Nickname: Nikki / Age: 18 / Grade: 12 / School: Adventure Christian Academy, Tavares

Nikki was the Class of 2015 Valedictorian at Adventure Christian Academy. She currently holds a perfect GPA of 4.0, and she has been recognized for multiple Principal’s Awards and Honor roll achievements throughout her high school career.

To maintain my grades, I don’t follow any specific method. There are no routines or schedules. I just work very hard, and I try to keep in mind that my education should be a top priority.

My main source of motivation has been my goal to obtain academic scholarships. By studying and earning good grades, I have been able to receive quite a few scholarships to put toward higher education.

I was involved in 4-H, as well as youth group for my extra-curricular activities. For 4H, I would show horses and livestock. I have also raised two steers, one of which I brought to show at the Lake County Fair. In my youth group, I am the co-leader of our band, which we call Life Youth band.

Fun Facts:

Nikki is the eldest of six adopted children, as well as the only girl among her siblings.

Nikki can play the guitar, sing and play the piano. She performs music at her church, and she also participates in Pen Florida Youth Fine Arts.

In school I prefer my math courses. I enjoy math because I like to solve problems. I have enjoyed classes with all of my teachers equally though, and I can’t choose just one as my favorite.

I do look up to my teachers, as well as my parents, my youth pastor, and my senior pastor as role models. These individuals have taught me to strive to do my best and to honor God in everything I do.

After graduation, I plan to attend Lake-Sumter State College for two years. I will then transfer to Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., where I wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. My goal for the future is to become an NICU nurse.

If I were to encourage others, I would tell them, “Try your best even when it gets hard. The work will pay off.”

STORY: Celia Jacobson  PHOTO: Fred Lopez