Scholar-Athlete of the Week: Heather Holland

By Staff
Kim West
VINA – One word aptly describes Vina senior Heather Holland – determined.
Holland has used that determination to lead the Vina girls in scoring on the basketball court this season and earn valedictorian status in her senior class with a 96.2 cumulative average.
"I have to make good grades, or I don't feel right about it," Holland said. "Blake (Thorn) and Ryan (Manasco) also make good grades in our class, so it was a relief when we found out last week who was going to be valedictorian."
Holland said she hasn't decided on a major or occupation yet, but she plans to attend a junior college this fall.
"I'm probably going to Northwest-Shoals, but I'm undecided on my major," said Holland, who is expected to receive a valedictorian scholarship.
Holland said she enjoys attending Vina because of its small size.
"It's a small school and you know everybody. I like that it's down-to-earth," said Holland, whose favorite subject is history and favorite teacher is Sherry Nix, who teaches sixth grade at Vina.
"I like history because it's interesting, and math is probably the subject I have to work the hardest on. Mrs. Nix is funny, but she's a good teacher."
Holland serves as SADD president and belongs to the annual staff, Leo Club and National Honor Society. In addition to play post for the basketball team, she also plays centerfield for the softball squad.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and listening to music.
"Besides basketball, I like to ride 4-wheelers and my favorite music is comtemporary Christian, especially Toby Mac," said Holland, who named junior Kayla Raper as her funniest teammate. "With TV or movies, I like 'Tom and Jerry' and dumb stuff like 'Napoleon Dynamite.'"
She is the daughter of David and Sherry Holland and has a younger brother, Josh, 15, a ninth-grader at Vina, and an older sister, Tracy, 20.