Briana Bell – Baton Rouge, LA

I am not only passionate about academic success.  I also like to do volunteer work because I enjoy giving back to the community.  Since 2008, I have been involved with the Teen Court of Greater Baton Rouge.  Through this program, I get to be a part of giving my peers second chances because it allows teens that are arrested to have a trial held by their peers.  This program helps to keep me focused on my life goals because it is a constant reminder of the consequences of the choices I make.  I am also a part of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.  This program consists of teens all over Baton Rouge that serve as advisors to the mayor in order to improve the lives of Baton Rouge teens.  I was selected for this program because I am a leader in my school and I have a passion for volunteer work and improving my community.  Through this program I get to do a variety of volunteer work.  One of the projects I did with this organization was a television commercial about child truancy.  I also got to help cleanup and redecorate a local elementary school.