One of my greatest accomplishments: Making “A” Honor Roll every year. I’ve made straight A’s since kindergarten.

Favorite subjects in school: Science and Math. I can’t pick between them!

Science/Tech achievements: I made it to Regionals in Science Fair in both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. My project this year was “Machine Learning and Predicting Water Quality.” I was also awarded 2nd place in the 2024 Sumter Invention Convention for my App invention—“Don’t Press X”—created to help students remember to charge and update their school computers regularly.

Something people might not know about me: I like building things–especially Legos and for robotics.

I am also interested in: Reading fiction, particularly fantasy. I really liked The Hunger Games series.

My closest friends describe me as: Smart. Kind. Funny. A good leader.

Outside of school: I hang out with my family a lot. My dad (Marcus) works for the federal government and my mom (Kali) is the assistant principal at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary. I’m big sister to Makenna, 12, Liam, 5, and Ellie, 3.

A lot of my inspiration comes from: My family. They support me and make sure I always do my best and don’t slack off.

Future plans: I want to be a marine biologist. After high school at South Sumter High, I plan to attend the University of Florida and get my bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences. Then I hope to earn an advanced degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences so I can use that training and knowledge to pursue a career as a marine biologist. Mainly, I want to study sharks. Being on Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” is one of my future goals.

Pets: I have two dogs, Rex, an Old English Bulldog, and Chewie, a Goldendoodle-Aussie cross.

One change I’d like to make in the world: Help clean up the environment.

What matters most to me: Education and my family.

Fun fact: I like to sing. Country music and pop are my favorites. I sang in the middle school choir for two years.

Favorite snack: Goldfish crackers.

Photos: Nicole Hamel