Editor’s note: Seven young people from across Highlands County have been nominated for the Champion for Children Youth Award to be presented March 5. Today’s article is the fifth of a series on each of the seven finalists in no specific order. The sixth finalist will appear in Sunday’s edition of the Highlands News-Sun.
Sebring High School senior Kaylee Owens brings thoughtful enthusiasm and creativity to her volunteer efforts with a focus on supporting youth mental health.
Maritza Ayala stated she nominated Owens for her outstanding leadership, service and dedication to youth mental health advocacy.
Through her self-created campaign, Hopeful Horizons, Owens has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the growing need for local mental health support. She produces impactful, youth-focused videos that highlight mental wellness, reduce stigma and share practical tools and local resources to young people in the community.
Owens’ commitment goes far beyond awareness. She actively creates and collects wellness packages, filled with encouraging items and mental health supporting tools. She distributes these packages to local youth navigating emotional and mental challenges.
Her compassion, initiative and hands-on approach have made a tangible difference in the lives of her peers, Ayala stated.
In addition to her advocacy work, Owens serves as the chair of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors, where she represents her school and community with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm.
Crystal Sutton-Bullington stated Owens is truly a pleasure to be around and her positivity is contagious to everyone from ages 3 to 83. She is a dedicated hard worker with a strong moral compass. “Her ability to lead with humility and grace is far beyond her years and her consistent commitment to uplifting others has made a lasting impact on countless lives.”
Among her accomplishments, Owens stated holding the titles of 2021 DeSoto Watermelon Princess and 2024 Miss Florida Southern meant more to her than wearing a crown because it gave her a voice and responsibility.
“Through them, I was able to turn my passion for helping others into meaningful action,” she said. “Creating my platform, Hopeful Horizons, is something I am especially proud of because it allowed me to serve my community, raise mental health awareness and support those in need.
“These experiences taught me the true meaning of leadership and showed me that impact comes not from a title itself, but from how you choose to use it.”
Her role as a volunteer with the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce has helped Owens support local nonprofits such as Knotty Girl, which raises awareness for breast cancer, and Project ACE, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the foster care and adoption system.
Owens is also involved with the Mason G. Smoak Foundation through which she has volunteered with several local organizations, including New Testament Mission, Habitat for Humanity and Ag Venture, as well as assisting with the foundation’s events throughout the years.
Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tenille Drury-Smith said, in her role as Junior Ambassador chair for the chamber, Owens has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion and genuine commitment to serving youth and families within our community.
Owens’ dedication to empowering young people is evident through her active involvement, thoughtful guidance and ability to inspire others to engage in meaningful service, she said.
Brittany Croy, DeSoto County educator and executive director of the Miss Southern Florida Scholarship Pageant, said she had the privilege of working closely with Owens during her reign as 2024 Teen Miss Southern Florida.
Throughout the year, Owens made a meaningful and lasting impact on her community and across South Florida, Coy said. While she participated in numerous service initiatives, her most admirable contribution was the creation of her social media platform, Hopeful Horizons, highlighting adolescent mental health and advocating for awareness.
Owens’ parents are Kerry and Brandon Owens.
Owens plans to pursue a career as a cardiac sonographer.