Q. What grade are you currently in?

A. 12th

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. That's a tough question. Personally, I think it has to be tied between history and my media class. I've always loved learning about human culture. However, my media class is also one of my favorite classes because I love being creative and running our school's news show. I'm thinking about going into graphic design, so this class is valuable to me.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I participated in PJAS in seventh through 10th grade, and earned three first place awards at the state competition. I'm part of National Honor Society and am the captain of our varsity cheering squad.

Q. What extracurricular activities are you involved in, both in and out of school?

A. I've been a cheerleader for as long as I remember, and cheered on varsity for the last three years. Right now, we are working on our routine for competition, so that's been a big part of my life. After the fall and winter cheer season, I participate in track and field and am a hurdler and jumper. I'm looking forward to track season this year. I love running and have been looking forward to jumping the hurdles again.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My goal is to succeed in college. I just got accepted to Penn State and am really excited about going there. Although I'm thinking about getting my degree in graphic design, I'm keeping my options open as I know my career choices change quickly. Also, I'm hoping to work on my gymnastic skills so I can try out to cheer for Penn State. That's been a dream of mine.

Q. What would you say your biggest challenge was so far?

A. My biggest challenge is definitely balancing my academics. I am a big procrastinator and will stress myself out the night before to study for a test. Last year I took my first AP history course and needed to pace myself to learn as well as teach myself a lot out of the book. I put a lot of effort into changing my study habits for that class, and scored a perfect score on the AP exam because of it.

Q. What do you want to be remembered for?

A. I want to remembered for my personality. I'm a big goof sometimes, and even when I've done something embarrassing I laugh at myself; I don't blush easily. Even on a bad day, I try to reach out to people to help. I'm always smiling (it's a habit I've picked up from cheering), and I hope people remember me for that and smile thinking about me.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. I live with my mom and dad, and while they sometimes grind on my nerves, it's nice to know I can always turn to them to talk about something. I have an older brother, Mitchell, who has a witty sense of humor and will always try to crack a joke about you. My younger sister, Kierra, is a social butterfly and is involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. She cheers with me on varsity this year and we've always been competitive. She's part of the reason I'm so motivated in school; I have to stay a step ahead of her!

Q. Do you have someone you look up to?

A. My parents are an important part of my life. My dad has a great sense of humor, and he's the one who taught me not to be embarrassed when I mess up and laugh it off. That is one of the most important lessons he taught me and I try to remember it everyday. My mom is a super mom, it amazes me what she juggles. Even after a long day at work she will come home, do chores, help us with our school assignments and genuinely listen as we tell her about our day. When I become a mother, I hope I can be as half as a good mom as she's been to me!

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Manage your time, get involved and enjoy your high school years!