Fike Senior Wins Morehead Scholarship, Extra Effort Award

A three-sport star, she was Tri-Captain of Fike's basketball team, which finished at 25-2.

In the classroom, Kalita Marsh is brilliant. With a 4.6 grade point average, she is also the winner of a prestigious Morehead Scholarship to theUniversity of North Carolina.

She impresses in many, many ways.

"[She] hates to lose at anything," says her coach. "If we had played tiddlywinks, she'd want to win. [She] absolutely despises to be told she cannot do something. That's probably the button to push is to tell her, 'I don't think you can do it.' And that drives her to prove you wrong."

Teacher David Kirkland agrees. "She's very mature for her age, especially in high school," he says. "She reminds me of a junior or senior in college. That's how focused she is."

Marsh attributes her success to her team. "I've had great teammates and great coaches, and altogether we worked together well. And that's what made us a good team my last four years here," Marsh says. "It means a lot to be able to wear that Fike uniform."

Looking out for other people is something Marsh does off the court as well. She is the kind of person who would defend the defenseless and is not afraid to speak out in support of what she thinks is right, even if it is unpopular. Her coach says that strength is what has made her an excellent leader.

"I always thought leadership was better by not being negative and domineering. I always felt like if you were inclusive in your leadership role, then everybody would be happy," she says. "I just wanted people to see somebody who would always want to do their best, a hard worker, and also somebody who was very caring and sincere and down-to-earth. And that's what I want people to remember me for."

Kalita Marsh is this week's winner of the Extra Effort Award. Tom Suiter's Extra Effort award airs Wednesdays during WRAL's 6:00 News.

Do you have a nomination for the Extra Effort Award?Mail us your suggestions.