JACKSONVILLE — What started out as a letter to the editor turned into a search for a sixth grader called “a Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce representative and public relations guru all in one happy 11-year-old.”

Diana and Jim Johnson, a couple from Tennessee, en route home from a high school reunion, decided to stay for a Jacksonville High School football game after hearing the marching band practicing.

Diana Johnson said they were adopted by sixth grader Katherine who introduced them to her family, shared her snacks and directed them to the concession stands and restrooms.

Johnson was taken with Katherine and Jacksonville and wrote a letter hoping someone knew who she was talking about so she could contact Katherine and her family and thank them for their generosity.

Jackie Warren, a teacher at Nichols Intermediate School, read the letter and someone she knew came to mind — Katherine Villalpando.

“I thought, it's got to be her,” she said. “She's so bubbly and enthusiastic.”

Warren sent an email to Johnson saying she had an idea of who Katherine might be. In response, Johnson emailed Warren a photo she and Katherine had taken at the game.

Sure enough, Katherine was found. Warren said once it was confirmed, it was no surprise to her that she had guessed the right person.

At the end of last school year, students were chosen for certain awards, and Katherine received the “most compassionate” award.

Katherine said she was happy, yet surprised, that Johnson would write a letter to the newspaper to try and find who she was.

Katherine said she normally does not talk to strangers, but felt a ease when she spoke with Johnson.

“Basically I talk with little kids,” she said. “I don't normally talk to grownups.”

Katherine said their interaction which soon turned into a friendship started with a simple question.

“We were at the Tomato Bowl watching the game and she asked, 'Are these seats taken?'” she said.

The two began talking and Johnson said she was concerned about the cheerleaders and Katherine said she reassured her that they practice on carpet and don't get hurt.

Johnson said one thing that really impressed her about Katherine's family is how protective her father and brother were of her.

“When she took me to the concession stand, her brother would check on her,” she said. “She has a great family, a supportive family, one that has the ability to welcome strangers.”

Francisco Villalpando, Katherine's father, said as a precaution he wanted to make sure Katherine was OK, but didn't want his son following them to the point where the Johnsons would feel uncomfortable.

“I told my son to look after her, but to give her enough room to show her heart,” he said.

Villalpando said he raised his children to always be respectful and to be open-minded about people they meet.

“And she makes a lot of friends where ever she is,” he said.

A memo about the letter was sent to the faculty and staff, and Katherine said her teachers said they were proud of her.

“Jacksonville is wonderful,” Johnson said. “We won't ever forget it. We went at the spur of the moment, but we don't regret it.”