A float designed by Hampton Bays teen Kasandra Phillips took first place in the annual Southampton Village 4th of July parade.
Phillips, a 17-year-old, who just finished her junior year at Hampton Bays High School, created the float for the non-profit Kids Stock the House, which is based out of Southampton.
"Being a chairperson of the float was an amazing opportunity for me to express my leadership. I got a chance to use my couponing skills on the costs of the decorations, my creativity on designing the float, and my compassion to support a great cause," said Phillips.
Phillips said the float was designed to express not only patriotism, but also the charity's mission — "kids helping kids, kids helping families, kids spreading the spirit of volunteerism and compassion, and kids leading the way and making a difference."
The float featured a handmade replica of the Ronald McDonald House with greenery and two singers, 14-year-old Christiaan Padavan from Hampton Bays and Tramar Pettaway from Southampton.
The float also displayed colorful posters, made by Phillips with sayings like, "Passion is our Compassion."
Donna Christina Oliverio, founder and director of Kids Stock the House, was thrilled with the win, saying she hopes the float helped to create awareness of The House that Love Built and of the families who rely on the Ronald McDonald House during a time of serious illness.
"I can't begin to describe the special feeling that came over me as I rode on the float. It was as if compassion had come to life," she said.
Watch a video of the float in the parade by clicking here.
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