Katelyn Crawley, 8

Why nominated

"Reading, drawing, crafts and archery are just a few of the things that my 8-year-old daughter enjoys," wrote Mary Crawley. "Katelyn is a joy to her classmates, friends and especially her family. Katelyn can be shy and quiet at first but once she gets to know you she will be the most friendly and caring little girl. Katelyn's quiet side hides an incredible sense of humor.  She often likes to joke and tell funny stories!

"Katelyn is a third-grade student at Soaring Eagles Elementary School and is in the gifted and talented program. She loves to write and is developing into an excellent writer. Ms. Hanson, her teacher, often comments on Katelyn's writing skills. Katelyn also excels in art and has quite a sophisticated artistic talent.

"Katelyn enjoys her archery classes that she takes at Fort Carson with Mr. Mark. While her dad is often deployed she has formed a close bond with him and considers herself a 'daddy's girl.' When Dad is away she is a great help to me when it comes to chores and helping with her little brother Tyler. My husband and I have are truly blessed to have a daughter like Katelyn."

Q&A

What kind of writing do you do?

“I like to write about pets. I write paragraphs.”

Do you have pets?

“Harold and Hilary — they’re dogs. They’re poodles.”

How did you get involved in archery?

“My dad’s in the Army, so I go to (the Fort Carson archery range) … I did archery and I started getting really good at it.”

How long have you taken classes?

“For a while now.”

What do you learn in archery lessons?

“At the first class that I went to, I learned a little bit about how you shoot and stuff. And then the next days I started shooting — that would be all you do — and on the last day you get candy.”
Katelyn said the lessons are weekly.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

“I’m best at math.”

How do you feel when you learned your dad was going to be deployed again?

“I was a little sad.”

What kinds of art do you create?

“Sometimes I draw fish and sometimes I draw pictures of people. I like to draw anything.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“Maybe a vet or something. Or a doctor.”

What’s your least favorite chore?

“I think that might be cleaning my room.”