By Dan Miller, Today’s Family

At just 11 years old, South Euclid resident Caleigh Larkins is already proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.

The recent Greenview Upper Elementary graduate, who will attend Memorial Junior High this fall, has built an impressive record of leadership and community service. Earlier this year, she made history by becoming the youngest person ever elected to a grand officer position within Ohio's Grand Girls Assembly, a youth organization dedicated to leadership development, service, and personal growth.

While the accomplishment earned statewide recognition, those who know Caleigh best say her greatest strength is her genuine desire to help others.

“Caleigh has always wanted to help people,” say her parents, Charielle Lackey and Michael Larkins. “She is dedicated, helpful, and always concerned about people. She loves working with people.”

That passion was on full display when Caleigh organized a community service project benefiting the Wall of Love, an outreach effort that provides essential items to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship. Through her leadership, more than 1,500 donated items were collected and distributed to those in need.

“The Wall of Love was important because I was able to do something for others that are less fortunate” says Caleigh. “It takes more than one person to get everything together. It is okay to accept help and donations to make your event a success.”

Of all the volunteer projects she has participated in, the Wall of Love remains her favorite because it was her own idea and gave her the opportunity to organize the event from beginning to end.

When asked how it felt to become the youngest person elected to a grand officer position in Ohio, Caleigh's excitement is still evident.

“I felt great. I couldn't stop smiling,” she says. “It was exciting that I made history.”

Her parents first recognized her leadership abilities when she decided to run for Royal Princess at just 9 years old and later accepted the responsibility of serving as Royal Queen. They also noticed that she was always eager to volunteer whenever community service opportunities arose.

Over the years, Caleigh has participated in a remarkable number of service projects. She has helped with backpack giveaways, toy drives, community block parties, nursing home visits, reading programs for elementary students, and volunteer efforts benefiting military personnel and local families. She recently participated in a diaper bank project that packed more than 9,700 items for families in need.

Her commitment to service extends beyond a single organization. Caleigh has been a Girl Scout since age 5 and is active in student council, band, soccer, and the Imperial Youth Shrine, where she serves as Junior Queen of the World.

Despite her busy schedule, Caleigh is still a typical seventh-grader at heart. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, riding her four-wheeler, dirt bike, and hoverboard, and playing soccer. Her parents also reveal a fact that often surprises people: she owns a pet lizard and is an exceptionally skilled video game player.

As impressive as her accomplishments are,
Caleigh remains focused on a simple philosophy.

“I would tell others to be kind, nice, and always help people in need,” she says.

It's advice she follows every day—and one reason this young South Euclid leader is already making a lasting impact on her community.