Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
Natasha Johnson
12th Grade, AL
ATTRIBUTES
Athletics
As a freshman coming into high school I tried out for the volleyball team knowing that I was sure to make the JV team, but amazing myself when I made Varsity. Since then I have committed myself fully to the sport volunteering with middle school tryouts and grass roots practices. I play ball year round, including sand, or beach, ball. This upcoming Club season I plan on playing and winning more than 2 tourneys which is how many we won this year. I along with my beach partner and best friend, have been offered a job with the club team that I play for to coach a 14 year old team. This opportunity is an early dream come true as both my friend and I have always dreamed of coaching together. If this season goes well then I will know for sure whether coaching is my true calling or just to play.
Work
Most kids who work for their parents are only glorified "supervisors". I, on the other hand, am an all out employee. My dad does not baby me and allow me to have first pick of the days I would prefer to have off, in fact it is the complete opposite. I am the last person to be scheduled in so that if any one else is not available I always am. During the summer his job is much more busy; he works 5 days a week for 15 hours straight. Now that I can drive I am not even allowed the liberty of taking off the 2 days that my father is off also, I work days that I should be spending with my father. This year it may have just been due to the lack of employees, but either way I was entirely dedicated to my job this summer. Hopefully next year I will get to spend more time with my dad outside of work.
Academics
Playing only volleyball allows me plenty of free time for homework and other activities during the few months before and after christmas. Once club season starts though its all back to scrambling to find time for class work. Somehow though, each year I manage to distribute my time perfectly so that I can keep my grades where they need to be. Taking Advanced Placement classes does not help to make it easier either. Writing essays on the bus as we travel to a volleyball game is not an uncommon sight of me. I know college classes will be a lot harder than the ones I am in now, but the way in which classes are held seems like they will make the completion of assignment easier. Also by taking AP classes right now I have already earned credit for 2 college classes which will make life easier.
