The REEL Kids Program: A Personal Perspective
What is a REEL Kid?
I am so glad you asked.
A REEL Kid stands for Recognizing Extraordinary Examples of Leadership. Those four letters represent far more than a title or a certificate. They represent resilience, courage, integrity, and heart. Being named a REEL Kid means that someone saw something remarkable in you. It means your character stood out. It means your leadership was evident even when circumstances were difficult.
The impact of those four letters lasts far beyond the celebration. It shapes confidence. It reinforces purpose. It reminds students that their effort, perseverance, and positive influence truly matter. And it doesn’t just impact the student; it impacts families, teachers, mentors, and the entire community.
The Purpose of the Program
As a local service provider and a pillar in our community, HTC treasures the opportunity to honor students who demonstrate leadership while overcoming all the obstacles life throws at us. Through the REEL Kids program, HTC recognizes that leadership isn’t always the easy choice. Sometimes it’s quiet strength. Sometimes it’s showing up when it’s hard. Sometimes it’s choosing kindness when things feel unfair.
A Real REEL Kid
Hi, my name is Kristen. I was born and raised in Conway, South Carolina, and I am a proud graduate of Conway High School. I am also a REEL Kid Alumni from 2020 — something that means more to me now than I could have ever imagined at the time.
I was nominated by my high school Health Science teacher, Mrs. Watson. Knowing that she saw leadership in me during such a pivotal season of my life meant everything. Aside from 2020 being my senior year at Conway High School, it was also the year I was supposed to be celebrated as an HTC REEL Kid.
But as we all remember, 2020 was also the year the world paused. Due to COVID-19, everything came to a complete halt — including celebrations, ceremonies and milestone moments we had all looked forward to. Like so many high school seniors that year, I quietly accepted that some experiences just wouldn’t happen the way we imagined.
Little did I know, my REEL Kid celebration was simply delayed.
Moving Forward
I began my career at HTC in December 2021. From the very beginning, I felt connected to the company’s heart for the community. In my role, I’ve had countless opportunities to connect with our members both over the phone and in person. Each interaction has reminded me of why community matters and why programs like REEL Kids are so important.
Fast forward to 2026, and I am now an HTC employee of more than four years. What makes my journey even more meaningful is that I now have the incredible annual opportunity to participate in the REEL Kids celebration — this time as an employee honoring new students stepping into the same recognition I once received. Life has a funny and beautiful way of coming full circle.
One of my most memorable moments at HTC came in 2025 when I was invited to attend the REEL Kids celebration. I was thrilled at the opportunity to support and celebrate the upcoming REEL Kids. I eagerly accepted, excited to cheer on students who were walking a path I once walked — not knowing that I, too, was about to be honored.
At Long Last…The Celebration
The day itself was unforgettable. The celebration was held at Medieval Times, where we gathered to enjoy an incredible horseback show, amazing food, laughter and the company of coworkers and family. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride.
And then came the moment I never expected.
Five years after originally being named a REEL Kid, I finally received the celebration that 2020 had cancelled. Standing there, surrounded by support and recognition, it felt surreal. It was bittersweet — reflecting on the challenges of my senior year while also feeling overwhelming gratitude for how everything had come full circle.
I was beside myself. It was the moment I had quietly hoped for years ago, finally unfolding in a way I never saw coming.
REEL Kids will forever hold a special place in my heart. Being chosen as a REEL Kid came as a surprise to me. The challenges I was facing at the time were real and heavy. There were obstacles that felt overwhelming. But I kept going. I leaned into my faith, my family, my teachers, and my determination.
I never expected to be recognized for simply doing my best to navigate those hardships with strength and grace.
That’s what makes REEL Kids so powerful.
It recognizes leadership not just in achievements, but in attitude. Not just in success, but in perseverance. It acknowledges the students who rise, even when life tries to weigh them down.
Today, as both a REEL Kid Alumni and an HTC employee, I am deeply grateful to be part of a program that sees students for who they are and who they are becoming. Leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. It’s about choosing to move forward.
And that is exactly what a REEL Kid does.
