The Watauga County Board of Education recognized WHS graduate Julia Roberts at its meeting Monday, thanking her for her insights and assistance as a student school board member.

Roberts, who will head to Furman in the fall, included monthly school board meetings into her already busy schedule, which included cross country, track and field, National Honor Society and more. She was responsible for providing monthly reports to the board and acting as a link between the governing body and the student body.

Roberts was the second student to be selected for the prestigious role and encouraged the board to continue with the evolving job description.

"If this board wants to create student leaders, this position must remain," Roberts said.

Board members offered hearty congratulations and thanks to Roberts on Monday.

"I appreciate her dedication to this position and her maturity level and insight in dealing with her classmates," Hodges said. "She is an exceptional young lady, and we expect to hear great things."

John Welch added that it was a pleasure to see Roberts grow and learn after knowing her as a child.

"You made us look pretty bad a few times with your energy and intelligence," Welch said with a laugh.

Next year's student school board members will be Nick Younger, a rising senior, and Patrick Williamson, a rising junior.