Valerie S. Loring Girl of the Year Award was created in 1995 to recognize Ms. Loring’s unwavering commitment to Girls Inc. for more than 30 years. The award is given to girls who exemplify the qualities of vision and leadership, courage and perseverance, generosity and compassion and dedication and sincerity.
This year the winner of the Valerie S. Loring award is Michelle St. Denis. Michelle began her involvement with Girls Inc. when she was five years old. She has always been an active participant in Girls Inc. programs including gymnastics, pottery, SMART, swimming, and spent her summers at Camp Kinneywood including becoming a CIT. She always exhibits great compassion for girls who face greater challenges than herself. She volunteers as an assistant teacher in the Girls Incorporated Gymnastics Center, at CCD classes on Sunday and in the Taking Steps to End Violence program. She graduated from South High School in June 2007 and is planning a career in cosmetology.