October 12, 2005

Troy University alumna to be national 'Point of Light' for Oct. 14

TROY—Troy University alumna Kelly Hawkins will be honored Friday, Oct. 14, as the winner of the national Daily Point of Light Award for her work in the area of child abuse prevention awareness.

The Daily Point of Light Award “honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities,” according to the Points of Light Foundation website.  The award focuses on the goals for children and youth set by the President's Summit for America 's Future. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award.

Ms. Hawkins, a 2002 graduate of Troy University who is attending law school at Regent University in Virginia Beach , Va. , was cited for her work with the Alabama Legislature in passing legislation amending the state’s child abuse reporting law to include clergy. Passed in 2003, the act was later renamed the “Kelly B. Hawkins Child Abuse Prevention Act.”

Ms. Hawkins, who is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr., of Troy , is also working with Alabama legislators to determine a method of funding an act similar to Florida ’s recently passed “Jessie’s Law” making it easier to track convicted sex offenders after they are released from prison. 

“Kelly B. Hawkins has made a difference in the lives of abused children,” according to her profile on the Points of Light website. “She continues to be a role model to other young people as she fights to make a difference in the world around her. Her work in the area of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention has shown her sense of caring and responsibility for those unable to speak for themselves - the abused children of Alabama . Kelly’s work is helping build a stronger Alabama .”

Based in Washington , D.C. , the Points of Light Foundation advocates community service through a partnership with the Volunteer Center National Network. Nominations for the Daily Point of Light Award are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Judging is conducted quarterly.