This is the second 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.

KIAH EHRKE, Stoughton

Sports: Cross Country (9, 10, 11, 12); Track and field (9, 10, 11, 12).

GPA: 3.98

Class Rank: 12th of 298

Other extra-curricular activities: National Honor Society.

Other civic & community activitives: Tornado clean-up crew for tornado that hit Stoughton; volunteer at Madison Marathon.

ESSAY

Athletics have had a huge impact on my development as an athlete and as a student. I have learned many valuable lessons from athletics such as time management, responsibility, trust, team-bonding skills, confidence, and independence. These skills are priceless and will continue to help me throughout my life. I have devoted many hours to athletics and I am proud of where it has brought me. Through experience, I have learned that devotion, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and commitment truley do pay off in the long run. Due to my participation in athletics, I manage my time very well and always get the tasks done that I need to. This is very useful in order to get all of my schoolwork and athletics accomplished. With my busy schedule, it takes a lot of timing and responsibility to finish everything. Participating in athletics has taught me to stay on task and focus hard on the necessary responsibilities. My future will be impacted from athletics in several ways. I have excelled in cross country and track and I am excited and eager to go further with these sports. My high school athletic career is almost over, but I will continue athletics next year, as I am a UW-Madison recruit for cross country and track. My deep interest in athletics has brought me to my career choice of physical therapy. Every day I will be able to help injured athletes with their rehabilitation. By continuing athletics, I will be a healthy, strong and motivated individual for the future.

-- Kiah Ehrke, Stoughton High School, Class of 2009