Brette Bentz
Category: 2025 Quarter 4 Winner

Brette Bentz

A person in my community who inspires me is my mom. As the Mayor of our town, many people look up to my mom, but I have had a behind-the-scenes view of her dedication, perseverance, and leadership. With my mom’s guidance and example, I have learned to build my confidence and worked to pursue my goals, even when it seems difficult. She is the strongest and most supportive person I know, and the example she has set has shaped me to become the person I am today.

From a young age, I have watched my mom provide for our family and the community while still finding time to support me in my own pursuits. When I was four, my mom ran for our town’s City Council. She has been re-elected four times since the Council. Recently, she was elected as the first female Mayor of our town, the 5th largest City in Iowa. During this time, she also started a local non-profit, graduated with her PhD, and worked full-time. Seeing her dedication to both our family and community inspired me to be confident in my own abilities. Her commitment has shown me the importance of hard work and perseverance, as well as the importance of balancing family, work, and community.

My mom motivated me to do my best in all of my activities. Her support has been especially helpful in pursuing my goal of playing softball in college. Whenever I am having a rough game, or make a mistake, she reminds me to trust myself and focus on what I can control. She reminds me that mistakes do not define me, and she encourages me to do everything to the best of my abilities. She does not let me dwell on the bad days, but reminds me of all the hard work and practice I have put in to achieve my goals. She celebrates my wins, encourages me, and helps me grow as a person on and off the field.

What inspires me the most about my mom is that she handles everything with confidence. Whether she’s making big decisions for the city, or managing our home, she works hard and never gives up. She shows me that confidence comes from believing in yourself, learning from your mistakes, and always trying your best. Having her by my side through the years has taught me to push myself, set high goals, and trust that I can achieve hard things. Her example has given me confidence to achieve my goals, whether in school, sports, or future plans. My mom inspires me not just through her words, but through her actions as well. I hope to carry the same confidence and determination in my own life.