Whiz Kid is a Role Model

NAME: Ashley Matkins, 16

SCHOOL: Sophomore at Murrieta Valley High School

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Ashley is a top student and athlete at Murrieta Valley High School. She has earned a 4.0 gpa in her college prep courses for the last two years. She received a scholar athlete award last year as a freshman varsity softball player and continues as the starting catcher for the varsity team. She also played junior varsity basketball this year.

"She has the biggest heart, best personality, and is the smartest 16-year-old I know," said Shannon Johnson, Ashley's aunt.

KEY TO AWESOMENESS: Ashley knows that good grades and good study habits will get you where you want to be in the future. She has devoted much of her teenage life to studying and playing sports and is successful at both, Johnson said.

"She has numerous colleges already looking at her for her softball skills but even more so for her academics.

"Ashley is my son's role model and has made a great impression on her 12-year-old sister."

UPDATE 4/24: Ashley injured her back in a softball game on April 20, and was hospitalized for four days before being released on Saturday. She is back home now recovering.

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