BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Many children born with a cleft palate in other countries are not fortunate enough to get the help they need.

Recognizing that need and having a cleft palate herself, 11-year-old Paige Atkinson has stepped up in a big way to help and was honored for her efforts Friday at St. John's Lutheran School.

The fifth-grader was of 5,000 applicants chosen nationwide to receive the Prudential Spirit and Community Award, an award that honors outstanding youth volunteers.

Atkinson has raised more than $50,000 to provide surgeries for over 200 kids in other countries born with cleft lips and palates.

A cause close to Atkinson's heart since she has undergone several surgeries herself to correct her cleft palate

"In America, we are so privileged because if they have a cleft they can get if fixed right away," said Atkinson. "But in Africa or in Asia, sometimes they die or have to go through all their life being shunned because of their mouth. I wanted to be able to help out and give them the same chance we have in America."

Atkinson started Smile Missions two years ago to help raise money for the non-profit international organization Operation Smile. That organization goes to developing countries and repairs cleft lips and palates.

Atkinson has raised money through organizing school dances, fundraisers, speaking with the media and at conferences and by launching her own Web site.

"She's just an incredible force, a great heart and has taken something that has happened to her and made it into something positive to bless other people," said Stephen Dinger, superintendent of St. John's Lutheran School. "She's a role model for every one of us, not just students, but parents and teachers as well."

Atkinson is getting ready for her next mission in Vietnam, where she will be spending 10 days meeting the children she is helping face to face. Atkinson said she is even learning Vietnamese so she can communicate with them.

"I'll play with them and show them my lip, because I have a cleft, so it can be positive for them, so they can see that's what they will look like when their surgery is done," said Atkinson.

If you would like to donate to Smile Missions you can so so by going online at www.smilemissions.com.