Eden Knapp, a fifth-grader at Mathews Elementary School, has a passion for helping her school and community.

Eden created the organization Animal Cruelty Prevention, which aims to protect animals and reduce incidences of animal cruelty.

Mathews Elementary Principal Grace Brewster praised Eden’s enthusiasm and dedication.

“Eden is a go-getter,” Brewster said. “She’s always willing to go the extra mile.”

Eden also participated in the 30th annual Keep Austin Beautiful Clean Sweep by picking up trash in and around Lady Bird Lake. She has collected cans and coats for the Capital Area Food Bank of Austin.

On Halloween, Eden went “trick or canning” to collect cans, and she has helped pack boxes with the donated items.

During the holiday season, Eden supported a student in need by providing clothes, shoes and a toy for an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

A member of the Osage tribe, Eden is part of the district’s American Indian Education Program. In addition to other services, AIEP provides scholarship information and guidance to students.

Eden's strong commitment to her community and her humanitarian qualities earned her a $1,000 Ben Carson Scholarship, and she has been invited to attend the Carson Scholars awards banquet April 19 in Baltimore.

Click here to learn more about the Carson Scholars Program.