At Hughson High School, Courtney had quite the repertoire, making her a very well-rounded student. As a junior, she took honors English, and as a senior, she enrolled in AP biology, anatomy and British literature, as well as advanced algebra and chemistry. In athletics, she played volleyball and softball, and won several achievements for the latter, including offensive MVP as a freshman and a two-time All-League selection. She also helped the Lady Huskies win the CIF section as a senior.
Outside school, Courtney loves to volunteer for her church, Centenary United Methodist. She often works in the nursery to care for the infants and young children during services. Courtney plays keyboard for the youth group's worship team and has taken up a new instrument in the form of a drum set.
"It's really fun and good for me, personally, to step out of my comfort zone by playing on stage," she said. "Plus, I get to serve both the church and the youth group at the same time."
In addition to her church involvement, Courtney also has served at Modesto Gospel Mission numerous times and did some work with Habitat for Humanity.
All of this, however, pales in comparison to her greatest accomplishment: doing missionary work in Sierra Leone, Africa. After her training session with the missionary organization Royal Servants, Courtney went to the impoverished country of Sierra Leone for several weeks, helping its people and spreading the Gospel with a great number of other people her age. "It really taught me humility and compassion," she said. "It gave me so much joy for everything I have, and it made me want to share God's love even more."
Courtney is about to leave for California State University, Monterey Bay, to become a marine biologist. Her spirit, as well as her passion for life and God, has molded her into a young woman with plans that she knows won't fail if she keeps a steady path.
FAMILY: Parents, Marla and Jim; sister, Brooke, 13
HOBBIES: Softball, volleyball, singing, piano, drums
FAVORITE BOOKS: The Harry Potter series and "The Hunger Games"
FAVORITE TV SHOW: "House"
FAVORITE MOVIE: "She's the Man"
FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST: Jack's Mannequin
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My parents
BIGGEST FEAR: Losing a loved one
ADVICE FOR KIDS: Cherish your childhood, especially high school, since it goes by fast and you might take it all for granted.
ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Make sure your children know that you love them and support what they do.
WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Make God your priority.
WHERE I WILL BE IN 10 YEARS: Married, living near the beach and starting my career, hopefully as a marine biologist
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