Ashley Hinkle

Did you ever meet someone involved in a little bit of everything? Someone whose many interests combined form one great individual? This is Ashley Hinkle of Natrona Heights Middle School. Her interests and accomplishments are diverse, but like the pieces of a puzzle, they fit perfectly.

One of the biggest pieces of Ashley’s life is her academic achievement. She had an overall 95.45% for the first semester this year. Highlands School District awards students for their achievements each semester. If you receive an 86-89 % you get Brown; a 90-95% gets you Gold and 96% and higher gives you High Gold. She has received High gold in the past and just missed getting it again. Ashley is also involved in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program through the school. They compete academically with students from other schools. Ashley recently competed with thirty other students in five school districts and walked away with a first place for her puzzle and problem solving abilities.

Another major section of Ashley’s life is her participation in the Girl Scout program. Beginning eight years ago as a Daisy in kindergarten, Ashley has worked hard to move through the ranks to he current position of Cadet. The rank of Cadet is just two levels away from the highest a girl can receive. Ashley is confident that she will be able to complete the necessary requirements to attain it. As a Girl Scout she attends weekly meetings and goes on an outing twice a month. One of her bi-monthly outings was a trip to the National Guard base in Pittsburgh where she took a course on Outdoor Survival. There she learned first aid and how to use a compass.

Ashley also dedicated a large portion of her time to serving others in her community. Along with her mother, Ashley is a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. One of her responsibilities there is helping to cook for the veteran’s lunch. But, that is just part of the dedication she has shown to her community and last year she had over 100 hours of community service. Through the Girl Scouts she helped with the local flood drives by helping to organize the orders for clothing and toys for the families that were stricken by the flood in Tarentum.

Another missing piece to the equation is her involvement with the Top Hats Majorette and Baton Corps. She has been a member for the past year and has had opportunity to compete with the group and attend parades. Ashley also is an outfielder for the Natrona Heights Little League softball team, participates in the school band playing clarinet, and has a job as a papergirl. All these pieces fit together nicely to create a picture of a very well rounded and inspiring young woman.

To watch the video interview with Jeff Garrett go to http://www.allekiskitoday.com/webcasts/1362.