UCF sophomore and 2010 Olympic torchbearer Kaitlyn Chana was selected to be one of Aéropostale’s 2010 Real Teens. Chosen from more than 5,700 entries, “Real Teens” are students between the ages of 13 and 19 who embody compassion, integrity and a spirit of teamwork.

Chana is one of the top 8 Real Teens featured on the clothing company’s Web site, and she was awarded a $5,000 personal college scholarship. Chana, 19, will represent Aéropostale in its fall advertising campaign. Her video is already up on the Real Teen site.

This Saturday, Sept. 11, Aéropostale will be hosting a celebration for Chana from 4 to 6 p.m. at its store in the Altamonte Mall, 451 East Altamonte Drive, in Altamonte Springs.

Gift cards will be raffled during the event, and the first 100 attendees will receive gift bags with T-shirts and other Aéropostale goodies.

Chana was recognized earlier this year by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for founding the charity Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness Inc. She brought the project to UCF last year. Now an international organization, Love Leters creates and delivers cards to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

Read more about Chana’s organization and watch a video about her Olympic journey on UCF Newsroom.