Influencer of the Week: Kira Ebersole, Windermere High

At just 15 years old, Kira Ebersole has a big heart and a passion for helping others. She is a member of the Interact club at Windermere High, which brings students together to develop leadership skills and get involved in their community. Kira is a second-year volunteer for the Observer’s annual literacy drive, Reading Reindeer, which provides books for children in need. She recently hosted a book drive at her school and collected more than 200 books. 

How did you find out about Reading Reindeer? 

I found out about Reading Reindeer through my Interact Club at Windermere High School.

What made you want to get involved? 

I have personally always been very passionate about helping people, animals and the environment in general, so when I found out about Reading Reindeer, I was more than willing to help out.

You recently hosted a book drive for Reading Reindeer. How was that process? 

I was surprised by how generous people were with donating their books and offering to drop them off at my house. It has honestly been an amazing experience that grew me as a person and made me realize that when we all work together, we can achieve great things and make a huge impact.

What is the most rewarding part of being involved with this program, as well as being involved in the community in general? 

Being involved with Reading Reindeer and the community in general gives me an opportunity to do something that I am passionate about, so I am able to fall asleep every night knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life.

What do you love most about your school? 

I really love all of the opportunities such as clubs, sports and other programs that allow me and my fellow students to get involved with the school and community.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love either hanging out with my best friends, playing softball or volunteering.

Who is/was your favorite teacher throughout school so far? Why? 

So far, my favorite teacher this school year is Mrs. (Geralyn) Guy, my Pre-Calculus Honors teacher, because she is an amazing teacher who cares about the well-being and long-term success of her students.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Why? 

I honestly do not know for sure yet what I want to be. I have wanted to be a dermatologist or lawyer, and then I also thought about being an officer in the military, so probably one of those. I just know that I definitely want to have time to volunteer.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

If I could have any superpower, it would definitely be to not have to sleep. I find that sleep takes up so much time, and without it, I would have more time to be able to do things that I need to get done.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

If I could only listen to three bands/artists for the rest of my life, I would listen to Billy Joel, Ariana Grande and Khalid, because I find that most of their songs are very uplifting and positive.