Sophie Gammon, a freshman at St. Patrick Catholic High School is no stranger to giving back to her community. At a very young age Sophie had the desire to help those less fortunate than herself. From hosting a lemonade stand and donating the money to the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans; hosting Superbowl football pools and donating the money to various animal shelter or Water for South Sudan; or helping raise money for those who have cancer-she has done a little bit of everything. Sophie has found a way to donate to various causes through just about every avenue.

When she was ten years old her donations took a different route due to Covid. Unable to host lemonade stands, bring food to those in need or participate in various charity walks, she had to think of a new creative way to continue her mission of giving back. Thus, her business “Lanyards by Sophie” was created. She started making mask lanyards and donating a portion of every sale to various charities in Louisiana. She earned respect from various leaders and was featured in numerous newspapers, news broadcasts and a local newspaper. People were amazed by the ten-year-old who was finding a way to raise thousands when the world was shut down. When Covid was on the decline she did not want to stop donating or stop being creative, so once again she pivoted her creativeness and began making lanyards for her mom who is a teacher, and all her friends.

Two years ago, Sophie moved from Louisiana to Mississippi and once again found herself at a standstill because she did not know anyone in Ocean Springs. Once she started sixth grade at St. Alphonsus and learned that they were raising money for a Chapel she quickly jumped in making items for the teachers at her new school. Her philanthropy was noted, and she continues to thrive today. Sophie has created lanyards, wristlets, reels, pens, bookmarks and so much more; and has donated more than $10,000 in monetary donations or items. Sophie is a straight-A student member of the National Junior Honor Society, former Beta Club member, Student council president and Student of the Year in fifth grade. When you talk to Sophie, she will tell you that she does not do this for recognition. Instead, she does this because she knows not everyone has what she is fortunate enough to have. She does this because she feels that God has placed her into a special role to help others, even though they do not ask.