A beaming Ashley Paulk said it was "pretty good, actually" to be chosen the 2002 female Achiever of the Year for Butler County. The Fort Dale Academy senior, the daughter of Ronnie and Sharon Paulk, gives her family much credit for her success. "Can my grandma and grandpa be in the picture with us?" she queried following the evening's presentation.

This was no surprise to mom Sharon. "Her grandparents never miss one of her games, they've always been there for her," Sharon said with a smile.

Ashley has kept her family hopping with her athletic schedule. She has lettered in basketball, softball and volleyball at FDA, serving as captain in both volleyball and basketball. Ashley was a member of the All-District Basketball Team in her junior year and All-Tournament Basketball Team as both a junior and a senior.

The multi-talented athlete was also selected for the All-Tournament Volleyball Team, AISA Volleyball All-Star and Volleyball Ambassador Award this year.

Ashley has also proved her leadership capabilities as Junior Class President, National Beta Club president, Key Club president and treasurer of the National Honor Society.

The bright young woman also is a member of the computer team at FDA and received the US National Mathematics Award. She has also earned the Good Citizenship Award, served as a Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference Ambassador and received the President's Education Award. Ashley is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at FDA.

Ashley will attend Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee this fall where she plans to participate in intramural sports including volleyball, basketball and softball.

As for her major, the new Achiever says, "Well, I have narrowed it down to three choices, but I'm undecided right now."

Coincidentally, Ashley is the 6th of 10 recipients of the Achiever Award who have hailed from Fort Dale Academy. When asked if she thought the high quality of education at FDA had an impact on the judges' decision, she grinned, saying, "Well, of course, that must have SOMETHING to do with it."