LINN — Linn senior Elyse Brandt was named the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month for September, recognized for a quiet confidence that helps her stay true to herself and her goals.

For Brandt, choosing to live drug- and alcohol-free is closely connected to the future she is working toward.

“I feel like living a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle has allowed me to live up to my best potential,” she said. “I want to remember what I study in school and to be proud of my grades. It’s also important for me to be healthy and strong for cross country. Drugs and alcohol would not allow me to do these things.”

She credits her parents, Paul and Courtney Brandt, with providing the strongest influence on that decision. “They’ve always been honest to me about the risks, and they live what they teach,” Brandt said.

Having friends who share those values has also made her choices easier.

“I have a really good group of friends that don’t pressure me to attend parties where there are drugs and alcohol involved,” Brandt said. “That makes it easy to avoid it altogether.”

Linn FFA Advisor Megan Niederhelm nominated Brandt for the recognition, pointing not to an outspoken personality but to the confidence Brandt shows in making her own decisions. “I nominated Elyse Brandt based on her strong character, quiet confidence, and ability to remain true to herself regardless of what others may think,” Niederhelm said. “While Elyse can be shy and reserved, she has a boldness within her that allows her to stand firm in her beliefs and make decisions based on what she knows is right rather than simply following the crowd.”

Niederhelm said Brandt’s parents have instilled strong values concerning the importance of a drug- and substance-free lifestyle, and Brandt consistently demonstrates those values through her choices. “She does not feel the need to change who she is to gain the approval of others or to fit in with those around her,” Niederhelm said. “Elyse leads in her own way — through her actions, authenticity, and willingness to be herself. Her quiet strength and confidence demonstrate that leadership does not always have to be loud or outspoken to have a meaningful impact on others.”

Niederhelm has watched that confidence develop since Brandt entered her agriculture classroom as a freshman.

“Elyse is a student who may initially come across as shy and reserved, but those who know her quickly discover there is much more to her than meets the eye,” Niederhelm said.

That personality occasionally comes out in unexpected ways. “You might find her belting out a country song while working on independent assignments one minute, and then confidently sharing her opinion the next, and I admire that authenticity,” Niederhelm said.

She added that Brandt works hard, asks questions, and is willing to search for answers or solutions others may overlook. “She has a unique personality and a quiet boldness that makes her stand out in the best possible way,” Niederhelm said.

Brandt has been a member of the Linn FFA Chapter for four years, serving as student advisor for two years, and competing in a Career Development Event each year. She has also participated in cross country for four years, track for two, and is a member of National Honor Society.

Brandt attends St. George Parish and participates in Catholic Youth Organization activities.

School administrators described her as responsible, dependable, and inclusive, noting that she makes an effort to ensure others feel welcomed while remaining actively involved in athletics and extracurricular activities.

“Elyse is a model student who exemplifies what it means to be a Linn Wildcat,” said Principal Garrett Haslag. “She demonstrates leadership through her actions, treats others with respect and kindness, and consistently contributes positively to our school community. We are proud to recognize Elyse for the example she sets for her peers and for the many ways she makes our school a better place.”

Brandt carries a 3.82 GPA and plans to attend college after graduation to major in agricultural business.

She has two younger sisters, Adayln and Amelia.

OC-ADCAT Executive Director Lorie Winslow will present Brandt with a certificate in recognition of being selected as the September Student of the Month.

“Recognizing our senior Students of the Month is an important part of OC-ADCAT’s mission because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate young people who are choosing to live drug-free and make positive decisions in their schools and communities,” said Winslow. “Too often, we hear about youth only when something goes wrong. We believe it is just as important — if not more important — to shine a light on the students who are doing things right.

“These seniors are demonstrating that being drug-free is about more than simply avoiding substances,” she continued. “It is about making choices that support their future, being a positive influence on their peers, showing leadership, and contributing to their community. Every positive choice they make today helps build the foundation for the adults and community leaders they will become tomorrow.

“At OC-ADCAT, we are incredibly proud to recognize these students and celebrate their accomplishments,” Winslow added. “We want them to know that their choices matter, their community notices, and we are proud of the example they are setting for younger students throughout Osage County.”

Brandt will also be eligible to apply for the annual OC-ADCAT Student of the Month Scholarship.“I am so excited to showcase our seniors who have chosen to live a drug- and alcohol-free life,” OC-ADCAT Education Committee Chairperson Charlotte Bellsmith said. “I know this isn’t an easy thing to do. The pressure on our teens to drink while still underage is still pretty severe.”

For more information about OC-ADCAT, visit www.ocadcat.org.