LAUREL HILL — Lauren Gordon plans to attend Northwest Florida State College in the falland earn a degree in psychology.
And the accomplished student and athlete will have a little help to pay for her education.
True leader
Gordon is the president of Laurel Hill School's senior class and Fellowship of Christian Athletes group, she's the school's Beta Club vice president and is active in the Leadership Club.
On top of it all, she balanced playing varsity sports and work while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
And for such achievements, the 18-year-old has earned the city's $1,000 scholarship.
The honor comes as no surprise to Gordon's supervisor at work, Red Raspberry and Boutique owner Donna Howard.
"(She is) one of the best things here at the Red Raspberry," Howard said. "She is dependable … very eager to work."
Tough separation
Gordon, who was this year's Homecoming Queen and has enjoyed playing varsity softball, volleyball and speaking at school functions, has been a Hobo since the seventh grade.
She anticipates her future, but moving on will be tough, she said.
"I'm really going to miss the whole experience of being at Laurel Hill School," she said. "Everyone is just so close … they are more than just teachers; they are more like friends and family members."
Attending college close by will allow her to stay involved with LHS and speak at future FCA events, she said.
An inspiration
The teenager, who regularly attends Christ Family Church, credits her father, David, and her Christian faith as keys to her success.
"Everyone has obstacles in life," she said. "You can't do it by yourself; it is God that helps you."
Her deep faith is one of the many traits that make Lauren an amazing individual, David said.
"I know people will take that with a grain of salt since I am her father," he said.
"She has definitely inspired me."
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill School standout earns city's scholarship