BASEHOR, KAN. -- This week's report centers on Lindsey Anderton, a senior at Basehor Linwood High School, who inspires and excels with spirit and determination.
Of all the amazing things she does, an everyday, routine assignment is probably what Lindsey Anderton loves best. The Basehor-Linwood High School senior is a Care Cat, a mentor, role model and friend to other students in the district. A natural, creative teacher, Lindsey tutors kids at Glenwood Ridge Elementary who are struggling with reading, math or other core subjects. Lindsey hopes to be a teacher one day.
"I'm proud of them," Lindsey said, "for listening to me and trying very hard even though it may seem difficult. And my job is to make things easier for the students on themselves."
"She interacts with them and they respond to her in a way that is remarkable," Heidi Hill, Lindsey's former resource teacher and mentor in her tutoring assignment, said. "We don't all learn the same and she's learned that through her life that she's had to alter the way she learns or does things."
Lindsey understands the kids' struggles because she has struggled all her life, in a huge way. Lindsey has cerebral palsey which severely restricts her walking. Every step is a grueling challenge. She has to work hard at fine movements, too. But teachers and friends say Lindsey has never let CP keep her from achieving and has never used it as an excuse.
"Lindsey is a go-getter," her longtime friend and classmate Elizabeth Theno, said. "She always does things you wouldn't expect her to do. Like in middle school she tried out for cheerleading with us. Sometime she wouldn't be able to do it but she always tried anyway."
Besides being a Care Cat, Lindsey is in the top 10 percent of her class academically, is very active at church and as a busy volunteer for all sorts of organizations and has been basketball team manager for three years.
"Sometimes it's hard but I find a way to make it easier," Lindsey said. "I have a very positive attitude and that's what helps me get through life. A positive attitude and a caring heart."
Lindsey's attitude, her incredible "can do spirit," rubs off on everyone. She transforms lives, little ones, peers and adults.
"Lindsey is a light," Tammy Potts, supervisor of the Care Cat program, said. "She can go into a room with that beautiful smile and you immediately know Lindsey is there. And she sees things in such a positive frame."
"She doesn't let anything stop here," Elizabeth Theno said. "Everyone sees that and they are touched that she doesn't give up because she never has."
"She's a remarkable young lady," Hill said, "who has a lot to offer everyone that we can learn a lot from."
"The world's only going to be a better place not only because Lindsey Anderton was here but that she made a huge impact by being here," Potts said.
"It really makes me feel good, feel special," Lindsey said. "To know I helped them makes me realize what a difference I make in other people's lives."
Phil Witt, Fox 4 News
