Teenager credits faith, family values for her success thus far

If there's one thing that Kaitlyn Frits knows, it's that discipline and a strong faith are key to achieving success.

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The 17-year-old Evans High School senior has made it a point to surround herself with individuals who will affect her in a positive way. She's formed bonds with peers in the school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes group that transcend typical friendships.

"My close Christian friends come from my active involvement with FCA," said the student council president. "I'm involved in a lot of clubs at school, but honestly, my church has always played a big role in my life."

Kaitlyn, who is active on the school's tennis and volleyball teams, is a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, and said she's grown up in the church.

"I have known a lot of the adults since I was a child," she said, adding that her family is actively involved in the church's youth group.

"I probably would not be like I am if I were not in that type of Christian environment," said the daughter of Mike and Beth Frits of Martinez.

Kaitlyn also attributes her strong moral and ethical beliefs to her upbringing.

"Even those spankings they gave me when I was a little child," she said. "I have to overall say 'thank you.' "

Although Kaitlyn says it is up to God what her future holds, she hopes to attend either Mercer or Furman University. She has sent out about half of her college applications and is awaiting word of acceptance and news of a scholarship award. She plans to major in speech pathology.

"I think that would just be an amazing career, to work one-on-one with someone," she said.

Kaitlyn's peers think she's well on her way to success. In fact, she was the top vote-getter in the school's Best All Around and Most Intelligent senior superlative categories, which were announced during the school's homecoming pep rally.

The Evans High faculty also chose her as the Lady Knight, an honor that Kaitlyn said topped off a week of highlights.

"It was such an honor being able to get the Lady Knight from the teachers," said Kaitlyn, who was a member of the school's homecoming court. "It was sort of funny being named Most Intelligent. The other two finalists were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in our class and I'm ranked No. 30. I had to apologize to them afterwards. I strive to make straight A's, but they really have the brains."