CTE student named Mississippi’s
‘Distinguished Young Woman’ Hannah Roberts of Covington County has been an outstanding high school senior this year, and the recognition she has received is proof of her accomplishments. Named Mississippi’s 2011 Distinguished Young Woman (formerly known as Mississippi’s Junior Miss), Roberts was selected from a group of 38 high school juniors to represent the state in this summer’s national competition in Mobile, Ala.
Distinguished Young Woman is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop to their full potential by providing college scholarships for continued education after high school. Through her involvement in the
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Career and Technical Education program, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Roberts further developed her self-confidence, stage presence, and public speaking abilities. She believes these skills have helped her excel at playing the violin, earning her the Braubstorm Creative Group Overall Talent Award and a $10,000 scholarship from the Mississippi Junior Miss Scholarship Foundation. “I’ve been playing the violin for 13 years, but I still had some stage jitters. I believe my ability to maintain my composure and concentration on stage was a result of being involved in FFA activities,” said Roberts. “I’m extremely excited about continuing my education and pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist, and this scholarship money will help towards accomplishing that goal.” Roberts discovered her career passion of pediatric medicine through
the nonprofit organization, Pages of Love. She started the organization six years ago to provide hospitalized sick and underprivileged children in the southeastern U.S. with new or slightly used books. “Many of these children are forced to miss school, while also missing the opportunity to have friends and engage in normal childhood activities. Literature can provide an outlet for a sick child to escape the hospital room to another world unveiled in books,” Roberts commented. “A simple book can distract a child from a shot or entertain that child to give parents a well deserved rest.” Thanks to the help of generous donors, Roberts has provided over 13,000 books to children, a volunteer effort that also has earned her the Spirit in Action Youth Role Model Award. “I think I receive more from giving back than the kids I am serving. I’m really thankful for having such positive role models who are willing to help me make a difference in and outside my community.” Roberts is the daughter of James and Danna Roberts of Mt. Olive. She is an honor graduate of Sumrall High School and has received a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Southern Mississippi, along with a Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant.
Connections Spring 2011