This is the 10th in a series of Prep Talk Graduation '09 blogs featuring area WIAA Scholar-Athletes and the essays they wrote as part of the consideration process for the WIAA's highest academic award.

DAVID KLANG, Weston HS (Cazenovia)

Sports: Football (9, 10, 11, 12); Boys basketball (10, 11, 12); Baseball (9, 10, 11, 12).

GPA: 4.0.

Class Rank: 2nd of 26.

Other extra-curricular activities: Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, High Quiz Bowl, Student Council.

Civic & community activities:  David is involved in the community by volunteering his time. One such example is our local community rebuilt a little league baseball diamond. David volunteered his time to work on this. David has also participated in community clean up days and volunteered at his church in various different capacities. One of the most inspiring things David does is that he has adopted an elderly widow in our community. He visits her regularly and brings joy to her life.

ESSAY

Being an active participant in three varsity sports during my high school years has helped mold me into the young man I am today. Athletic participation has helped strengthen me both physically and mentally. Endless practice hours, speed and conditioning training, and intense games nights have assisted me in becoming physically fit. However, being an athlete has also helped me mature mentally. Being an athlete means being a part of a team and my leadership abilities have matured because of my participation in sports. My coaches bestowed upon me the title of captain and with that title came great responsibilities in setting goals as a team, providing guidance to my fellow teammates, and leading by example. Adversity and challenges confronted the teams and we learned to overcome them through teamwork and support. I have learned to work hard to accomplish team goals and my personal goals as an athlete because I realize that nothing comes easy and accomplishments must be earned. The most valuable influence that sports have brought to my life is confidence; I believe in myself! Being a strong athlete in high school will impact my future because I hope to major in biology education and also earn a coaching emphasis. I hope to make a difference in the life of a student athlete. I enjoyed sports during my high school years, and I am hoping to be able to give back to youth and be a coach who players respect and learn from.

-- David Klang, Weston HS (Cazenovial), Class of 2009