Young at heart. Open-minded. Willing to lend an ear.

Tracey Apata is all that, and much more as she embraces her small community, its caring people and more importantly, its aspiring youth.

As a successful businesswoman, active volunteer and loving mom, Apata takes on many responsibilities, but none more important than being a role model for her kids.

Apata understands kids because she is very much one herself.

“She cares about us and she let’s us know that,” said Taylor Gustin, who helps manage Apata’s store, the busy Dairy Queen on Ellingson Road, just off the Valley Freeway in Pacific. “She’s always there for us, a very good person who calls us all her kids.

“She encourages us, pushes us to do better,” Gustin added. “And if you have a problem? She’s the one you go to.”

Apata is outgoing, compassionate, energetic, practical, hard working, a real hands-on proprietor. She opens and closes shop, covers shifts. She is quick to put on an apron and blend the ice cream or direct the flow of drive-thru food orders.

But her challenging and leading role in her fast-food restaurant – with a work force 22 strong – is just a part of her busy itinerary. She is an influential woman in Pacific, a merchant and mover who sponsors community events, such as the Pacific Day’s Kids Parade. She also fulfills her civic duties, like serving on the city’s storm water committee.

“It is inherent, it is within her,” said Jay Bennett, the City of Pacific’s community development/public works director. “She has invested her money, her energy and her time … with an understanding that as a business owner comes a responsibility to invest back into the community as a whole.”

Apata connects with all ages, but especially kids. She participates in the area’s Junior Achievement Youth Camp and, as president of the fledgling White River Valley Lions Club, wants to establish programs that support the region’s youth.“Tracey is motivated by her great personal faith and belief in community,” said Pacific Mayor Richard Hildreth. “She is one of those rare individuals who not only is willing to help when asked, but someone who also proactively looks for ways to help. She is a great friend of this city, and a role model for others to follow.”

With so much out there to distract and misguide kids today, Apata is there to help show teenagers the way – as a mentor, employee and counselor.

She is quick to work with schools, community members and police to support the success of student-employees.

“It’s a responsibility,” said Apata, 41, who, with husband Max, is raising three boys of her own. The Apatas lived in Pacific for six years before moving to Bonney Lake. “I’m just doing my part.

“I’ve always felt drawn to that group (teenagers),” Apata added. “I like to hear what they have to say.

“I think we fall down on the job when it comes to listening to them and being able to help them,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t listen to kids. We don’t know a lot of what they’re saying. … But I’m there to help … it keeps me young.”

Apata’s dedication to improving the lives and education of children behind the scenes hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Auburn School District awarded her the Cities and Schools Forum 2008 Betty Smith Spirit of Education Award for her efforts.

“It’s a little bewildering because there is a lot people who work hard in this area,” Apata said of the honor. “I’m a little confused because I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

That responsibility stems from her upbringing. Apata grew up in a large Christian family in the Central Washington hamlet of Prosser. Her parents, strict but fair, preached the values of hard work, commitment and cooperation.

A small community involves everyone, and that is a comfortable, working environment for the spirited Apata.

“We take care of each other,” she said. “And like my father (Don Larson) said, ‘Leave it better than you found it. Do your part.’ ”