Kelsie Karnes

Kelsie Karnes, poet, blogger, aspiring journalist and a Ban- dera High School junior, is not your typical high school student. When the National Honor Society member is not busy with her family, serving as the Key Club treasurer and participating in UIL, she is performing community service.

"I like to be involved with my com- munity because I love to see the joy we bring to others by sharing simple deeds of kindness," Karnes said.

But writing is her passion. In her sophomore year, she took several writing classes. That year, she also wrote a poem called "A Friendly Reminder," which won first place in Awaken the Sleeping Poet competition.

But she fell in love with journalism. In fact, a blog she wrote about getting her driver's license garnered a first–place award from the Interscholastic League Press Conference last year.

While school and writing consume much of her time, her love for family runs as deep as the roots of a wild fig tree.

She enjoys movie nights with family and mini-road trips. Karnes plans to attend a college no more than half-a-day's drive from home.

"I don't think I could ever bring myself to move far away from my family," Karnes said. "We are just too close.