Jackson Flies High In College

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
     Megan Jackson is an achiever, period. As last year’s Salutatorian for Madison County High School, she demonstrated her academic commitment. Similarly, as a volleyball standout she demonstrated her athletic accomplishments, including her participation in the North Florida Volleyball Academy under Rita Buck-Crockett where she was noticed by several recruiters.
     North Florida Volleyball Academy is based in Tallahassee. Over the last two years, three of their teams received a bid to Nationals, and last year the 17-elite team coached by Crockett went undefeated at the Big South Qualifier. During this showcase, Jackson caught the eye of the coaching staff of Northwood University in Palm Beach, where she accepted a scholarship and continues to demonstrate the same character and high achievement that got her there.
     Northwood University is known for its rich business management curriculum, which Jackson is very excited to experience. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Jackson immediately excelled in the challenging collegiate environment, making the Dean’s List and then the President’s List in her first two grading periods.
     Proud parents Larry and Roxanne Jackson, as well as Megan’s siblings, are very supportive of Megan’s efforts. In fact, sister Morgan String plays volleyball at Polk Community College.
     This reporter joins her family and the entire Madison County community in wishing Megan Jackson continued success in all her academic and athletic efforts.
Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@ greenepublishing.com.

Cowgirl Softball “Senior Night” Slated For Friday Night

     The Madison County Cowgirl Softball team will honor its six senior players on Friday night at Madison County High School. The Cowgirls will take on the Lafayette County Lady Hornets at 7:00 pm.
     Members of the Class of 2009 are (L-R) Brittney Browning, Amanda Brown, Alexis Sowell, Venica Brown and Liz Cottrell.
     The Varsity Cowgirls are 16-7 this season. Come out and support the Cowgirls as they try for win #17 !!  

Archery In The Schools Program Reports Tournament Results

     Central Florida schools are the big winners in the second annual National Archery in the Schools Program Florida State Virtual Tournament. Two of last year’s winners repeated victories in their grade level, and one new school took a top spot.
     For the second straight year, the Flagler Palm Coast High School team won the high school division with a team score of 3,073 points and boasts the state’s top male and female shooters. Shyla Ramage is this year’s high-scoring girl with 266 out of 300, followed by last year’s winner, Chelsea Blackburn, with a 254. Third place also goes to a Flagler Palm Coast shooter, Shelby Johnson, with a 249 score. 
     There was a three-way tie in the boys’ division, with scores of 269. That score came from archers Pliny Sohl III and Tyler Anderson, both from Flagler Palm Coast, and Steven Vasallo from Altha High School in Calhoun County. The tie-breaker goes to the archer with the most bull’s-eyes, but both boys from Flagler Palm Coast had 10 each.
     A shoot-off between Pliny and Tyler at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 18 in the school gymnasium will determine the winner. Both the top female and male shooters receive a special custom Genesis bow, Morrell target and a trophy for their accomplishments. 
     Repeating its win this year is Daniel Jenkins Academy from Polk County, with a team score of 2,947. The academy won the inaugural middle school tournament in 2008 and came back this year to reclaim the top spot.
     This year’s number one elementary school is College Park from Ocala. Last year, the school placed second in the elementary school division. The top three schools in all divisions will receive gold, silver and bronze medals for their archers and a trophy for the school to display.
     More than 750 students in 35 Florida schools competed in their own school gymnasiums. All participants received official tournament t-shirts and certificates of participation.
     “Students who do not normally participate and enjoy sports-related or extra-curricular activities seem to excel in the program — something that invariably carries over into their attitude, work habits and other school activities,” Florida program coordinator Steve Robbins said. “It often inspires after-school activities shared by families and friends, teaching discipline, respect and self-control.”
     To inquire about enrolling your child’s school in Florida’s National Archery in the Schools Program, call 386-754-1051, Ext. 215, to request a brochure. Complete scores and standings for all schools competing in the tournament will be posted at MyFWC.com.