Carlee Richardson, a second grader at Woodland Heights Elementary, was honored in an assembly Monday to recognize her as the Honorary Child Survivor of the 2011 Brown County Relay for Life event which will be held at Gordon Wood Stadium.

Woodland Heights Principal Jenny Roberts recognized Carlee at the assembly and spoke to the students, explaining what Carlee will be doing at the relay and why she is being honored as a special survivor.  Relay for Life Co-Chairman Casey Rowlett presented Carlee with the honorary Survivor sash.

Carlee is the daughter of Michael and Sandra Richardson of Brownwood.  In May of 2010, a lump developed on her neck and was found to be cancerous.  Carlee underwent surgery to remove this tumor in August of 2010 at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas.    Today, you cannot tell that Carlee has undergone so much; she is a beautiful, happy, healthy and active little girl.

“She is quiet, a fighter, persistent and never gives up,” stated her school counselor, Kimber Bennett.

“She is an inspiration to us, an example of perseverance and of overcoming obstacles,” stated Roberts.  “She’s a special little girl.”

On June 3rd, Carlee will be flown by helicopter to the relay and introduced to the crowd as a survivor.  The relay will begin at 6:00pm Friday, June 3rd and last through 6:00am on Saturday June 4th.

Pictured below is Carlee receiving the Survivor sash from Casey Rowlett and Carlee standing with her school principal, Jenny Roberts who announced her selection as Honorary Child Survivor.