Kids Get Noticed for Giving

Thirteen local kids got a pat on the back from Kohl’s Department Store in its national Kids Who Kare Scholarship Program.

Earlier this year, Kohl’s asked kids, parents and teachers to nominate kids who excel at volunteering. The organization then narrowed down the nominees to a group of top volunteers who in turn received a $50 Kohl’s gift card and a shot at a college scholarship.

In Texas, 158 kids made the cut — 13 of whom live in Central Texas. They are:

Rishi Bajekal, 18, of Austin
Jax Bittner, age 8, of Buda
Sarah Bludau, of Austin
Kaci Borchgardt, age 8, of Round Rock
Britt Brandon, age 18, of Austin
Emily Cassidy, age18, of Westlake
Kristina Chaka, , age 18, Round Rock
Jessica Epps, age 18, of Georgetown
Payton Holcomb, age 9, of Georgetown
Kaely Johnson, age 17, of Cedar Park
Jordan Luken, age 7, of New Braunfels
Rachel Purnell, age 14, of Kyle
Marcos Villarreal, age 18, of Marble Falls

Koh’s will announce later this month which regional winners will receive a $1,000 college scholarship for their volunteering efforts. Those winners will then be eligible for a $10,000 scholarship.