Student of the week: Brittany Deacon

Brookville senior Brittany Deacon was recently awarded the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation award, making her the only area student to earn the distinction.

Deacon, who will attend James Madison University in the fall, had to write an essay describing her entrepreneurial endeavors and goals as part of her application for the award. She hopes to be an occupational therapist and later start her own practice.

The young entrepreneur award includes a scholarship for $1,000. Deacon, along with many other Brookville seniors, was recognized for their many scholarships at an awards ceremony Friday. Brookville’s class of 2009 cumulatively received more than $2 million in scholarship money.

In addition to writing an essay, Deacon’s standardized test scores, grade point average and class rank were also considered as part of the scholarship evaluation process. There were five winners from Virginia.

“NFIB congratulates this year’s winners for their tremendous accomplishments and hopes the scholarships will assist these young entrepreneurs as they continue on their paths towards successful futures,” Don V. Cogman, chairman of NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation board of directors, said in a statement.

Deacon’s list of accomplishments is a lengthy one. She serves as president of the Latin Club and vice president of the National Honor Society. She is also serves as drum major in the marching band and is member of the Key Club, Bible Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“I’m really busy,” she said. “I just kind of take it a day at a time, one activity at a time. If things conflict I try and do both.”

Now, all that hard work is paying off. Deacon is looking forward to life after graduation and what it will bring.

“It’s a little nerve racking,” she said. “It’s weird to think life as you know it isn’t going to be the same in the fall, but obviously I’m ready for a new chapter in my life to start.”