The actions of 17-year-old Katie Nordick best describe who she is.
The quiet Providence Academy senior is what her teachers and peers would call a star student-athlete.
"We certainly would aspire to have kids who are strong academically, who participate in our fine arts programs and athletics program," says Providence Academy Athletic Director Kurt Jaeger. "Katie is exceptional in that she not only does those three things, but she’s a really high achiever in all of them as well."
Katie has taken honors math and science classes throughout all four years of high school. She's in track and field and plays volleyball and basketball. She also has played the tenor saxophone since she was in third grade. Despite her busy schedule, she maintains a 3.99 GPA.
"It’s very tough," says Katie. "I don’t get much sleep.... I just have this internal motivation and I just hold myself to a certain standard and it’s always been that way."
"She tends to be a perfectionist," says Katie’s math teacher, Annette Hildebrandt. "When the going gets tough, she doesn’t give up. She just keeps working all that much harder."
That habit holds true in the classroom and on the practice field. The athletic director says she will work harder and longer than everyone else in order to perfect her craft.
Perhaps what coaches love most about her is the fact that she sets a good example for her teammates and everyone around her.
"It’s not a coincidence that she’s a good student," says Kurt. "Katie’ll be the first one on a bus at night to have a book open, working on things she needs to do."
Katie plans to attend Dartmouth next fall. She will throw for the school's track team.
When asked where she sees herself in five years, she answered "I hope to be in medical school." Katie says she doesn’t mind the challenge or the extra years of school.
"I’m extremely proud of her because I know the world is her oyster," says Annette. "What she sets her mind to, she will accomplish."
Renee Banot
rbanot@twelve.tv
May 10, 2012