April 13, 2005

For Carla Rood, a student at Western Albemarle High School, the day was special. After all, it's not everyday that she gets to meet celebrities like Caroline Kennedy and 'Today' show host Katie Couric.

"This is such an honor for me, I can't even believe I'm here," said Rood.

During a luncheon held at the Omni Hotel, Kennedy awarded Carla the 2005 Emily Couric Leadership Scholarship. Carla is one of 10 local finalists selected for their outstanding leadership skills. For Couric a UVA grad and sister of the late Virginia Senator Emily Couric, presenting the award was bitter-sweet.

"We miss her so much, but it's also an honor to be able to celebrate her legacy and to continue her desire to appreciate and stress the importance and value of education," said Couric.

For her own work supporting public education, Kennedy, the daughter of the late John F. Kennedy, was presented the Women's Leadership Award. But for Carla, who's passionate about politics, the best part of the day was, "just meeting them and getting to ask them questions, just to know how they got to where they are."

Carla was awarded $5,000 and the other nine finalists received $500.