12 Kids Who Care: Brandi Traxler

By Steve Smith First Coast News

PUTNAM COUNTY, FL -- Our next story is about a teenager who lives to make others smile.

Her passions: The farm, animals, the rodeo and kids. She loves them so much that she will go out of her way to help challenged children touch and pet animals. She teaches the benefits of agriculture to as many youngsters as she can and still finds time for school activities.

This is why Brandi Traxler is one of 12 Kids who Care.

Brandi Traxler loves Brahma cows. Her belt buckle says she's a winner when it comes to bovine beauty. But her real passion is working with people. She teaches third graders in Jacksonville about agriculture. She also helps youngsters in Palatka learn about farm animals.

Putnam County 4H Coordinator Lynne Middleton says these qualities make Brandi a champion in more ways than one.

"I think Brandi's best quality isn't animals. It's that she is open to all types of people and working with them. That's what I like about her," said Middleton.

Brandi's work with animals and youngsters, including the Special Kids Rodeo.

"When you help someone you feel better about yourself. Both are my passions. I love the cows, and I like being with kids especially."

Brandi keeps moving all time. She's logged around 200 hours of community service. Some of the charity work included helping victims of a house fire during Thanksgiving.

There's also 4H, Future Farmers of America, Student Council, cheerleading, National Honor Society, and the Florida Cattlemen's Association.

Her dad John says he and Putnam County are proud.

"We're just real proud of her. She works hard all the time doing the right things. She really works at what she does," said John Traxler.

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