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2015 Female Recipient – Marissa Berry

marissa_berryMarissa Berry is a senior from Southridge High School. During the past 4 years she has competed in three different sports: Volleyball, Gymnastics, and her favorite, Track & Field. While on the volleyball team, Marissa was known for being the student to reach out and create a welcoming and fun environment for new teammates.

As a two-time captain for Track & Field, Marissa supports her team by running in relays, but her specialty event is the pole vault. Throughout her high school years, she has demonstrated the work ethic and drive needed to develop her skills in this difficult event. As a freshman, she cleared the height of 8 ft.  As a junior, she cleared a best of 12 ft 7 inches, and won the 3A state title in the event. She has her goals set and is hopeful to return to state again this year.

Marissa has been busy in the classroom as well: she’s taken many honors and Advanced Placement classes. As an IGNITE Leader, once a month, she and several other students sit in on a freshman English class to talk with the underclassmen about difficulties they may encounter during their first year of high school. This includes group discussion, games, and one-on-one conversations with the younger students.  Recalling her own freshman year, and NOT having the benefit of a program like IGNITE, Marissa has especially enjoyed the mentoring program, and is pleased to be able to give of her time for the benefit of the younger students.

For her senior project, Marissa chose to focus on the Life Skills and High Risk Medical Needs Program at Westgate Elementary.  Her compassion and humor made for the perfect balance and smooth integration into the classroom.  She spent well beyond the required time in class for the project and has continued to return to volunteer her time, often at the request of the children she serves.

Marissa has repeatedly been described as a hard-working, dedicated, compassionate young lady with a great sense of humor.