Evans graduate finds joy in working outdoors

Looking back on her time at Evans High School, Annissa Kida can only recall that the latter years were her best, both academically and socially.

"If you compare how my grades were at the beginning of high school to the end of high school, they drastically improved," said Annissa, the 19-year-old daughter of Margaret Feldbusch, of Grovetown, and Edmond Kida, of Augusta. "It turns out I had ADD and I had some anxiety disorders."

Because of her diagnosis, Annissa, who graduated in May, was put in a special class, with most of her time spent with Darlene Ralph, the chairwoman of the school's Learning Specialists Department.

"Annissa entered the ninth grade as an introverted, shy girl who would barely speak or make eye contact, but she left Evans High School a confidant, successful young lady who could make speeches to rooms full of adults or peers," Ralph said. "It was a hard road for Annissa, but she persevered and academically earned the Hope Scholarship and a vocational scholarship, as well as numerous other awards for her involvement in the FFA chapter at Evans."

Because of Annissa's dedication to the school's Future Farmers of America chapter, Ralph nominated her for a state award recognizing academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities.

Earlier this summer, Annissa received a letter from the Georgia Department of Education congratulating her on being selected as a recipient of the award.

"Annissa exemplifies the qualities that all teachers look for in a student," Ralph said. "She accepted constructive criticism and learned from her mistakes. Annissa's success is due to the combined efforts of Evans High School teachers, her parents and Annissa herself."

Annissa recently returned from a weeklong visit with her aunt, working on her farm in Windsor, S.C. And next month, she plans to enroll in classes at Augusta Technical College and pursue a degree in golf course management.

"I did want to work outdoors, and on career day, they brought some people into our agriculture class and they talked to us about their jobs at the Augusta National, and it really interested me," Annissa said. "I really enjoy being outdoors. I've always kind of enjoyed playing outdoors; it keeps my attention."

Annissa said the short of it, though, is this: "I like dirt."