Love for others shows through girl's big smile

At age 7, Kennedy Williams already has decided to live by the Golden Rule.

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"She's very compassionate toward others and in tune with their feelings," said her mother, Kim Williams. "She wants to make sure they are taken care of."

Her teacher at River Ridge Elementary agrees.

"Kennedy is an outstanding person and student who loves with her whole heart," April Pond said. "She radiates a positive attitude daily. She always puts others first and shows enormous love for her brother and parents."

Pond said her student speaks of her family daily and always with a big smile.

"Even as a first-grader, she is a great role model and teacher to her peers," Pond said. "She makes friends easily and shows that she is a great listener. She stands up for what she knows is right and doesn't give in to negativity."

The daughter of Mike and Kim Williams, of Evans, Kennedy is an all-A honor student who received a citizenship award at school earlier this year.

"I like to make others feel good," she said.

"I used to take her with me when I did Meals on Wheels, and I think she learned a lot from that," her mother said. "She learned that life is different for everyone. We've talked about that kind of stuff."

Outside of school, Kennedy takes violin lessons from Celia O'Brien. She also enjoys reading and playing with her friends.

"I like to read Junie B. Jones," Kennedy said. "There are some really funny books."

Additionally, Kennedy enjoys dancing and has learned some Zumba moves. At the Family Y, Kennedy's mother teaches Zumba - a fitness program that combines energetic moves with Latin and international music.

"She loves to practice it," Kennedy's mother said with a laugh. "My husband gets a kick out of us dancing to Latin music in the kitchen."