Kelsey

Kelsey DeBord, a 16 year old junior at Madison Southern High School, was named Miss Heartland's Outstanding Teen on September 26, 2009 at the Historic State Theater Complex. Kelsey was selected by a panel of five judges from a field of six contestants. Kelsey sang “Art is Calling for Me” and her platform is The SaraCare Fund. She will compete for the title of Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, June 11 - 13, 2010 at the Center for Rural Development, Somerset, Kentucky.

Kelsey, from Berea, Kentucky, plans to pursue a PhD in creative and performing arts from Transylvania University and complete her original pop album and sign with a major record label. Kelsey is a member of her high school’s Academic Team, Spanish Club, and is on the honor roll. She finished Top 5 in her classes in Honors English, Honors Science, Spanish II, and Musical Theatre. Kelsey was voted “most talented” by her classmates and teachers in 2007, and was the recipient of the Jane Thacker Memorial Scholarship. Kelsey is Captain of the Madison Southern High School golf team and President of Richmond Church of Christ Speech Team. She was a member of the Coca-Cola Golf Tour 2008. Kelsey is a member of the FBLA, FCA, and PETA. She was also the hostess for “Dine for Darfur,” which was sponsored by VCA (Voice, Choice, Action), an organization founded by she and a few close friends, dedicated to the relief of sufferers in Darfur.

Kelsey received the overall talent award at the Little Miss Kentucky Pageant. She has received numerous acting/theater lead role awards. Kelsey received the second place singing award at the International Presentation of Performers (IPOP) in New York City. She was selected to participate in 2009-2010 Duke Talent Search. Kelsey was cast as Cruella de Vil in '101 DALMATIONS'; Sharpay in 'HIGH SCHOOL MUSICA'; and Amy in LITTLE WOMEN' She was the first freshman from Madison Southern High School to qualify for the State Golf Tournament. Kelsey received the first place speech award at Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes Convention 2008. Kelsey has co-written and recorded three songs with Roy "Royalty" Hamilton on Capitol Records. She was at Tom Cuise's home on his wedding day.

In 2007, 10,400 children were diagnosed with cancer. The SaraCare Fund is a memorial fund established in honor of Sara Elizabeth Kennedy, a friend of Kelsey who died from childhood cancer. Throughout her life, Sara was active and involved in her school and community, always concerned about the needs and lives of others. During her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, Sara faced each day with determination and dignity. Her laugh and smile continued to be a light in the lives of her family and friends. The SaraCare Fund was established as a way to make a difference in the lives of children and families faced with similar situations. My mission is to create awareness, to give hope, and help to generate funding. Kelsey has helped raise over $40,000 for the fund. With these dollars they have completed the following projects: installation of TV/VCR combos in every room of the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital (including outpatient and PICU); installation of a wii gaming system in both the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and the Berea Hospital; establishment of a meal plan providing free meals to those staying with loved ones at the Berea Hospital; installation of four mobile TV/VCR carts at the Berea Hospital; educational scholarships at Madison Souther High School and Berea Community High School.

As Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, Kelsey will have the opportunity to enjoy more visibility with students, teachers and administrators across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to promote the awareness of childhood cancer. She hopes to partner with the Miss Kentucky Organization to organize a golf scramble in which the Miss Kentucky contestants and the Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen will participate with proceeds benefiting the Sare Care Fund. My work with the Sara Care Fund does not have to stop at the borders of Kentucky - every day 22 children across our country is diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer. Kelsey is excited about the possibility of growing her partnership to a national level by joining hands with the Miss America Outstanding Teen Scholarship Organization, the National Cancer Institute, and the SaraCare Fund.

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