Community Corner

Pageant Queen Honored for Volunteer Work

Dacula resident Brooke Martin devotes time to a variety of volunteer efforts.

Brooke Martin

15-year-old student at Mountain View High School

Martin was nominated as this week's Outstanding Youth of Dacula by Cynthia Montgomery. Here is what Montgomery wrote about this Dacula teen:

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When asked which of her many accomplishments means the most to her, Brooke answered, “I am most proud of receiving the Joseph R. & Virginia B. Littleton Volunteer of the Year Award because I was competing against high school juniors and seniors when I won this award in middle school.” 

The Joseph R. & Virginia B Littleton Volunteer of the Year Award is given each year to a person that encompasses the spirit of volunteerism.   

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After being involved in the Dacula Memorial Day Parade, Brooke wanted to share her parade experience and to get her friends involved in the spirit of partiotism. That year, Brooke organized the first annual 4th of July Parade in her neighborhood. She asked participants to donate canned goods for the Lawrenceville Co-Op, which feeds the needy. 

“It was great to see everyone come together and I stood back and thought, 'Wow, I did this and I’m just a kid.' Volunteering motivates me because of the feeling I get from serving others” said Brooke.

Brooke has offered her volunteer talents to well known organizations such as the Special Olympics, Walk for Autism, Friends of the Mansion, and America Recycles. She also has numerous patriotic volunteer hours through the Dacula based Miss Memorial Day Pageant Organization with the national "Adopt a Platoon" Organization, Freedom Faces, Toys for Tots and Yes Sir Sergeant!  

She has been a hostess for town hall political meetings, registered voters, and also served as a page at the Georgia State Capital for Senator Renee Untterman. 

“There are so many ways we can volunteer to make our community better with our time and talents,” Brooke said.

Brooke recognizes the intrinsic value of volunteering. At Relay for Life, during the Remembrance Walk, she saw a wall of people walking. She realized that by her being there she had helped all those people.

“It  really touched my heart and that is why I volunteer,” said Brooke.    
When asked how other students could become involved in volunteering, Brooke suggests starting off with a small school project.

“People will see how you work and they will want you to work with them on other projects. Soon you will be wanted by other organizations and it will just snow ball from there,” Brooke explained.    

 
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP & THE ARTS

Academically, Brook has received the Student of the Month Award and was a member of the Key Club. She was on the Honor Roll at both Twin Rivers Middle School and as well as a PTA Reflections Photographic Winner. Brooke was invited to be a member of the Gwinnett Student Leadership Conference and is part of Mountain View’s PTSA Student Leadership Program.   

Brooke is also a member of The International Thespian Society at Mountain View High School. ITS  is the international drama organization the encourages students to become involved in the performing arts. Each time a student works on a production they are awarded points. The points are recognized at different levels and ITS students are awarded graduation cords for their involvement and performances. 

Brooke has spent many years in the dance discipline of the theater. She has trained for over 10 years in ballet, tap and jazz. She has been a part of numerous performances and dance productions. Brooke has had solo and lead roles over the years and feels dance is a great balance in her life.

“Dancing allows me to be creatively free,” said Brooke.   

 

ACTIVE IN EXTRAS

Brooke enjoys performing in pageants and is also enjoying a modeling career. Brooke is with Real People Modeling Agency and has worked with some top national clients. Adidas, Coke Cola, and Papa John’s make up part of her professional portfolio. 

Modeling was a natural extension from her pageant life. Brooke holds many titles in area pageant systems.

“I enjoy pageant competition and also the many friends and opportunities that the pageant’s offers me," she said.  

Brooke says that she has grown extra confidence because of the support from her family.

"My family has been very supportive and I have been support to them,” she said.  “Their support helps to keep my confidence level very high. Once after losing a pageant, my mom told me you don’t need a judge to tell you how beautiful you are, you just need to have inner beauty.” 

Brooke is a wonderful example of how the personal qualities of discipline, caring, and determination can produce great things in a young person. Congratulations to Miss Brooke Martin a true Dacula beauty inside and out. Brooke is the daughter of Tom and Beth Martin.

Do you know of an outstanding child, teen, team or club? Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Kristi.Reed@Patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Name of child, teen, team or club

●      Age or grade level

●      School

●      Child, teen, team or club accomplishment

●      Key to success


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