Whiz Kid: Katherine Grace Callahan

Name: Katherine Grace Callahan

School:

Grade: 4

Kindness and generosity appear to be contagious in the Callahan household.

When Malvernite Katherine Grace Callahan, 9, watched her younger sister, Elizabeth, 6, donate her hair to Children With Hairloss, she was inspired.

"When I saw how great she felt about it and how a lot of children around the world are going to feel about it too, I thought I should do that too, so that I could make other children happy too," Katherine said at the March 2 village board meeting.

The fourth grader from St. Thomas the Apostle, took a trip to nearby Salon Opus, where 10.5 inches of her long locks were cut and donated to the non-profit. The organization makes wigs and hairpieces to give to children suffering from hair loss due to an illness at no cost to their families.

"I'm sure you made quite a difference on a number of unfortunate children who are going through a difficult time," Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald told Katherine as she presented her with a village citation.

Her family, including sisters Elizabeth and Christina, 3, brother Thomas, 12, and parents Patricia and James, who currently serves as Deputy Mayor and Village Trustee, stood at her side as she was honored.

Katherine is also an active member of the Girl Scouts Troop 2337, a competitive swimmer for the and Long Island Express teams, a crafter and according to Mayor McDonald, "a great baker," pointing out that she won the Girl Scouts' recent bake-off.

"The selfless actions of this 9-year-old serve as an example for children and adults alike and deserves public recognition," McDonald said, adding that Katherine displays a "compassionate spirit and deep concern for others."

Do you know a young resident of Malverne or West Hemptead that has recently performed a good deed or great accomplishment? E-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com to nominate the child to be featured in this column.