RUTLEDGE — Grainger County High School senior Kaycee Mae Pratt spent her fall break volunteering at a Trunk or Treat event hosted by the USO at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The event supported military families affected by recent government service interruptions.
Pratt set up an interactive STEM booth through her not-for-profit, Kaycee’s CandyLab. She and her team distributed candy and explained the science behind chemistry and molecular biology to an estimated 7,500 visitors.
“It was an incredible night,” Pratt said. “I met so many military families and shared my love of STEM with everyone who was curious.”
Kaycee’s CandyLab has reached more than 5,000 people across Tennessee, North Carolina and Texas. The organization combines science education with community outreach. Pratt has donated clothing, shoes, prom dresses, sports equipment, baby formula, monetary gifts and her time to local families. Her efforts have supported morale for the 82nd Airborne, local police and EMS, and included fundraisers for families in crisis.
She has volunteered and donated to the Grainger Baptist Association, contributed to school-wide charitable campaigns including a breast cancer awareness fundraiser, and participated in Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Erwin, Tennessee, and Burnsville, North Carolina.
In August, Pratt was named Grainger County’s first Knoxville Teen Board Presentee. The recognition was based on her outreach, leadership and character.
At Grainger High School, Pratt serves as Varsity Cheer Captain and Vice President of Community Service for the Beta Club. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and Phi Theta Kappa at Walters State Community College. She has completed more than 800 hours of community service and donated over $10,000 through volunteerism and philanthropy.
Pratt credited her teachers and mentors for sparking her interest in STEM. She named Mr. Anderson, Colonel William Lynn, Kelsey Solomon, Dean Knight, Mr. Sands, Zach Byrd, Amanda Kirby and her sister Kaylee Pratt as key influences. She also thanked her family for supporting her goals.
Pratt said, “It takes so many people to pour into one person’s achievements, and that is why I strive so hard to help and encourage others.”
Information courtesy of Jessica Nicely-Pratt.
