Petty wins state recognition

It's no secret that RHS junior Abie Petty is a talented student. During her 12 years as a part of the Rector School District's student body, she has consistently been among the brightest and most heralded of her class. When teachers send notes home to her parents, they are always filled with praise.

The 16-year-old now has another good note to take home. Petty was the RHS recipient of the Arkansas Activities Association's (AAA) Interscholastic Star award. The award spotlights those students who: are actively involved in school and community activities; show an ability to adapt to meet challenging situations with courage, perseverance and commitment, and have an attitude of cooperation and dependability when working with others.

"It makes us proud to have students who achieve these things and get recognition on the state level," said RHS principal Wade Williams. "Abie is an outstanding student who does a good job of positively representing both her school and community to others."

The daughter of Richard and Jessie Petty, Abie is involved in many organizations at RHS. She is secretary of the Student Council and is actively involved in FBLA, FCCLA, Drama Club, International Thespian Society, Economic Challenge Team and Cougars are BAD.

Petty says she enjoys being involved in a variety of different organizations.

"I'm interested in a lot of different things, so I like to be a part of different groups. I like to meet new people, and being a part of different groups lets me do that."

Petty says her future plans include attending Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

"As of right now, I'm thinking of double majoring in psychology and criminology and being an FBI profiler," Petty said. "That's just right now, though. It changes every week."

In her spare time, Petty enjoys reading mystery and science fiction novels. She also is an aspiring writer, working on her own short stories and poetry.

"If something interests me, I want to learn as much about it as I can. That's just the way I am."

Petty is not only talented in the classroom. She's also known for her willingness to help others and for her overall good nature.

"Abie is the type of student who is always courteous to others and willing to help those who need it," Williams said. "She's someone younger students can look up to."