Two Molalla area students were among Pamplin’s Amazing Kids honored at a special event last April; Kaitlin Gartrell of Mulino and Mikaela Bjorn of Colton. Mikaela was selected as the Clackamas County Amazing Kid through OSU Extension and Kaitlin was selected as the Molalla Pioneer Amazing Kid. The two women, who know each other through 4-H, have both overcome hardship and have used that hardship to do good works. 

Mikaela’s four-year-old sister, Kirsten, died in a drowning accident. The loss was devastating and Mikaela decided to channel her emotions into organizing community events to raise funds for preschool swimming lessons. Kaitlin fought leukemia at a young age and now helps other kids through their cancer fights. She hopes to become a pediatric oncologist. Both young women are amazing examples 4-H leaders that make a positive impact on their communities. 

Read their full stories: