LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nearly 100 youth from across Louisville were recognized for their resilience and achievement in spite of adversity.
The ceremony was held at the Mellwood Art Center on Sunday as part of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods’ (OSHN) “AMPLIFY502” initiative.
“These are not the kids you hear much about because their achievements are so personal,” OSHN Director Paul Callanan said. “But these young individuals are among our communities’ most exemplary heroes because of how they’ve handled the unfair, difficult or tragic situations they’ve been forced to handle at the beginning of their lives.”
Two of the children who were honored include 13-year-old Cadence Bennett and 14-year-old Madison Rutledge.
Bennett's mother was a victim of gun violence last November.
“When my mom became a victim of gun violence just for driving, I struggled with anger, depression and a loss of faith in the goodness of the world,” she said. “Instead of remaining in that dark place, I chose to find peace. I’m never going back.”
Rutledge was honored for her dedication to getting an education despite battling chronic lung disease, which has left her with limited time to live, according to their doctors.
“Faced with this grim reality, I made the decision to continue with my education through home hospitalization. I’m determined to make the most of every moment,” Rutledge said.
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