Scholar-Athlete of the Week

By Staff
Kim West
EAST FRANKLIN – When asked about her role models, East Franklin ninth-grader Breanna Berry doesn't have to look very far.
"I look up to my parents," said Berry, who plays first base for the Lady Rebels softball team. "My dad played sports in school, and he tells me stories, which makes me want to play good. My mom's a nurse and all of her patients tell me she's the nicest person to them, and I try to be same way."
Berry said she would like to help her team win the county tournament this season while staying focused in school.
"We almost beat Red Bay last year in the county tournament, and I would love to win the Franklin County tournament this season," said Berry, an A-B student whose favorite subject is English.
"In school I try to keep my attention on what I'm doing and try not to get distracted. I don't really have any specific goals, other than to try and be the best I can be in everything that I do."
East Franklin teacher and coach Ryan Swinney describes Berry as a good role model for her peers.
"Breanna has just always been a good person and student from kindergarten on up, and she always gives her best effort whether it's in sports or school," Swinney said. "She is a very dependable and giving person, and well-liked by all the kids and teachers, which you don't see very often."
In addition to softball, she is involved in 4-H and serves as the SADD reporter. She was also elected as a homecoming court representative and class president.
In her spare time Berry, who enjoys rock bands Green Day and AC/DC and Top 40 station 104.3 WZYP, enjoys going to Florence with her friends.
"I like spending time with my friends and going to Florence to the movies and the mall," said Berry, an animal lover who is considering a career in veterinarian medicine. "I also like playing wtih my dog Rocky, a Boston terrier that's about seven years old."
Berry is the daughter of Joey and Denise Berry and has one older brother, Allen, 16, and one younger sister, Britteny, 14.