Distinguished Finalist

Kate Newman, 17, of Ludlow, Maine, a member of Aroostook County 4-H and a senior at Houlton High School, created a community meal program in 2013 that has provided hot, nutritious dinners free of charge to hundreds of people in need, some who have to choose between heat and groceries during Maine’s bitterly cold winters. Kate had volunteered at another community meal program that shut down unexpectedly, and worked to fill the gap by mobilizing her 4-H club, securing a location, planning meals and soliciting food donations.