Thirteen-year-old Courtney Joseph didn’t set out to be an example to other youth but that is exactly what the Rock Hill Middle School eighth grader did.

She spent a good portion of her Saturday during the holiday weekend waiting tables at Peddler’s Home Cookin’ in Ironton. But she wasn’t just looking for a little extra spending money.

The young woman donated her time and all her tips — a very respectable $365.48 — to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Courtney plans on participating in a juvenile diabetes Walk For A Cure in Newport, Ky., later this month and is hard at work on other fundraiser plans.

See, Courtney was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago. But rather than sitting idly by on the sidelines, she decided to make a difference and do her part to work toward a cure.

This young lady should serve as a shining example of what our youth can accomplish and the positive impact they can make in this world.

Peddler’s management staff and its other waiters and waitresses should also be commended for their willingness to allow this teenager to do something positive.

And the best thing about this young woman is that she didn’t seek any attention for her work and really wasn’t too comfortable in the spotlight.

Too often today, the younger generation is viewed negatively and stereotyped as being lazy, disengaged and oblivious to the things going on in the world around them.

That isn’t any more true of our young men and women than it is of adults. Some are and some aren’t.

Courtney is an example of what can be accomplished and a glimpse into our nation’s future.