Kristen Torres, a student at Archbishop McCarthy High School, has been named the recipient of the Soroptimist International of Davie Youth Leadership Award for the 2025–2026 year. This prestigious, one-time cash award honors high school girls ages 14–18 in Broward County who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through volunteer service and leadership. The award specifically recognizes young women who demonstrate initiative by identifying a community problem and taking meaningful action to help address it.
Kristen earned this recognition through her dedicated efforts to improve the lives of children in foster care at His House, a local organization serving vulnerable youth. Understanding the many challenges foster children face, Kristen took an active role in organizing support efforts within her school community. Working alongside fellow students, she orchestrates drives to collect much-needed clothing and hygiene items for children in foster care. These efforts directly address basic needs while also fostering a culture of compassion and service among her peers.
In addition to organizing donation drives, Kristen actively encourages mentorship and raises funds for His House. Her leadership extends beyond logistics; she serves as a role model at Archbishop McCarthy High School, inspiring other students to become involved in volunteerism and to see how individual action can create meaningful change.
Kristen’s advocacy began with an important realization: foster children are often “hidden” in society, their needs overlooked or misunderstood. Motivated by this awareness, she embarked on a campaign to shine a light on their experiences. As part of this effort, Kristen created a video designed to educate the public about the needs of foster children and to raise awareness within the broader community. Through this initiative, she helped give a voice to children who are frequently unseen and unheard.
Through her commitment, leadership, and compassion, Kristen Torres exemplifies the spirit of the Soroptimist International of Davie Youth Leadership Award. Her dedication to serving children in foster care is making a tangible difference and helping to build a more informed, caring, and engaged community.
Soroptimist is an international volunteer service organization working to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Davie is a 501(c)3 organization.
