This is the sixth 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.

CAROLINE STARCK, Williams Bay

Sports: Girls tennis (9, 10, 11, 12); Softball (9, 10, 11, 12).

GPA: 3.50.

Class Rank: 9th of 39.

Other extra-curricular activities: History Club; Spanish Club; Jazz Band; Pep Band; Class Vice President; Class Secretary; Student Council.

Civic & community activities:  Regular volunteer for Milwaukee Soup Kitchen; Regular volunteer for Kishwaukeetoe Clean-up Days; Volunteer for Williams Bay Fun Fair.

ESSAY

I have competed in USTA (United States Tennis Association) tennis tournament year round, for the past ten years. Although I have enjoyed it very much, it cannot compare to high school sports. The main difference is the team concept. Playing with your teammates, for your teammates, for your school and for your community is really the essence of High School sports. Everyone working together to achieve a common goal is very challenging, but can be very rewarding. As in life, you are going to get out of it what you put into it. High School sports have definitely helped me prepare for the future. To be sucessful in life, hard work and discipline are necessities. However, no mater how hard you work and strive for a goal, you are bound to experience some adversity along the way. How you handle adversity is equally as important as the hard work that you put into your sport. Just as in life, high school sports have its ups and downs. Keeping everything is perspective and continually moving forward is the key. I wouldn't trade my athletic experiences at Williams Bay High School for anything.

-- Caroline Starck, Williams Bay High School, Class of 2009