Lauren Hanley, a 12-year-old who attends the Bak Middle School of the Arts, had a unique opportunity to meet and speak with First Lady Michelle Obama during her recent trip to South Florida.
The First Lady came to Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 22 for a grassroots campaign event, which more than 2,500 supporters attended. Hanley was among a handful of guests invited to a reception before the rally, where local dignitaries and community activists were also in attendance.
Hanley’s outreach to her local community, whether it is through serving food to needy families, helping out at homeless events to raise money for programs, or through other means of giving, is a huge interest of hers that she hopes to one day play a larger role in.
“It was an honor to have been invited to meet and speak with the First Lady, who has done so much to outreach to communities from all around the country,” Hanley said. “She has had huge successes with her wellness and healthy eating project, especially to students, as well as her programs to urge you to give back to your community through volunteering.”
With her desire to better the community around her in mind, Hanley is running for seventh-grade class president at the Bak School of the Arts, where she also served as the sixth-grade senator last school year.
“I am not entirely sure what I want to be when I get older, but I am positive that whatever path I take, I want to make a contribution,” Hanley said.
Hanley is the daughter of Brian and Mary Anne Hanley of Royal Palm Beach.
Above: First Lady Michelle Obama with Lauren Hanley in Fort Lauderdale.
