Meet Kate Killian—a senior at Macomb High School who has spent much of her young life not only excelling academically and artistically but also dedicating herself to raising funds for charitable causes. Kate’s story is one of commitment, compassion, and a deep-seated belief in making the world a better place. Let’s jump in.

Kate’s journey began far from Macomb, in the charming southern community of Montevallo, Alabama. Born in Louisiana and raised partly in Alabama, Kate’s early experiences shaped her into the person she is today. While the communities of her childhood absolutely had their charms, they also featured some abject economic challenges. “I started fundraising when I lived in Alabama,” Kate recalls. “I was about five years old when I realized some of the kids in my class didn’t have money for snacks. I couldn’t stand the thought of them going hungry.” So, with the determination that has since become her trademark, Kate went door-to-door in her neighborhood, offering to walk dogs, water plants, and perform other small tasks in exchange for donations. Her efforts raised $75, which she used to buy snacks and stuffed animals for her classmates, ensuring that everyone had a friend during independent reading time.

This was just the beginning. Each year, Kate has continued her mission of giving back, tying her charitable efforts to her birthday as a way of marking the passage of time with acts of kindness. From donating school supplies and clothes to local children, to supporting the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Kate’s generosity knows no bounds. “I think God put me on this earth to help people,” she says, with a maturity and clarity that belies her age. “That’s just my goal in life.”

Kate’s commitment to fundraising has only grown stronger over the years. In 2019, she began focusing on mental health awareness, a cause that resonates deeply with her. “When COVID hit, I knew there were so many kids who were struggling, but who might be too afraid to come forward,” she explains. Her efforts led to the creation of Wellness Week at Macomb High School, where nationally recognized speakers like Caleb Campbell and April Hernandez Castillo have come to share their stories and inspire students. Over the past three years alone, Kate has raised more than $8,500 for mental health initiatives at her school, and she’s determined to break the $10,000 mark with her next fundraiser.

But Kate’s life isn’t solely defined by her charitable work. She’s also a dedicated student and a passionate artist, finding joy and expression in dance and the visual arts. As a captain of the Bomber Dance Team and an active member of the local dance company, Kate spends countless hours choreographing routines, teaching younger students, and performing both locally and regionally. Her love for the arts is something she inherited from her mother, an actress and the chair of theater and dance at Western Illinois University. “Dance is my life,” Kate says simply, but her actions speak volumes about her dedication.

Despite her busy schedule, Kate still finds time to mentor younger students in theater, helping them write and perform their own plays. It’s a role she relishes, knowing how much the arts can help young people discover their potential. “Theater is such a safe space for kids to learn about themselves and experience failure in a constructive way,” she says. It’s clear that Kate’s influence extends far beyond her own accomplishments; she’s committed to lifting others up and creating opportunities for them to shine as well.

When asked about her future, Kate’s plans are as ambitious as they are varied. She’s considering a career in law enforcement or audiology and speech pathology, but she hasn’t ruled out a future in philanthropy or development, recognizing that her skills in fundraising could serve her well in a variety of fields. For now, she’s planning to attend Western Illinois University, where she’ll continue her education and, no doubt, her mission of giving back.

Kate’s story is one of a young woman who not only recognizes the importance of generosity but lives it every day. She credits her mother, her grandparents, and her dance coach for shaping her into the person she is today—strong, independent, and unwavering in her commitment to helping others. “My mom always told me to shine my light,” Kate says, and it’s clear that she’s doing just that, brightening the lives of everyone around her.

As Kate prepares to graduate and take the next steps in her journey, the Macomb community can take pride in knowing that they have nurtured and supported a truly remarkable young woman. Kate Killian is more than just a high-achieving student; she’s a beacon of hope, compassion, and empathy—a shining example of what one determined person can do when she engages the generosity of a community.