Blamble was recognized for her work with the central Ohio chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. At age 13, Blamble herself was diagnosed with arthritis. "It started in my wrist - it looked like my wrist got struck with a hammer," she said. About a year later, she started volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, and was a spokesperson for the organization for two years, helping raise more than a million dollars in events across Ohio for arthritis research.

Although the organization was doing a lot of good, Blamble didn't see a lot of focus on children with the disease, so last year she started JACKS -- the Juvenile Arthritis Club for Kids. About 10 families from central Ohio are involved.

"I didn't want kids who were diagnosed to have the fear that I had when I found out I had arthritis," Blamble said. "When I was diagnosed, I didn't even know kids could get arthritis. We get together once or twice a month and go to the zoo, have a cookie exchange, or do other things. It just helps to get to know other kids with arthritis. And it's a great network for the parents, too - they talk about how medications are working or exchange other information."

Blamble credits her 4-H membership for getting her started. "Community service has been a part of my life for years because of 4-H," she said. "It definitely put me in the mindset that I could do it - that I could make a difference."

Blamble will attend The Ohio State University this fall, but hopes to expand JACKS beyond central Ohio.

Click here for more information on the Jefferson Awards.

Andrea Mitchell a Jefferson Award finalist and fellow Ohio 4-H member, left, and Andrea Blamble pose after receiving honors in Washington D.C.