Orange Park High Student of the Week

ORANGE PARK, FL -- A 12th grader at Orange Park High School puts in hundreds of volunteer hours around the community; she takes care of kids after school; and she was in the Miss Orange Park High School Pageant. She does all this even with some physical challenges and she is our Student of the Week.

Amber Kendall has received all sorts of awards including one called 'The Rising Star' award. She goes by the name 'Gabby' at school and stays very busy and active. "I do a lot because it makes me feel better. I love helping other people. That's just me."

She also volunteers around the community. One of her favorites is Hearts, Hands, and Hooves. 'It meant a lot to me because even though I've been through a lot it was great to see people who've been through more than me with a smile on their face. They are my inspiration."

She does so much even though she is on crutches. Gabby lost one of her legs when she was 9-years old to bone cancer.

Her teachers and supporters say having one leg doesn't slow her down. "Instead of Gabby having one leg, it's like she has ten because she has so much energy. She's always bouncing around and doing stuff," said Christine Jump, the school's pageant co-sponsor.

Gabby not only volunteers for the Orange Park High School Pageant; last year, she was one of the contestants. "It was an amazing experience. If I could do it again I would," said Gabby.

She did her talent portion to the song, 'Footloose' on a rollerblade. She won The Director's Award for her personality and dedication to helping others. "I couldn't believe (when I won). I was like, 'really.' I cried."

She stays busy and does everything she can for others because she says, she can. "I was given a second chance at life and I want to take that to the fullest and go on from there."

Amber 'Gabby' Kendall graduates from high school in June. She plans to attend college to become a pediatric physical therapist.

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