FROM THE MAGAZINE
Kind Like Karlee: A Legacy of Light & Love
At just 19 years old, Karlee Hughes had already touched countless lives with her infectious smile, unwavering determination, and extraordinary capacity for kindness.
Born with Spina Bifida, a neurological disorder that left her unable to use her legs, Karlee never allowed her disability to define her. Instead, she used her platform to lift others, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and joy that continues to inspire others ten months after her passing.
“She had a real knack for being a great listener,” recalls her mother, Missy Hughes. “Whether it be because of her disability or despite her disability, she would often take an interest in understanding people’s challenges and offer a word of kindness and advice. Her compassion for others ran deep.”
Karlee’s impact extended far beyond her hometown. During her brief three months as a freshman at the University of South Dakota, where she was pursuing a degree in Social Work and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she made such a profound impression that the university continues to honor her memory. They installed an accessible table outside the Muenster University Center with a plaque bearing her hashtag #KindLikeKarlee. They also created an award presented at every home football game to students who exemplify her spirit of kindness and school spirit.
But perhaps nowhere was Karlee’s influence more deeply felt than at Camp High Hopes in Sioux City, where she held the distinction of being camper number one.
In 2009, when she was just a little girl with pigtails, Karlee became a poster child for the camp with her face appearing on billboards throughout Iowa to promote this groundbreaking facility created for all ages and
all abilities.
“Karlee was kind, sassy, and funny. She was always up for anything,” remembers Sarah Morgan, Director of Camp High Hopes. “She loved being in plays and musicals, and when I was approached by a donor who wanted to make a larger memorial gift to camp in her memory, I knew we needed to do something special.”
At Camp High Hopes, Karlee found her element. She participated in talent shows, arts and crafts, canoeing, ziplining, and tree climbing
She formed an unbreakable bond with fellow camper Grace Nelson, and together they were known for always singing and dancing in their wheelchairs. The camp gave Karlee and her parents the freedom to experience adventures she might not have encountered elsewhere, surrounded by peers who understood her daily challenges.
Now, Camp High Hopes is building the Sunset Point Pavilion in Karlee’s memory, a gathering space with an accessible stage facing west to capture breathtaking sunset views. The pavilion will accommodate 75 people and feature a fully accessible amphitheater design, perfect for the performances Karlee loved so much.
“This project was able to bring all of Karlee’s loves together,” Sarah explains. “Karlee loved sunsets, being social, spending time with friends and family, and performing on stage.”
The pavilion represents more than just a memorial; it’s a testament to how one young woman’s radiant spirit continues to create spaces for connection, inclusion, and joy.
As Missy reflects, “She was our shining light and now we realize how much more we needed her than she ever needed us.”
Through the Sunset Point Pavilion, Karlee’s legacy of kindness will shine on, creating countless opportunities for future campers to gather, perform, and experience the same sense of belonging that made her first camp experience so magical.
“We hope this Pavilion will bring great joy to many campers for years to come. With the support of family, friends, and the community, we hope to transform this vision into a reality, whether through materials, time, or monetary donations, as we seek much-needed healing together,” Missy adds.