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Student activities get top recognition
By TYLER PATRICK
After being chosen one of 12 girls from Florida to be named to the FHSAA Academic All State Team for 2011-12 as well as the only student from Central Florida and the second representative from Boone, senior Caroline Coleman was also named a valedictorian with a weighted GPA of 5.1.
“[After being chosen by the FHSAA,] it feels cool to know that you’re not just going to practice and doing homework every night. At the end of the day, all these things teach you good lessons to be a person of good character,” Coleman said.
On top of being part of cross country, track and tennis, Coleman was the sports editor for the Legend yearbook, treasurer for Mu Alpha Theta and Math Club and was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Best Buddies and the Sports Medicine team.
“[Being a part of all these organizations] really helped me find interests and hobbies. Playing sports showed me how much I enjoy that atmosphere and that it’s a career I want to go into. It definitely broadened my horizons on community,” Coleman said.
After working with teacher Julie Soloman on the care and prevention of athletic injuries, Coleman decided that was the career she wanted to follow in her future.
Three teachers including Vicky Nicoll (AP Language), Renee Burke (Journalism) and Jennifer Hilley (AP Literature) inspired Coleman in school. All three taught her important lessons about education and life skills that she plans to carry with her over time.
Coleman will study at the University of Georgia on a full academic scholarship in the fall. She plans to major in bio chemistry (pre-med track) and then go to a medical school after graduating. She wants to be an orthopedic doctor. Coleman leaves advice to other students seeking the same success in high school.
“Go big or go home because getting that valedictorian status means a lot more than getting 3 or 4 B’s. It’s a big achievement. Don’t slack off your senior year, and learn your way around Starbucks and Spark Notes,” Coleman said.