Academic All-Stars-5036

Having attended Trinity since kindergarten, Bella says her experience at the school has been great and that she will miss all of the wonderful teachers when she moves to Page Middle School in the fall.

When she's not playing volleyball or practicing gymnastics, Bella likes to spend time with her friends and family.  She also enjoys learning about all of the different animals that live in the ocean.  "I want to be a marine biologist when I grow up," said Bella.  "I got to swim with dolphins in Florida one time and it was really fun."

Those who know her describe 11 year-old Megan Townsend as a dedicated student who always tries her best.  So it's no surprise that fifth grader Megan Townsend was chosen to be Walnut Grove Elementary School's Academic All-Star for the 2011-12 school year.

Megan's teachers say she has made incredible progress this school year and that she is always looking for ways to improve. 

"Megan has demonstrated her desire to work hard and succeed every day in my classroom," said Fifth Grade Teacher Anne Baum.  "She has an amazing attitude and she never complains or gives up."

Megan has attended Walnut Grove since kindergarten and says the teachers there are wonderful and always willing to help.  When she's not in school, Megan stays busy by playing outside with friends and reading.

"I like reading a lot because I think it's fun and it entertains me," said Megan.  "My favorite books are the I Survived series."

As for life after school, Megan says her plans for a career path might one day lead her back to the classroom.

"I want to be a teacher when I grow up," said Megan.  "I love to play with children and I just think they're a lot of fun to be around."

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."