Honor student a star athlete

Allison Vick so enjoys being outdoors and the benefits she gets from physical education that she has decided to be a P.E. instructor when she graduates.

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"I want to help kids enjoy the sports that I enjoy," said the 13-year-old Evans Middle School honor student.

Among those who have opened a world of opportunities to the gifted student is Evans Middle School P.E. instructor Sarah Given, who also serves as coach of the school's girls' basketball team. Allison is a member of that team and the soccer team.

"In all of my years of teaching and coaching, I have never met a harder working student/athlete," Given said. "Allison gives 100 percent in everything she does and will push herself to accomplish the main goal."

Given has served as an inspiration to Allison.

"My coaches have been great," said Allison, the daughter of Andy and Amy Vick, of Martinez.

Allison has been playing soccer since she was 5 and basketball since she was 6, and she attributes much of her desire to continue in those sports to her parents and coaches.

"I really enjoy both of them," she said of the sports. "I enjoy the competition and the hard work you put into it."

Allison also enjoys playing golf and softball and is a member of the Columbia County Recreation Department's travel soccer team. When the weather doesn't permit her to be outside, Allison can be found reading.

Being voted "Friendliest" by her peers gives Allison pride in knowing that her classmates feel they can count on her.