Being a successful student athlete takes hard work and dedication. Being a three-sport student athlete has its trials. Sidney Brown is a senior at Salem High School who takes it all in stride. Brown is a three-sport athlete who also volunteers in the community every chance she gets. She excels in the classroom and is the top of her class. She takes all the AP and dual credit classes she can and still makes time to tutor people.
In recognition of her academic excellence, Brown received the Indiana Regional All Star award. Principal Troy Albert recommended her for this award. In order to receive the award, she had to write an essay about the teacher that influenced her most and fill out an application.
Each school is allowed to choose one student to apply for the award. The student has to excel in the classroom but also be actively involved with their school and community. Students who won the award were selected from 276 nominees.
The Indiana Regional All Star award is given to only 50 students in the state of Indiana. The Indiana Academic All Star award is given to 40 people. Brown is one of the top 90 students in the state of Indiana.
At the award ceremony Brown got to hear people from Purdue University speak, as well as the Indiana Secretary of Education. Brown ate lunch with Mr. Albert, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Bosley, and her mom. Paul Bosley went to the awards ceremony since he was the teacher who influenced her most.
Brown said she feels “humbled and honored” that she was chosen to receive the award. She plans to go to college to major in biochemistry. Ultimately, she wants to attend optometry school to become an optometrist.
The biggest problem Brown has faced in high school is time management. She has to juggle school, athletics, and community service. She had to learn how to be involved in both sports and academic clubs.
Brown would describe herself as “caring and a passionate individual who seeks to help others.”
SHS senior counselor Jennifer Martin said, “It is a really big deal! By being named an Academic All-Star, she is one of the top 90 seniors in the state of Indiana. In my 15 years at Salem, she is only the second senior that we have had to reach this level.”