Lilly Hallock: leader, giver, winner

What's the key to feeling happy? Lilly Hallock, Lakewood Elementary fifth grader has a simple answer: helping others.

Lilly works to raise awareness about autism. She also tutors Blue Valley students during the summer and sends words of encouragement to orphans in Haiti. In addition, she raises money for several charities through national fundraising events as well as through lemonade stands, bake sales, garage sales and other events she organizes on her own. Lilly truly believes that there is power in helping others in every way she can.

Her efforts have proven so impactful that when Patsy Mura, Lakewood Elementary gifted teacher, nominated Lilly for The National Association for Gifted Children's 2009-10 Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award, she won.

Each year, the National Association for Gifted Children selects one student per state in grades three through six to receive the award in honor of Nicholas Green, a gifted student who died at the age of seven. The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award recognizes students who are working hard to make the most of their unique gifts and talents.

"Lilly works incredibly hard to help others," said Mura, Lilly's gifted teacher. "For her it is really all about reaching out to those in need. Lilly consistently puts others ahead of herself. She stands as a true example of leadership, caring and meritorious service to others."

Fundraising for autism is especially important to Lilly. She even created and organized her own event called Money Bunny. Lilly started the fundraiser as a third grader. That year, her 15-month-old cousin was diagnosed with autism and Lilly had to find a way to help.

April is Autism Awareness month and also when Easter fell that year. So that April, Lilly asked friends and neighbors to fill plastic Easter eggs with spare change. She awarded her most generous donors with treats that she baked herself. The fundraiser has become a tradition among those who know Lilly.

In the three years since she began Money Bunny, Lilly has raised more than $1,500 for autism research. From the fliers she creates and distributes to baking and delivering treats to her biggest donors, Lilly manages it all and hopes her hard work will help find a cure.

This year, Lilly brought her fundraiser to school where Lakewood Elementary students generously contributed. She raised more than $500 and had plenty of assistance thanks to fellow students who felt inspired to join in and help. Lilly gave a pizza party for the classroom that contributed the most.

In addition to Money Bunny, Lilly has been a regular participant in walks for diabetes, cancer and autism for four years. During the events, Lilly thinks of the friend who has cancer, juvenile diabetes or autism and hopes for a cure.

"Walking for these causes helps me connect with them," Lilly said. "I want to help people and make the world a better place."

Another favorite project is Freedom Fire Ministries. Through this organization, Lilly has enjoyed the chance to visit with needy children from downtown Kansas City. From the first visit, she connected with them and went on to plan a Halloween party where she enlisted a team of friends and neighbors to help with games, face painting, snacks and candy. About 50 inner city children attended.

"I know that I loved being there more than they loved having me," she said.

Lilly works hard to raise money and provide comfort whenever she can. But this is only part of her work. Lilly is also a dedicated advocate for children with special needs, including autism. It is a role that she takes very seriously.

"I've seen people make fun of kids with special needs," she said. "I want to teach them not to."

Lilly is writing a book for school-age children and creating slide show presentations to educate them about the disorder. Using the material she has developed, she speaks to classroom groups in her school hoping that her efforts will make her audiences want to share the knowledge with others.

"The thing about Lilly is that she goes about her work so quietly," said Lakewood Elementary principal Nancy Layton. "She is a modest leader, but her classmates are in awe of her and how she inspires them to get involved."

Lilly's mother, Courtney Hallock, is thankful that Blue Valley teachers have really worked to facilitate Lilly's interests and gifts.

"Mrs. Mura did a special thing when she took the time nominate Lilly," said Hallock. "It shows that she truly understands how much it means to Lilly when she can help someone. She has given Lilly what she needs to follow her passions." 

Lilly and her family members are thrilled with the Nicholas Green honor. Hallock said that while Lilly doesn't look for recognition, the award will motivate her daughter to do even more. 

So what does Lilly say about it all? 

"My family is really blessed," she said. "We don't have trouble. I think it is better to keep giving so that other people can feel the way we feel. It gives me joy to help others and see someone who might have been crying feel better."