After a close relative died from heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), Falcon Middle School eighth-grader Rachel Beam decided to raise money so most schools in Falcon School District 49 would be equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED).Beam, along with help from her family, created and sold flip flops as a fundraiser. They also helped the schools apply for funds from Mountain View Electric Association. Because of their efforts and MVEA’s award, most of the schools now have AEDS, and the teachers are regularly receiving AED training.Besides fundraising, Beam is focused on her school work, especially health sciences. “I’m almost positive I want to go into the medical field,” Beam said.She is also a member of the gifted and talented program at her school, which presented the opportunity to shadow a legislator at the Colorado State Capitol in February. Beam had to apply online and write an essay to be chosen for the trip to the Capitol.Beam plays the flute in the school’s jazz band and participated in the district honor band in January. Beam is also performing in her fifth theatrical play “Honk,” a musical based on the Ugly Duckling story.Outside of school, “I really love hanging out with my friends,” Beam said. “And I spend a lot of time with my family, too.”She and her family volunteer for Pet Project, a nonprofit organization in Pueblo that specializes in cat adoptions. Beam said she cleans cages or fosters kittens, and also created a Facebook page for the organization.
