Cara Kim, an impactful senior at Torrance High, was recently featured on KNX News 97.1 FM on December 4th after being named “Hero of the Week” for her generous contributions to the Torrance High community. Kim is a one-of-a-kind student who plays an active role in many areas on campus. She is a member of ASB, Chief Editor for Torrance High’s News Torch (who may or may not know about this article), has completed countless hours of volunteering service, Founder and leader of Tartar Threads, and more!
If you are unaware of Tartar Threads, it is a private, boutique-style donation center located in room A201 that offers clothing, a variety of bags, school supplies, and other essential items for students experiencing financial hardships or who need fresh clothes. This welcoming and wholesome area provides a judgment-free space for students to pick up anything they need by simply scheduling an appointment with counselors. Kim created this area in hopes of helping other students feel encouraged, valued, and uplifted. On top of all this, all items have a clothing tag with a heartfelt message written by students. A few months ago, Tartar Threads received a kind fifteen-thousand-dollars in clothing donations from Princess Cruises. Not to mention, Tartar Threads has been awarded a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) Award last year. This all started after Kim spoke with Torrance High Principal Mr. Girgis and discovered that gift baskets provided by PTA were not taken by the lower-income household students to whom they were offered.
Many people, including Mr.Girgis, have seen how much of a lovely impact Tartar Threads has made on Torrance High. “One of the cool things with Tartar Threads that people realize is that there’s always these messages for the students and they’re so positive,” remarked Mr.Girgis. He also emphasized how “students have talked about how they feel, not just somebody’s willing to help them, but the messaging that goes with it and positivity that comes out of it,” and the tags have “made them feel really special and welcome here at the school.”
Cara Kim has left her peers nothing but in awe and impressed by all her hard work and dedication. When referring to Kim’s “Hero of the Week” recognition, Sofia Caballero, a Junior at Torrance High, reveals how she “honestly wasn’t surprised” hearing the news. “She’s just such a hardworking person, and the path that she’s taking in life is really incredible, and I feel she’s so deserving of that title.” For Caballero, she “appreciates[s] her friendship” with Kim. She goes on to say, “She is definitely a great influence on me. She inspires me to work hard and try my hardest,” and “I love her.”
All of Kim’s service for the community truly reflects who she is as a person. Mr. Girgis shares, “She’s so giving and caring about people, and she’s always wanting to help others,” and “She wants to help make her community stronger.” Being a friend of Kim, Caballero tells, “She’s just so humorous and caring, and she always lives in the moment, and I feel like that’s what makes her so refreshing whenever you hang out with her or talk to her.”
Just like Mr. Girgis stated, “She exemplifies what a Tartar is about.”
Tartar Threads YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdoqzsPvqVI
Cara’s Radio Interview: https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com/?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7843265_2025-12-04-203605&withPlaylist=false&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy
