Abigail Pope: Youth Citizen of the Year

Every year, the Franklin area gives out a Youth Citizen of the Year Award to recognize a student who shows outstanding leadership, community involvement, and kindness. 

On Tuesday, February 4, that honor was awarded to Franklin High School senior Abigail Pope.

Presented by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, the award celebrates a young person whose impact reaches beyond the classroom and into the community.

During the ceremony, Abigail was introduced as a student who exemplifies “leadership, service, and character” in every area of her life. From academics to athletics to volunteer work, her life shows a deep commitment to serving others.

At Franklin High School, Abigail serves as Student Body Vice President and President of the National Honor Society. She is also a Girls State delegate, and an active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Interact Club, and Health Occupation Students of America, where she has competed at the state level. 

In athletics, she is a member of the varsity cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams, qualifying for the state meet multiple times and earning the Cross Country Team Spirit Award.

Her service extends far beyond school activities, however, because Abigail has volunteered with organizations like CareNet, participated in the 30 Hour Famine, packed meals through Rise Against Hunger, supported hurricane relief efforts, and worked with The Blood Connection to assist local blood drives. These efforts reflect what many in the community already know: Abigail leads by example and serves with purpose. 

For Abigail, winning the award was both surprising and meaningful.

“It means a lot because I’ve put in a lot of effort and intention into loving people and serving them in ways that I can. I want to be remembered as someone loving,” she said.

Abigail shared that she felt overwhelmed when she first found out she had won. “Only one person gets it every year, and I was the person this year. I had just come off a really hard weekend because I worked really hard for a scholarship and didn’t get it. Then the next day, I won the award. It was encouraging to realize my efforts are not in vain.”

Abigail also credits her family and faith for shaping who she is today. She wants to show how grateful she is to her parents and grangparents for being strong role models, as well as to her teachers and friends for supporting and being there for her.

Abigail also expressed her gratitude toward God saying, “Without Him I would be nothing. He is my rock in my highs and lows.” 

When asked what advice she would give to others who want to make a difference, her answer was simple: “Just love.” She explained that loving others is “simple in concept and hard in execution,” especially when kindness is not always given back.

Still, she believes small actions matter. “If I think something positive about another person, why keep it to myself? I can just share it. It can make them happy, and it makes me feel fulfilled because that’s a way I can show love.”

Abigail’s words reflect the heart behind her accomplishments. While her leadership positions and awards are impressive, it is her loving personality and genuine care for others that stand out most. 

“I’m just very grateful. Four years ago, I would have never seen myself getting this award,” Abigail said.

Through leadership, service, and a commitment to loving others well, Abigail Pope represents the very best of Franklin’s youth,  and was a deserving recipient of this year’s Youth Citizen of the Year Award.