Addisyn Wimberly, 11, has been a part of many organizations aiming to benefit children in our local community and around the world. She was recently featured on WFAA Good Morning Texas with leadership teacher Erin Livingston to educate people on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and show them how she aims to inspire hope.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life, but God has used it to strengthen me and [allow me to] relate with people on a super deep level,” Wimberly said.
She involves herself in many activities, including community events, church, Maverick Leadership and the Majestics Varsity Drill Team. Wimberly also holds leadership positions, acting as the vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit organization that aims to support children with critical illnesses, especially benefited from her support. With her help, the school surpassed its goal of raising $10,000 to send a boy with muscular dystrophy to Disney World, and Wimberly received the “Above and Beyond” award from Make-A-Wish.
“I get a lot of fulfillment out of seeing somebody smile and making somebody’s day; that brings me joy,” Wimberly said.
She thoroughly enjoys working with the foundation and getting to lead the way for others to serve.
“Working with the Make-A-Wish nonprofit foundation … allowed me to put together something for Emerson that would benefit an ill child in our community,” Wimberly said. “My faith inspired me to reach people within my own community and I knew my school was a great place to benefit [the] cause even more.”
While most teenagers were relaxing at home during the summer, Wimberly travelled to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for a mission trip to run a Vacation Bible School for children living in poverty. Her goal was to inspire children and to spread the word of God to people that may not typically have access to it. By showing up, Wimberly was able to remind them that someone cares about them, even in a completely different country.
“Our world is a dark place, and I want to be a light, so it’s just given me that strength to just keep pushing when times get hard,” Wimberly said.
Difficult situations can seem challenging and even impassable, but with the help of just one person, those same obstacles can be easily overcome. Wimberly aims to continue aiding as many people as possible through school and her church with her dedication to Maverick Leadership and Make-a-Wish 2025.
“I want to start my own nonprofit organization to help people – especially in poverty or third world countries – and spread the love of God,” Wimberley said. “The bottom is the bottom, the only place you can go is up.”
