People know her by many titles: Vice President of National Honor Society, National Merit Scholar commended, co-founder of the Young Democrats, Students Demand Action organizer. Now senior Laura Kirk has another accolade to add to her list of distinguished honors: Fairfax County Student Peace Award recipient.

The Fairfax County Student Peace Award was created in order to honor students who have worked to progress peace or remove discrimination and bigotry within our community.

“At first I was really surprised. There’s been a lot of people who’ve done great work in our community and I was honored to be among them,” said Kirk.

Only 23 other students from all across the county were selected to receive this prestigious award. In order to be considered,  students had to be nominated by a FCPS staff member; Kirk was nominated by Career Center Specialist Tisa Frederick.

“The way she rallied the students concerning gun violence after the Florida shooting put her on my radar for the award,” said Fredrick.

Kirk’s political activism has been not been unnoticed by her peers, either. Many  of her fellow students have been inspired to follow in her footsteps.

“I have been inspired by how passionate she is and how hard she works for things she cares about. She never gives up on a passion or cause that’s important to her, and to me that’s truly inspiring,” said senior Rachel Gates.

Kirk’s drive to make the world a better place comes from her background.

Her political activism is at the center of everything she does, but is just one part of her many successful qualities. Frederick has noticed a variety of traits that she admires in Kirk.  

“She has a tenacity for the truth and pursues it relentlessly,” said Frederick.

Although Kirk will graduate this year and moving onto bigger opportunities, her lasting impact will be felt throughout the community.

“She has a voice for those who may be afraid to speak up,” said Fredrick.