Blue Springs High School student wins TeenNick award

Nicole Fredman was watching TeenNick earlier this year when she decided to take a chance and enter a mobile sweepstakes that helped raise awareness about hunger and homelessness.
Nicole, a 15-year-old sophomore at Blue Springs High School, had volunteered through her church and former high school. Although she doubted her chances, she decided to enter the sweepstakes to be a recipient of the TeenNick HALO Awards — “Do Good in Your ’Hood” effort.

But actually win? Unlikely, she figured.

“There were so many other people who entered,” she said.

It turned out Nicole had luck on her side. She learned she had been selected in spring.

On Saturday, actor/singer Nick Cannon surprised Nicole while she participated in a food giveaway at the Metro Lutheran Ministry, 3031 Holmes Road.

Cannon, the 29-year-old chair of the TeenNick cable television network and the host of “America’s Got Talent,” quietly entered the warehouse through a backdoor and walked up behind Nicole.

“Hello, how are you doing?” Cannon asked her. “Can I help you hand out food?”

Nicole was a little speechless and smiled.

Each month, the ministry provides needy families with fresh produce, canned food items, beverages, dry goods, bread and other items.

On Saturday, Cannon helped Nicole hand out bags of bread, bagels and assorted rolls.

“It has been a good experience, you realize how many people who are in need,” Nicole said.

Cannon later said Nicole represents a growing trend of teenagers who unselfishly help others.

“You can see young people who are excited and hungry to do good for their communities,” he said.

A film crew was there to tape a commercial featuring Cannon and Nicole that will be aired next month.

Nicole later said she plans to continue to volunteer at the pantry.

Jim Glynn, the executive director of Metro Lutheran Ministry, said the agency provided food items for about 200 families on Saturday.

Each week, the group also serves a hot breakfast that consists of eggs, sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee.

As the economy has worsened, the number of families in need has increased, he said.

After the food giveaway, Cannon surprised Glynn by donating $10,000 to the ministry.

“We are so blessed because this is hardest and leanest time of the year for us,” Glynn said. “We could not be more thrilled.”

Source: Kansas City.com