Awards & Recognition

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Julianne Hendricks

Edwardsville Liberty

Principal: Ms. Beth Crumbacher

Changing schools in fifth grade was a struggle for Julianne Hendricks. "This was the first time I felt like an outsider and didn't how who to hang out with or talk to," Julianne says. Participation in interscholastic activities such as cheer, Student Athlete Leadership Team, and Friends in Touch (F.I.T./G.O.) helped Julianne make new friends in middle school.

In fact, making friends and learning how to work with others are the major benefits of participating in interscholastic activities, Julianne says. She's most proud of trying out for the 6th-grade cheer team with a broken ankle in a boot. Julianne had worked hard to perfect a back handspring before breaking her ankle. "I was so upset and frustrated at first," she says. But she tried out anyway in the boot and sent the coaches a video of her tumbling before the broken ankle accident. After making the cheer team, Julianne says she realized she can't give up or lose hope when challenges arise.

The Scholar Attitude Award winner for Board of Directors Division O, Julianne has been named to Honor Roll and placed second at IESA Cheer Championship. She notes her school lost the cheer championship round to Lincoln, their fiercest competitor. She says winning and losing with grace is one of the most important lessons of sportsmanship in interscholastic activities.

After high school Julianne has several ideas for a career path, all of which involve children. Teacher, pediatrician or children's counselor are on the list. "I really want to bring kids joy and help them know they are special," she says.

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