Academic All-Stars-5024

"Anna not only works hard at every task assigned to her, she willingly lends a hand to students and staff any time there is a place where she can serve," said Tidwell.  "Anna is one of those students whose work ethic and character are every bit as high as her academic performance."

Anna’s favorite subject is social studies because she likes history.  When she's not in school, Anna likes to play outside and hang out with friends. 

While she hasn't completely made up her mind about what she wants to be when she grows up, Anna says she might want to follow in her father's footsteps and become a missionary.

Seventh grade student Catie Lawler has been chosen as Spring Station Middle School's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Catie's teachers say she is an exceptional young lady who works hard in class and always gives her best effort.  When other students are having trouble with the lesson, Catie makes a point to try and help them as best she can.

Outside the classroom, Catie stays busy by being involved in many different activities.  In addition to being on the Spring Station dance team, Catie also enjoys cheerleading, soccer and dance.

When she's at home, Catie likes to help out around the house by cooking or helping her sister with her homework.  Catie also enjoys spending time with her grandparents and volunteering with other members of her church at a local nursing home.

She's lived in Tennessee for less than a year, but Summit High School sophomore Ashlyn Anglim has already made a name for herself.  Anglim was recently selected as Summit High's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Principal Dr. Charles Farmer says Ashlyn is a model student who fits in perfectly at Summit High.

"While she has outstanding grades, her actions outside of the classroom are equally impressive," said Farmer.  "Ashlyn is the starting second baseman on the softball team and she volunteers her time to teach social skills to some of our students with special needs."

Ashlyn and her family moved to Williamson County from New York last summer.  She says she loves going to school at Summit High because it's such a close-knit community.

When Ashlyn is not at school, she enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the movies.  As for life after graduation, Ashlyn says she wants to go to college and earn a degree in either education or psychology. 

Connor's favorite subject is social studies, which could serve him well considering he wants to study fossils when he grows up.

When he's not in school, Connor loves to play his two favorite sports which are baseball and basketball.  He also enjoys camping and spending time with his family. 

In August, Connor will make the jump to Sunset Middle School, and while you might expect him to be a bit apprehensive, Connor says he's taking it all in stride.  "I'm not nervous at all," said Connor.  "I'm just going to ignore the older kids and be myself."

Eighth grader Shauna Blady has been selected as Sunset Middle School's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year

According to her teachers, Shauna is a conscientious, hard-working student leader who values in-depth understanding of concepts.  Not only does she excel in academic arenas, but Shauna is also a talented softball player who inspires both her peers and teachers with her enthusiasm.

Having moved to Tennessee from Buffalo, New York in the fifth grade, Shauna says it didn't take long for her to get adjusted and make new friends.

"I've really enjoyed going to school at Sunset Middle," said Shauna.  "I like middle school because you get more responsibilities and you get to meet more people."

Shauna is the starting pitcher and short stop on the school softball team.  She says she's loved playing softball since she was a little girl and hopes to join the Ravenwood High School team next year when she enters ninth grade.

For a career, Shauna says she'd like to be a lawyer.  "I really want to be a prosecutor," said Shauna.  "I love learning about all the crimes and stuff." 

"Zachary is kind to others and is very conscientious," said teacher Missy Poloskey.  "One of the best parts about Zachary is when he learns something new or makes a new connection his whole face lights up with a huge smile."

Zachary says he has loved going to school at Westwood and that the teachers there always give the students an opportunity to speak and ask questions.

Zachary's favorite subject is math because he says his teacher makes it fun.  When he's not in school, Zachary likes to play outside with his brothers and sister.

Starting in August, Zachary will begin attending Fairview Middle School.  While he's sad to be leaving behind all of his favorite teachers, Zachary says he's excited about what the future might hold.  He also says he might one day like to be a teacher himself, possibly at the high school level.

While she enjoys all of her subjects, Emily says her two favorite would have to be math and science.  "I have a great math teacher and I've always enjoyed learning about science," said Emily.

When she's not in school, Emily stays busy with a number of different activities.  In addition to being on the softball team and the soccer team, Emily takes piano lessons and rides horses once a week.

Emily says her love for horses might even one day lead to a career.  "I want to be an equine veterinarian when I grow up," said Emily.  "I really enjoy horses."