Aubrey Burdette is known by her family for being friendly, independent, smart, and funny. She always has a song in her heart or on her mind, sometimes singing it without even realizing it, and loves making those around her laugh. Aubrey is a member of the graduating class of 2022 at Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Child and Family Development Center (CFDC).  

“Aubrey adores each teacher at the CFDC. The staff is always friendly and welcoming,” said Aubrey’s mom, Hannah Burdette. Aubrey is her second child to attend CAP’s preschool program. “They ask about our family and get to know us on a personal level. They genuinely care for each child as if they are their own.” 

During this school year, Burdette said she has watched her daughter become more social and gain independence. Some of her biggest accomplishments this year include learning how to write her name and counting to over 100.  

“Because of the staff and volunteers at the CFDC, Aubrey is ready for kindergarten both academically and socially,” Burdette said. 

While she is excited to move on to kindergarten, Aubrey has a lot of memories from this school year. Her favorite field trip was to the pumpkin patch in the fall and her favorite classroom moment was meeting Annie F. Downs, a New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and podcast host, during her visit to Appalachia in December. Downs visited the CFDC to read and distribute copies of her children’s book, What Sounds Fun To You?, to the students at the preschool.  

On a day-to-day basis at school, Aubrey loved craft time, playing with her friends, and having her daily “job” in the classroom, her favorite being to feed the classroom fish. 

 While CAP staff and volunteers have made an impact in Aubrey’s life, Burdette helps make a difference in the lives of other Appalachian children, their families, and seniors as a coordinator for CAP’s Home Repair Program. Through her position, Burdette helps tackle the issue of substandard housing in Appalachia and makes homes safe, warm, and dry by connecting people in need of home repair to CAP’s services. 

While at the CFDC Aubrey has been impacted by the care she has received from the staff and volunteers there, but she has also seen the care and hard work her mom gives to people in need through her work. Although she is just graduating from preschool, Aubrey already has a plan to carry on the tradition of caring for others. 

“When I grow up, I want to work at CAP,” she said.