WESTPHALIA  — This month’s Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month, Fatima senior Anna Rakestraw, keeps her beliefs private, but others have seen how she lives a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

She noted that her parents, Joe and Mary, and siblings, James and Grace, set a great example for her. “They didn’t talk about it too much,” she said, adding that school-related drug-prevention activities such as the Junior Deputy Program were helpful. “I stay away from drugs and alcohol because I’ve always been told you’re not supposed to do them and because of the negative health effects they can have on you not participating in sports and activities and stuff like that.”

FCCLA Advisor Erica Libbert nominated Rakestraw because the senior sets an example daily for her classmates of how to live a drug and alcohol-free life. “Her accomplishments, from running cross country to being president of our FCCLA chapter, demonstrate how her dedication to living drug and alcohol-free can lead to success in high school.”

Rakestraw also runs track and played volleyball in her youth. She’s the vice president of FBLA and the Hiking Club and a member of NHS and the academic team. She added that the Hiking Club has walked at Painted Rock Conservation Access, and members want to travel to Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camden County.

She is currently working hard to qualify for the state cross country meet.

Rakestraw has a relatively small group of friends, but she holds them in high esteem, and they her. “My friends understand me, and there’s no pressure to drink or try drugs,” she said. “I don’t have any pressure from anyone to go to parties. I’d rather stay home and read, go for walks, play games with my family, or hang out with friends.”

Academically, Rakestraw is a quiet student, but Libbert said she participates and works well with her classmates. “Anna demonstrates respect to her teachers and peers,” said Libbert. “She is kind and finds the good in everyone. Anna always has a smile on her face, so if you’re having a bad day, a quick conversation with her will have you smiling as well.”

High School Principal Matt Verslues agrees. “Anna epitomizes what it means to be a student of good character,” he said. “She is extremely focused as a senior who represents Fatima well in many areas. She is committed to being involved and excels while challenging herself with a difficult course load. Her dedication to being drug and alcohol-free is one of the many ways she is making decisions to ensure future success.”

Verslues added that Rakestraw influences others. “With Anna’s presence, other students have higher accountability based on the way she leads by example,” he said. “She is willing to step up for her school community, and it causes others to improve their performance as well.”

Libbert has seen the same characteristics. “Anna is a quiet leader and leads by example,” she said. “She sets the bar high for respectful interactions with her peers and teachers. As president of our FCCLA chapter, she also leads vocally by encouraging her peers to be involved in our many activities.”

Toward that end, Libbert said Rakestraw demonstrates leadership above the average high school student by seeing what needs to be done and doing it rather than waiting to be told to do something. 

As FCCLA president, Rakestraw records videos for the school’s morning announcements, sends reminders to officers and members about upcoming events, and organizes events without her advisors mentioning them. 

“She’s on top of everything!” Libbert said. “She has also taken the initiative to compete in FCCLA events, being team captain of our Lifesmarts team and taking first place in the State FCCLA Skills Competition on Lesson Plan Writing.”

Rakestraw offered this advice: “Doing drugs and all that kind of stuff in the long run is more harm than help,” she said. “It may feel like it’s the popular thing to do or is what everyone’s doing, but it’s not a good decision.”

With a GPA of 3.992, Rakestraw is prepared for a future of learning. She intends to pursue a degree in elementary education but has not decided on a college.

OC-ADCAT Executive Director Lorie Winslow will present Rakestraw with a certificate, and she will be eligible to apply for the annual Student of the Month Scholarship. 

“I am so excited to showcase our seniors who have chosen to live a drug- and alcohol-free life,” said OC-ADCAT Education Committee Chairperson Charlotte Bellsmith. “I know this is not 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 https://www.ocadcat.org.