Franks wins Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award

RUSSELLVILLE — Natalee Franks, a senior at Tharptown High School, received the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award as a regional winner and received a $3,000 scholarship.

“That award means so much,” Franks said. “It shows that I can do what I set my mind to, and I can get through anything because of what I got through to get there.”

Franks said she faced challenges from an early age, having to spend part of her childhood in foster care before later living in an environment she described as difficult and unsupportive.

“This past January, I got out of that situation,” Franks said. “It feels like I got set free.”

Franks said she was able to leave the home after getting married, which changed her legal status and allowed her to make her own decisions.

Franks said the situation involved years of emotional strain that made it difficult for her to leave. She said she focused on school and athletics during that time and worked to maintain stability where she could.

“I had to push through. I had to fake it till I made it,” Franks said. “I was working hard to keep my grades up and do good in sports, even though I had been put through things that a kid shouldn’t have to go through.”

She said that routine helped her stay focused.

“When I got on the field or on the track, it was like a switch,” she said. “I’m doing something good with my life.”

Franks has played centerfield for the Tharptown softball team for the past three seasons. She runs track and has also participated in cross country.

Head softball coach Jonathan Jones pointed to her range in the outfield and ability to track the ball.

“She’s been our starting centerfielder for the last three years, and she’s got great speed,” Jones said. “When her attitude is right, nobody’s better.”

Franks said time on the field carried over into how she viewed herself away from playing softball.

“It made me feel like I was doing something good. I’m better than what I was being told I was,” she said.

Lori Huffaker, a former Talent Search advisor and ACT prep teacher for Franks, said she has seen that consistency in the classroom as well.

“She represents our student body very well,” Huffaker said. “She was voted homecoming queen, which shows how highly she’s regarded by the student body here at Tharptown High School.”

Huffaker said Franks approaches her schoolwork with consistency.

“She strives to make straight A’s and is very conscientious about her grades,” Huffaker said. “She’s very nice and kind to others and respectful.”

Huffaker said she first met Franks through the Talent Search program at Northwest Shoals Community College and later taught her in an ACT preparation class. She said Franks also attended a STEM camp at the University of North Alabama.

Each school nominates one scholar-athlete and one achievement candidate for the Bryant-Jordan program. Area coaches vote to advance nominees to the regional level, where one winner in each category is selected.

Franks advanced as a regional Achievement Award winner and became eligible for classification honors.

Tharptown High School Principal Dr. Tyler Berryman said Franks advanced as a contender in the 2A classification but did not win at that level.

“We’re very proud of Natalee,” Berryman said. “She’s overcome a lot in her life, and she’s a great example of perseverance.”

Franks said she plans to attend Calhoun Community College before pursuing a law degree. She said she wants to work in family law and help others facing difficult situations.

Franks said teammates, coaches, teachers, and family members played a role along the way.

“It’s really good to know that you have people like that in your corner,” she said. “I just want to thank God, my friends and my family. They were there for me through everything.”