Samuel Brown of Naples has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for December.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School student who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a monetary gift.

Parents: Kenneth and Beth Brown

Sibling(s): Elijah Brown, Emma Brown, Ryan Baillargeon 

Activities: Theater, Track & Field

Community activities: Holiday volunteering, CVC Food Drives

Hobbies: Chess, Acting

Future plans: Local public office, committee participation

Schools that you have or will apply: St. Anselm, University of Maine at Farmington, University of Maine at Orono, University of Southern Maine.

What do you consider as traits that make someone a good citizen? Empathy and bravery are some of the most important traits everyone should have. Being able to relate to issues affecting individuals and having the bravery to stand up for those without a voice is where some of the best change happens in society.

Who has inspired you to be a good citizen and why? My family has become a never-ending source of inspiration for my goals and passions. Not once can I remember them holding me back from where I wanted to go. This helped me strive to be as motivated as I could be to give back to the people who have helped me in the past.

What have you done to make the school community a better place? Providing a safe environment where my classmates can express themselves and talk about their problems has always been my top priority. I participate in school extracurricular activities and push others to do their best at things they are dedicated towards.

Why is volunteerism important? In a world driven by self-interest and greed, giving without any noticeable gain is the most selfless act one can do. I personally know that volunteering can be integral to putting someone back on their feet. Any person can do incredible things if given the opportunity, so helping others achieve that opportunity is an incredibly valuable use of anyone’s time.

In the future, what do you see yourself doing to make the world a better place? Volunteering and representing the people around you is something I’m incredibly passionate about, which is why I will be pursuing a degree in Political Science to further my education in the topic so that I may help better serve my community.