The Opp City Council on this week recognized an Opp teen for her efforts in colon cancer awareness.

Merrill Ann Culverhouse decided she wanted to make a difference shortly after her father was diagnosed with colon cancer.

“I made the personal decision when my dad was diagnosed that I wouldn’t sit silently,” Culverhouse said.

While her father beat cancer, she continued to raise awareness for colon cancer.

“I started the nation’s second colon cancer awareness vanity car tag,” she said.

“Through this I can help people throughout the state that had been in my shoes when my father was diagnosed.”

Not only that, Culverhouse also spends her time posting statistics and facts about colon cancer on social media, giving out cancer related materials to doctor’s offices within Covington County and even has a yearly “Dress in Blue Day,” in which residents are encouraged to dress in blue to bring awareness to colon cancer.

Because of her efforts, Culverhouse was honored as one of the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community finalists for the state.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a program that is based exclusively on volunteer community service and recognizes young people who’ve made a difference within their communities.

“As Mayor of Opp and on behalf of our city, I am proclaiming April 16, 2018 as the Merrill Ann Culverhouse Prudential Spirit of Community Recognition Day in Opp,” Mayor Becky Bracke said.

“I am so proud of everything she has done for the community,” she said.