22-05-2025
Norman's Neighborhood: North Little Rock senior being a role model to youth just like Officer Norman
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The term 'role model' is defined as a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. That definition certainly fits Officer Tommy Norman.
It also fits Kayden, a senior at North Little Rock High School, whose known Officer Norman since she was 4 years old.
Norman's Neighborhood: Mother of 9 kids thankful to have Officer Norman in the community
Kayden will graduate on May 27 and will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she will major in biology.
'Never forget North Little Rock, central Arkansas, because these kids are still going to need you when you're gone,' Officer Norman said.
Kayden has touched hundreds of kids' lives with her non-profit called Mad Science Lab.
Mad Science Lab is aimed at encouraging excitement for kids to learn about STEM and literacy, something Kayden had as a kid
'A lot of the children there didn't have that same excitement and joy,' Kayden said, and she wanted to change that.
This mission, taken on by Kayden, started with just trying to rack up some volunteer hours at the library to graduate with honors. All she needed was 75 hours, but now she has 'about 300,' she said.
Norman's Neighborhood: Celebrating Mother's Day with Officer Norman's mom
While volunteering and spearheading her impact on the youth, Kayden says she tries to channel her inner Officer Norman by connecting personally with the kids who attend her program.
'I always feel like Officer Norman is going to personally get to know you,' Kayden said.
As Kayden continues to leave an impact, Officer Norman says it feels almost like the passing of the torch.
'Kayden has many more years of public service than I do,' Officer Norman said.
'All it takes is for someone to have a really big heart and you have a big heart,' Officer Norman told Kayden.
Norman's Neighborhood: 4 siblings form Officer Norman's All-Star Crew
Norman says seeing Kayden form into a young lady who's uplifting the younger generation to create a better tomorrow is a surreal feeling.
'It makes me realize that I did something right,' Norman said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
