Julianna Burke lives a life overflowing with flowers and books.

Burke, 18, is the daughter of Chris and Lynn Burke.  She has an older sister, Paige, who is 24.

“Life would be so boring without books, they’re better than movies,” said Burke.

She has lived in the Brookhaven-Wesson area her entire life.  She is a recent honor graduate of Brookhaven High School, where she was involved in the Pride of Ole Brook and the National Honors Society.  In the fall, she will be attending the University of Southern Mississippi, where she will major in English.

Burke has worked at her father’s flower shop, Shipp’s Flowers, since she was a young girl, about 5 or 6 years old.  When she isn’t working, she likes to read, write and watch Netflix.  She attends Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she is involved in the youth group.

Her favorite food is the homemade chicken and dumplings her grandfather makes.  The Burkes have an interesting tradition.  After the Thanksgiving meal has been served, the family goes on a hike in the woods behind the host home.  Many people don’t know this about Burke, but she is obsessed with horses.

She can’t go without having a book, as she always keeps one in her bag to read.  Burke considers her best quality to be her friendliness, and that she is very open and inclusive to others.  Her life’s biggest goal is to be a best-selling author.

Story by Gracie Byrne