2011 Miss Klamath County Outstanding Teen, Amanda Gatz was recently named Volunteer of the Year for her extensive and exceptional community involvement. Gatz, just 15 years old, says her passion is child abuse prevention, and donates her time advocating against child abuse. She encouraged others in their community to find their passion, and help make Klamath County a better place in the process.

“Get out there,” said Gatz. “It pays off to do something you really believe in.”

Gatz has been an important member of the Klamath Chapter of the Hands and Words Are Not For Huting Project, an Oregon-based child abuse prevention group. She has also collected over 5,000 empty cans, donating the money to help child abuse prevention causes.

She could hardly believe her ears when she heard she had been named Klamath County Volunteer of the Year, but said winning the award was one of the greatest thrills of her life, and a huge honor.