Elite Citizen Scholar: BRIANNE ROBERTS, West Franklin High School

Brianne Roberts said she always tries to approach people and activities with a positive, “can-do” attitude.

“If someone approaches me to help with an activity or to complete a task, they know I will fulfill my commitment,” she said. “It is a very satisfying feeling to know others count on me.”

Roberts said her leadership and ability to organize were important skills she learned from such activites as 4-H, Ottawa Suzuki Strings, church and school.

It is her involvement with 4-H for the past 10 years that have taught her the most about citizenship, she said.

“4-H, to me, is all about serving others,” she said.

“As others shared their expertise, time and experiences with me, I began to recognize that successful endeavors happen because those involved place the activity before themselves.”

Roberts was a delegate to the National 4-H Congress and has been involved with local and county 4-H activities.

She and her family also whelp puppies for CARES, an organization that provides service dogs. About 16 of 20 puppies now are adults serving as therapy, emotional support or service dogs throughout the United States.

At school, she has been part of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Scholars Bowl, golf, band, KAY Club, art and the school play. She has been a class officer and earned several honors and recognition.

Roberts has worked for Camp Chippewa through the Kansas United Methodist Church and helps her parents with the cattle operation. She also helps various organizations with fundraisers.

Roberts plans to attend Kansas State University to pursue degrees in graphic arts and French.

She has traveled to France and said because of globalization, knowing a foreign language will help her career path.

She is the daughter of Bill and Natalie Roberts.