeded that goal and was loved by all who met, knew or called her friend.

Brooke was an exceptional young lady, one that will be missed by many. Although her life was cut way too short, she will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her."