This is the third 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.

JORDAN HENDRICKS, Benton

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

GPA: 3.60.

Class Rank: 5th of 24.

Other extra-curricular activities: National Honor Society, Teens Against Tobacco, DARE Role Model, Class Officer, BHS Go Green Club, Art Club, Forensics.

ESSAY

Athletic participation is probably the biggest contributor to my development and growth as an individual. Athletics has taught me many life lessons, and has changed my life. The first example is teamwork. I learned that without teamwork, your team is nothing. In order to be successful, everyone on the team needs to be willing to sacrifice and do what is best for the team. I have been lucky to be able to play with such great teammates that care about winning team awards instead of winning individual accolades. Throughout my high school career, out team has been fortunate enough to celebrate three Conference Championships and three Regional Championships. I also learned to always give 110%. If you go through life always giving half effort, you are not going to develop into your utmost potential. The next thing I learned is that goal setting is a necessity. For instance, a basketball team will set a goal of winning conference or even a state championship and they will work to achieve that goal. Once I graduate from high school, my goal will be to graduate from college with a degree in Physical Therapy. My next goal will be to get a good job and to live comfortably. Athletics has influenced me in so many ways; it is impossible to state them all. These are just a few of the major ones.

-- Jordan Hendricks, Benton High School, Class of 2009