Local resident serves in AmeriCorps

Kelly Jo Smith, from Hilton, began training for 11 months of service with the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps program. Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps is a residential national service program created to improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, address unmet human needs, and assist with disaster relief.

Smith is serving as one of 33 Team Leaders at the Central Region campus in Denver, Colorado. As a team leader, Smith will be responsible for managing the daily activities of Corps Members, and encouraging high standards for their community-based service learning projects. Smith will serve as a role model, educator, safety manager, and liaison between the campus and project sponsor.

Prior to joining the NCCC, Smith attended Hilton Central High School and Nazareth College.

Smith said, "I chose to do a term of national service because I wanted the opportunity to help others on a national level as well as meet other people." Her parents are Larry and Barb Speer.