By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Brooklyn Holt recently won Miss Smiths Station 2016, preliminary pageant of Miss Alabama/Miss America Organization held in Phenix City.

This accomplished young woman has achieved much in her life.

Holt is the daughter of Clarisse Holt and has one younger brother, Branson.

Abandoned by her father at age 6, Holt has turned that defining moment into a positive MAO platform, “Raise your Voice for Children.”

“Due to my life experiences and the reality that my father abandoned me at the age of 6, I did not choose my platform, it chose me,” said Holt. “I have been able to use the neglect in my own childhood to mentor other children, relating to their feelings and showing them through my successes the importance of making great choices. My goal is for children to realize that we cannot dwell on challenges, but that we can accept them, work hard and turn them around, making them become our strengths.”

Holt has lived her platform making great choices and working hard. At Oak Mountain High School, she graduated at the top of her class where she was the majorette captain, president of National Junior Honor Society and member of National Honor Society.

She was awarded the Auburn Presidential Scholarship and is currently a freshman at AU Honors College majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science. She is an AU majorette and Twirltacular Grand Champion.

She won Distinguished Woman of Shelby County 2015 and was first runner-up in Distinguished Woman of Alabama 2015. She was Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Top Third Runner Up in 2013 and in MAOT Top Ten in 2012 and 2014.

She was awarded the Duke of Edinburg Gold Award, Quality of Life Community Service Award, Alabama Music Association “Inspiration Award” and is an accomplished vocalist.

“My life experiences have taught me that obstacles will come in life, but it is imperative that one turn a challenge into a strength,” said Holt. “With a desire to be successful, I always reflect on the hurdles I have to overcome and remember Lou Holtz’ quote, ‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’”