By Cindy Peterson
Outstanding student makes huge strides
Leader of the pack, Riley Novack, striding toward college, Olympics, medical career.
Making it to Champs/Footlocker XC National Championship: It was such a surreal feeling crossing that finish line knowing that I was one of only 40 that qualified and the only one from Florida. It’s a moment that I will never forget. It was a dream come true.
Something I will take from this experience is: To not get caught up so much in the lights and just enjoy the moment.
One of my personal bests is: 14:59.25 for a 5k, placing 81st of the all-time top runners at McAlpine Park since it started in 1982 and one of only 12 Floridians to break 15 minutes there.
I discovered my passion: When I was in the 4th grade at Tavares Elementary School. The TMS cross country coaches hosted a race called the Patriot Mile Elementary School Challenge and I came blazing through the finish chute in 1st place.
When I’m on the track, I am motived by: My hopes and dreams of one day being able to call myself an Olympian.
A saying I live by: “Everybody you fight is not your enemy and everybody that helps you is not your friend.” – Mike Tyson
In the future: I have three official visits coming up with Notre Dame, NC State, and FSU. I plan to run in college and work towards getting my doctorate to work in the medical field.
Topping my music playlist: “Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert
My message to the world: Always be kind!
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Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
