THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 24, 1995 TAG: 9512240014
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SHAWBORO LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Julie Roberts is a lot of things to a lot of people in Currituck County.
She's a club leader for teenage4-H Club members and a Vacation Bible School preschool teacher at her church. She's a welcome friend to nursing home residents and many of the county's shut-ins. And she's the best all-around student, according to her senior class peers.
She's also the Easter Bunny.
The benevolent character that Roberts, 17, portrays annually in Shawboro is indeed fitting for the Currituck County native, who last month was named one of the state's top Young Citizens of the Year.
Eighty-six among 500 nominees were designated their county's top teen for community service by Gov. James B. Hunt.
Roberts was one of three selected for the award.
``I was really shocked and very honored because there were 86 people who were participating, and to know that I was one of the three out of that 86 was really something I never expected,'' she said.
The award carries a $3,000 scholarship, which Roberts will use toward tuition next fall at Meredith College, an all-women's school in Raleigh.
Roberts said she plans to major in elementary education and eventually hopes to teach in Currituck County.
``I want to give back to the community what the community has given me,'' she said.
Some would say Roberts has already given plenty.
``She's just a good-hearted person, always giving of herself in community project things,'' said Georgia U. Kight, Currituck County home economics extension agent and the person who nominated Roberts for the award.
Although Roberts is a stand-out in her church and school, Kight knows her best for her work in the 4-H community and for taking top honors at the state level.
Roberts is easily recognized throughout Currituck County - even when she's disguised as the Easter Bunny.
Her list of activities and achievements runs pages long and includes playing on the Currituck County High School girl's volleyball and softball teams.
``There are a lot who do give, but she has, of course, gone beyond the call of duty of anyone I know,'' Kight said.
``Almost anything that you ask her to do, she's willing to do,'' she said. Even playing Chris Clover for a 4-H promotion.
``Not all teens would want to dress up in some silly little costume. She didn't seem to mind,'' Kight said.
Roberts said she's motivated to participate in community programs because of her parents, Harvey and Elaine Roberts, who serve as role models. Her 14-year-old sister, Jackie, also is an active citizen.
``So many people get caught up in themselves and how they can better themselves,'' Roberts said. ``They would have a lot more respect for their community and themselves because they'd be doing something positive.
``If every one person did something good for their community - I know it's idealistic - it would really make a difference.''
Roberts admits keeping up with everything can be a challenge. How does she manage?
``A really big calendar and priorities.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
DREW C. WILSON/The Virginian-Pilot
Julie Roberts, 17, of Currituck County, is one of three North
Carolina teens to be named one of the state's Young Citizens of the
Year by Gov. James B. Hunt, left. Roberts says her penchant for
community service stems from the example set by her parents. ``If
every one person did something good for their community - I know
it's idealistic - it would really make a difference,'' Roberts
said.
by CNB