FLEMING ISLAND– It is teachers that Kathryn McNeill said she credits for shaping her into the person that she is today.

The influential educators that taught her how to read, write and say her ABCs.

“I’m so thankful for them,” she said. 

As a senior at Fleming Island High School, McNeill is about to take a leap into her next journey. Before saying goodbye, she’s giving back to the people that she’s met along the way.

As a Girl Scout, McNeill is on her way to receiving her Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve.

To receive national recognition, scouts are tasked with completing a project –either fixing a problem in their community or making a lasting change in the world. For McNeill, it was a no-brainer what hers would entail. 

She chose to give back to the same classrooms that molded her. 

Now at Clay Virtual Academy on Kingsley Avenue sits three picnic tables outside and two flower boxes, which McNeill built by hand.

The school is a K-12 public school providing free online academic programs to Florida residents. 

She said that over 4,000 learners who make up the virtual student body now have a place to call their own: a green space, out in nature. 

McNeill said it’s what she hopes the future of learning begins to look like.

“I do love the outdoors. I’ve spent each summer, since I was seven, outdoors because I’m a golfer,” she said. “I feel like there’s something that you get from the outdoors that the indoors doesn’t have. It just feels so natural to be outdoors, and I think that everyone should have the access to a green space.”

From researching the type of wood she would need to the intricate screws, she said it was a labor of love and care. Although she had assistance from volunteers, she wanted to completely immerse herself in the project. 

“I wanted to stay as involved as possible in each step of the process,” she said. “So, I had to learn many new skills. Like, how to cut wood.” 

It was something she had never done before and it wasn’t easy, but an enthralling experience. She said that on the day of installation, it also happened to be training day for teachers. She said seeing people peek their heads out and compliment the tables made her smile. She said the tables have definitely been put to use. 

“Something I built with my hands is being enjoyed by others, and it's just a great feeling to have,” she said. “That I made an impact on the community.” 

Clay Virtual Academy Multi-Grade Teacher Naomi Turner was a huge support system and cheerleader to McNeill during the process. Turner was also McNeill’s first-grade teacher while at Paterson Elementary School.

McNeill said she dedicates the project to Turner and teachers all over. 

“She really is the reason that I have a passion for learning,” McNeill said. 

She and many other scouts will be awarded for their work during an April 6 ceremony at Florida State University. 

Having recently committed to the University of Florida, McNeill said she will be pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. She hopes to one day advance science medicine and do research in her field.

 And continue making a difference in her community.