Humphreys County, TN — Kendall McNeil was nominated for the 2024 Vincentian Excellence Awards by her conference coordinator Barbara Hooper. In Humphreys County, Tennessee, Kendall McNeil stands as a beacon of youth leadership and community service through her involvement with her Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Youth Conference. Kendall has exemplified dedication, compassion, and a profound commitment to serving others all throughout middle school. Through food drives, toy collections, nursing home visits, and disaster relief for families affected by the floods in her community, Kendall fell in love with her Vincentian vocation.
Kendall’s journey with SVdP began during elementary school, where she enthusiastically participated in the youth conference. Her involvement in community outreach and prayer initiatives not only showcased her passion for helping others but also earned her admiration among peers and mentors alike.
According to Kendall, “It was during those early days that I realized the impact we could make by coming together and serving those in need.” Kendall shared her love for personal encounters. One of the experiences that impacted her the most was when, “there was a really big flood where we were at,” she continued, “we were able to go out and help them and pray for them, which was really nice.” Kendall also shared about how her elementary youth conference made monthly visits to a nursing home, and how fulfilling she had found it. “It was really sad to hear that they didn’t have anyone to visit them.” She enjoyed bringing the residents flowers and singing Christmas carols with them.
Kendall expressed that her three years of volunteering have contributed to her maturing in faith and helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. As Kendall transitions to high school, she has taken on the challenge of establishing a high school conference within SVdP. Collaborating closely with her conference coordinator, Kendall aims to create opportunities for fellow high school students in Humphreys County to engage in meaningful service projects and deepen their spiritual practice through prayer. Her initiative reflects her readiness to inspire and lead others in making a positive impact. She shares her vision: “I want to create a space where young people can not only volunteer but also grow spiritually and develop leadership skills that will benefit our community.”
Kendall’s journey is deeply rooted in her faith and values, which she demonstrates through her compassion, kindness, and leadership. She explains, “My involvement with SVdP has taught me the importance of compassion and kindness in serving others.” She envisions a future where young people in Humphreys County are actively involved in serving their community and fostering solidarity among peers. Kendall hopes to help other young people see the beauty of being Catholic. She feels that many young people don’t really know what being Catholic is or means, and she hopes to evangelize through her service and dedication to her faith.
Kendall McNeil’s story highlights the profound impact of youth leadership within SVdP. Her dedication to service and community engagement, coupled with her strong faith and vision for the future, serves as a testament to the values upheld by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Kendall’s journey from a youth member to an emerging leader underscores her ability to inspire others and create meaningful change within her community. As Kendall continues to pave the way for youth engagement in Humphreys County, her story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in making a difference through compassion and action.