Page 88 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2021

story and photo by Jae Schifano
Connie Wade
“Clubs and sports allow you
to nd things to be“passionate about, and they mold you into better people.
Due to her outstanding GPA (4.03) and ACT score (31), Connie Wade, a senior from Gulfport High School, was selected for the 2021 College Board National African American Recognition program.
“From a young age, we’ve all heard the saying ‘hard work pays o .’ My junior year was one of my toughest years of high school, and it was a constant battle to achieve some of my goals, like having a 31 on the ACT,” said Wade.
The College Board National Recognition Programs create pathways to college for students from underrepresented communities by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the country. These programs grant students academic honors that can be included on college applications.
“My mother motivates me to do well in school. She is a rst generation college student and the most hard-working woman I know. In addition, I am very competitive so every year I like to challenge myself to see where I can improve,” said Wade.
On top of her academic excellence, Connie is a part of three clubs: Key Club, National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In addition to these clubs, she is a student ambassador, on the power lifting team, and is on the varsity cheer team.
“I really enjoy being around others and creating good environments, so that has really helped me be active in
PRESENTED BY:
many clubs,” Wade says. “These clubs have also allowed me to witness how transformative service is in the community. Clubs and sports allow you to nd things to be passionate about, and they mold you into better people.”
“We are extremely proud of Connie and everything she has contributed to our school,” said Sandy East, Career Pathways Specialist and Public Relations Director at Gulfport High School.
Wade has also been awarded the 2020-2021 Prince Jones Scholar Athlete Award and plans to go to Mississippi State University in the fall. “I am so excited to be in Starkville in the fall. Hail State!” exclaimed Wade.
88 | April 2021
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living