stats: 16, Junior at Holly Pond High School
notable: Kiwanis Youth Award Recipient, 2017 Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Academic Award Recipient, Johns Hopkins University Youth Leadership Forum for Advanced Medicine and Healthcare Participant
quotable: “Work hard in silence; let success make the noise.”
her story: Kirsten is a standout student at Holly Pond High. She is a member of the FFA, Key Club, and the SGA, among others. Kirsten enjoys participating on the track and field, cross country, and basketball teams. She was a National Junior Olympics Qualifier for the High Jump in 2017, and an AHSAA Heptathlon participant. Kirsten enjoys donating her time and services to her community and works with both the Children’s Miracle Network and Cullman Caring for Kids. When asked how she wants to be remembered, Kirsten expressed that she wants to be seen as “someone who was uplifting and encouraging to others.” Kirsten wants all students to remember this: “Don’t try to act a certain way to blend in, you are meant to be your own person.”
what’s next: Kirsten shares, “I would like to obtain a degree in biomedical sciences, and later continue to medical school and become a dermatologist.”
PG (parental guidance) rating: Kirsten is proud of her family’s hard work and perseverance, adding, “My parents have been the source of most of my inspiration. They are constantly encouraging me to pursue my dreams and to better myself. They make a lot of sacrifices for me which I am very grateful for—that inspires me.”
parents’ perspective: Chris and Melinda remark, “Kirsten is a very intelligent, independent, well-rounded young lady that possesses a strong moral compass. She is not afraid to show who she is or what she believes in, despite if it is popular.”
parent-to-parent: Melinda emphasizes, “Promote reading! Buy tons of books. Promote learning and the value of an education.” She adds, “Give guidance and reminders constantly. Help them run through their to-do lists. They are not ready to be on their own just yet.”
