BEST AND BRIGHTEST: A life devoted to helping kids

TO OUR READERS: This is one in a series of stories about members of The Gazette's Best & Brightest Class of 2008.

    Deanna Thirkell has spent the past two summers as a volunteer coach for STARS, a program that gives children from low-income families exposure to tennis. The program provides shoes, rackets, balls, T-shirts, snacks and tennis lessons at Memorial Park.

    "After getting to know these children, I knew in my heart that I wanted to do more," she said. "These deserving kids literally have nothing. One boy told me he had frostbite that winter but enjoyed going to therapy because he could be warm and have graham crackers."

    She set out to find a way to give backpacks to each of the kids for them to use for school or tennis. With the help of her school's student council and two individuals, she raised $1,200.

    The donations, along with the generosity of Tennis Warehouse, provided the kids with backpacks, tennis balls and grips and strings for their rackets.

    "The young tennis players proudly sported their backpacks each week and took good care of their backpacks throughout the season," she said.

    Another of Thirkell's favorite memories from STARS is when she was matched with a girl named Rebecca.

    "Rebecca came up to me after the first session and gave me a hug that will warm my heart forever," she said.

    Thirkell, 18, also helps children through the Homework Help Club at Palmer Lake Elementary, where she tutors English Language Learner students. The club meets three times a week.

    The experience has made her want to become a teacher and work in an English Language Learning setting.

    "The days I go to help are my favorite days of the week," she said. "Seeing these children eager to acquire so much knowledge astounds me each and every time I work with them. Their cultural differences should be a bridge, not a boundary to their dreams."

DEANNA THIRKELL Lewis-Palmer High School

Parents: John and Kathleen Thirkell

What's next: Colorado College

Other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? "The kids I work with in STARS and the Homework Help Club. I admire their fierce determination and gratefulness for everything around them."

Other details: History Outstanding Student Award, Marian House Soup Kitchen volunteer, placed in the state and regional History Day Competitions, Rotary Club champion for the school's girls tennis team, Academic All-State team, Salvation Army bell ringer, Dreampower Animal Rescue volunteer, Serteen Community Service Club, drama