OLYMPIA, Ky. — A Bath County middle school student is taking on a national leadership role while continuing to build an impressive list of accomplishments in academics, community service, athletics, and the arts.
Twelve-year-old Justice Shirey of Olympia has been selected as the United States Ambassador for Tapiie, a United Kingdom-based company that develops smart medical identification products designed to assist first responders during emergencies.
The company was founded by Scott and Jess Mardon after their daughter was diagnosed with Panhypopituitarism, a rare disorder that affects hormone production by the pituitary gland. Their experience inspired the creation of technology that allows emergency personnel to quickly access important medical information by scanning a wearable device, helping them make informed treatment decisions when time is critical.
As Tapiie expands internationally, the company has chosen a single ambassador to represent each participating nation. Justice has been selected to serve as the organization's representative in the United States.
The daughter of Terry Wills and Crystal Howard, Justice will enter the seventh grade this fall at Bath County Middle School. Her appointment comes during a year filled with notable achievements.
In the literary world, Justice has already established herself as a young writer. Two of her poems were included in the anthology A Pencil Grows in Kentucky, edited by Jacqueline Hamilton. She also participated in the Kentucky Book Festival, where she promoted the publication and met readers. Her work and accomplishments have been highlighted by several regional and national publications, and she recently earned a scholarship to attend an intensive creative writing program later this summer.
Justice has also enjoyed success in pageantry. During the past year, she earned multiple state and regional titles and ambassador honors through several pageant organizations. Her accomplishments have led to features in national pageant publications, and she is currently preparing for additional competitions later this year.
Outside the classroom, Justice remains active in athletics and youth leadership. She was a member of the Bath County Middle School cheerleading squad that captured the 2025 16th Region Championship. She also participates in 4-H archery and serves as a Cadette Girl Scout with Troop 2619.
Her commitment to community service is equally impressive. Through scouting and other local organizations, she has participated in beautification efforts, helped develop plans for a community little library project, and volunteers with Bath County Community Outreach. She also spends time visiting residents at Ridgeway Nursing & Rehabilitation, where she enjoys singing for patients and helping brighten their day.
Much of Justice's advocacy stems from her own health journey. Like the daughter of Tapiie's founders, she lives with Panhypopituitarism and manages additional health challenges associated with the condition. Daily medication and ongoing medical care are essential parts of her life, making her a powerful voice for others facing rare diseases.
As U.S. Ambassador for Tapiie, Justice plans to use her platform, known as The Crowning Identity Project, to promote awareness of rare medical conditions and encourage greater use of medical identification technology that can assist people with complex healthcare needs.
Her selection places a young Eastern Kentucky student on an international stage, where she will help advocate for medical safety, rare disease awareness, and improved emergency preparedness for individuals across the country.