'Who Am I?' -- The Le Flore County Guardian

She is only seventeen but someone you should get to know and encourage. She is an achiever, a kid that makes an effort to be successful at whatever endeavor she attempts.

I first met her when she was 12, just a 6th grader. Something about the group of girls in her circle: Kelly, Blue (that’s right, a girl named Blue), and our mystery girl made me take notice that these kids were different. Mischievous, energetic and full of life, all chose to participate in school activities which demonstrated school pride.

However, Blue moved to Georgia, and Kelly eventually found her way to Poteau. This group of soul mates, which I affectionately called “band brats,” now began to make their plans without the day-to-day buddy system.

Following the 6th grade, our girl demonstrated that she wanted to involve herself in other activities and had bigger plans than just being first chair in the band. Pocola schools participated in science fair competitions and she wanted to play a part in helping make the

school competitive. And wow, did she ever!

Her 7th grade experience was addicting. She began to set goals and each successive year the projects became more focused as she pointed herself toward a career in behavioral science. Her projects have always reinforced this goal. She hopes to acquire a psychology degree and one day run a Christian counseling service.

Now a senior in high school, she is attempting her last science project competition. Before you jump to the conclusion that this kid is nothing more than a science fair geek, ask yourself this question: How many kids do you know that have been in a state champion band, attended the Oklahoma School of Math and Science, not yet graduated, but have 12 hours of college credit, been a cheerleader, qualified for the state science fair four times, (only about 150 qualify each year statewide) and, yes, she did place at the state final in her junior year of science fair competition?

This kid is a go-getter. Who is she?