Garner's Ferry a Musician and Athlete

She's an accomplished pianist and singer. She's ranked sixth academically in the Garner senior class, a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students.

Meri Ellen was a starter at first base and did some pitching for the Trojans Tri-Seven Conference Champion softball team that made it to the third round of the state playoffs. This is truly a young woman who's excelled as a high school student.

"(She has a) very strong character," says teacher Ann Coln. "She's able to be herself. She's considerate of other people, athletic, class leader, scholar and a very talented musician."

Susan Barritt agrees:

"She's a really, really good thinker," Barritt explains. "She'll ask a question, and I'll start to answer it. She'll be able to just look at what I'm getting ready to point at, and she'll get it. I rarely even have to answer a question for her."

Meri Ellen says there's nothing that necessarily makes her want to be better than other people. She wants to better herself every day.

"Every time I go out for a softball game, I want to have a better game than I had the last game," Meri Ellen admits. "Everytime I take a test at school, I want to do better than I did on the last test. I think that's what's helped me get to where I am in all of my activities."

Garner's softball coach agrees that Meri Ellen puts in the extra effort it takes to be successful.

Scholar, musician, athlete... Meri Ellen Ferry of Garner High School is this week's winner of the Extra Effort Award.