Volunteer work keeps future leader hopping

By JEAN HAYES, Community News Coordinator
Published October 28, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Keri Wiginton | Times] Rachel Kibbit, 17, helps first-grader Gabriella Esposito learn her letter sounds Tuesday at Chocachatti Elementary. Rachel volunteers there every other day.

How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

I have lived in Brooksville for three years. We moved from Long Island, N.Y.

Who are the members of your family?

My parents, John and Susan Kibbit; my brother, Travis, 20, and my sister, Blake-Leigh, 11. My parents found it in their hearts to create a loving home for children. I was adopted in 1990 from Venezuela; my brother was adopted at the age of 1 from Venezuela, and my sister was adopted at the age of 7 months from Korea.

Tell us about your career.

Currently, I'm a senior at Springstead High School, but I'd like to pursue a career as an international corporate lawyer when I go off to college.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

I'm a volunteer for Teen Court, and I also volunteer at Chocachatti Elementary School. In September, I competed in the Miss Spanish Heritage Festival Queen Beauty Pageant, sponsored by the Hispanic Scholarship Civic & Cultural Foundation. I was born in Venezuela, and I'm very interested in my heritage even though I do not know much about it yet.

Over the summer, I completed the Girls State program in Tallahassee. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 186 in Brooksville sponsored me and three other girls. At Girls State I learned about the government, parliamentary procedures and bill writing.

I am also in Teen Leadership Hernando. This is a program to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. I also participate in the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the Beta Club. All of these programs help the community in some shape or form. I also work part time at Publix in Brooksville.

Tell me more about your volunteer work.

Teen Court is a program that is run by teens to help give teens another chance at life, to realize what they have done wrong so they won't do it again. At Chocachatti Elementary, I'm a teacher's aide, helping the children learn how to read and write.

Do you have any special hobbies?

I actually do not have any special hobbies right now. I used to dance, practice the martial art of kung fu and participate in the color guard at Nature Coast Technical High School. Now I just like to spend time with my family and friends.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

Well, there's not a whole lot to do in Hernando County right now for kids my age. However, I like to hang out with my friends and family, whether it be shopping or going to the movies.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

Having more programs like Teen Court, so kids can stay busy and stay out of trouble.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

Something that most people don't know about me is that I would love to learn how to fly a plane.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 20:12:48]