Parents Inspire Fredericksburg Student To ‘Follow Her Dreams’

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Elizabeth Sillas-Balanon, a third grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School, nominated Bria Keitt for the Semester 1 Lion PRIDE Award for exemplifying Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Empathy.

“Ms. Sillas highlighted Bria’s kindness and willingness to help both her teachers and peers,” said Lafayette Principal Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne. “She consistently demonstrates integrity by following expectations in the classroom, hallways, playground, and cafeteria. No matter the challenge, Bria perseveres and puts forth her best effort in all her work."

An example of Keitt’s kindness is how she helps classmates who are English as a second language students with their assignments.

“Sometimes, for my friends, I help them out if they don't know what to do, like the directions on a paper,” she said.

In return, Keitt asks the student she’s helping to teach her a word in their language.

Related: ‘Girls Rule’ Says Lafayette Elementary Third-Grader: Future Leaders

As part of its 2025 Future Leaders initiative, Patch is celebrating the contributions that young people like Keitt are making to their schools and the greater Fredericksburg community.

How do you feel about receiving the Lion Pride Award last month?

“I felt happy. I felt proud of myself. My teacher didn't even tell me that I was going to get it.”

What's your favorite subject in school?

“My favorite subject is math.”

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy doing?

“I like to craft. I like to do gymnastics, and sometimes I like to swim.”

Are you taking a class in gymnastics or is it something you do at school?

“I take a class and I'm leveling up to the third level. I started gymnastics, and then I quit, and then I started it again. I’ve been doing gymnastics for six months.”

What do you like to do on the weekends?

“If it’s a nice day, I usually ask my parents if we could go to the park, walk downtown or something. They usually say it's too cold for downtown. And on the weekends, I usually like to sit in my room and watch YouTube.”

It's a long time before you're going to be an adult, but have you thought about what you might want to do one day?

“I have been thinking about being a singer and a fashion designer.”

Do you have a favorite TV show or movie?

“Technically, it's kind of both. The movie is ‘Trolls,’ because I watched all the movies again and the show. I like the show too, and it's called ‘Trolls the Beat Goes On.’ I do have a favorite actor. Her name is Ariana Grande.”

She’s a singer too. Is she your favorite singer?

“One of my most favorite singers is Michael Jackson.”

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song?

“It’s called ‘Man in the Mirror.’”

Are there any foods you like or you don't like?

“I like pizza. I like noodles. Sometimes I eat cheeseburgers. I like waffles and I like pancakes.”

Who has inspired you the most in your life?

“I think it was my parents. They inspired me to follow my dreams.”