This is the seventh 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.

PARKER PROCHASKA, Fennimore

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

GPA: 3.91.

Class Rank: 12th of 59.

Other extra-curricular activities: School musical, Solo-Ensemble, Show; Forensics, National Honor Society, DARE Role Model, High School Tutor, St. Mary's Youth Group, Meal Site Volunteer, Dorian Festival.

ESSAY

Being an athlete has impacted my life tremendously. I have been involved in sports my entire life. I have no idea where I would be right now if I didn't have sports. One of the best things sports has done for me is that it made me drug free. According to the athletic code, athletes can not use or distribute drugs or alcohol. I would never do anything that stupid to get suspended or kicked off of sports. Sports have developed my self-confidence and made me who I am as a person. I have made a lot of friends, from other schools, in sports that I would have probably never met if I wasn’t in sports. Having kids look up to you because you are their favorite athlete is an amazing feeling. I get a feeling of achievement and self worth whenever I play a sport. Being an athlete has also made me a better student because you have to get good grades in order to play sports. Being involved in sports makes you want to become a good leader in your community and pass on what you have learned to others. I am thankful for the ability to play sports and would encourage others to play. I have the confidence to accomplish anything I put my mind to and feel that confidence came from participating in sports. I am the person I am today because of athletic participation. I am confident I will be successful in life after high school because of my participation in athletics.

-- Parker Prochaska, Fennimore High School, Class of 2009