Caroline Taylor is dedicated to volunteering and making in impact in her community. She is the 2020 recipient of a $2,500 Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship, an award given annually to a Rhode Island high school senior who demonstrates philanthropic spirit within the community. “Over the past few years, I have discovered the importance of philanthropy and having a generous spirit in making an impact on the community around you,” she said.

One of Caroline’s first philanthropic events was participating in the Pan Mass Challenge, raising funds for Dana Farber Cancer research in honor of her aunt who was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. She took part in a 25-mile teen bike ride, which sparked a multi-year commitment to participate in the 50-mile bike ride, raising even more research dollars.

Caroline currently attends La Salle Academy, where she is just as involved with campus programs. “I’m the president of Best Buddies, and involved in my school’s campus ministry program,” she said. As part of Best Buddies, Caroline helped to raise $3,000 for the state chapter of the organization.

Her participation in the 2017 Woman’s March in Washington, DC motivated her to establish Choose To Be You, a grassroots campaign that inspires all people to be their authentic selves and encourage others to be passionate about impacting their community. Choose To Be You became an official non-profit in July, but had already organized local beach clean ups, sent greeting cards to local nursing homes, and decorated neighborhoods with flags for Memorial Day. “My hope for Choose To Be You is to grow the campaign nationally as well as globally,” Caroline said.

In addition, Choose To Be You started its first virtual club at Warwick Veterans Middle School, where students learned the importance of philanthropy and giving back. “My vision is to start more clubs in the future to teach young teens how to use social media to do good around the world.”

Caroline’s other recent accolades include Youth Ambassador for MEDIAGirls in Boston, MA, a speaker at the National Mentoring Summit 2020 in Washington, DC, and the recipient of the 2020 Rising Star Award for the Women’s Journey Foundation in Irvine, CA.

“Anything is possible,” said Caroline. “All it takes is a strong heart and mind to make a single change in the world.”