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By Madeline Stokell Lexie Scott is a senior at St. Francis Catholic High School in Gainesville, Florida. For years, she has defied the odds by making her way in a male-dominated sport, football. Now, she’s a kicker on the Wolve’s Varsity team. High School Illustrated talked with Lexie to see just how she got to where she is today. How …

The Silent Strength of Teamwork By Russell O. Karr The short jog from the locker room to the practice field at the beginning of a new high school lacrosse season is usually just an insignificant event. But it can be a gauntlet of anxiety and questioning if you are the only deaf player heading into your first practice with new, …

Michelle Mazza Overcomes Challenges Early in Life By Norma Palacios and Bianca Olvera Lopez Helping people is a long-term goal for Ocean Township High School (NJ) senior track and field star Michelle Mazza. Her courageous accomplishments in sports and life in the face of difficult medical challenges have focused Mazza on a medical career to help others as she has …

A rigorous road for Colin White, on his way to play professional hockey. By Kristen Giddings ANN ARBOR, Michigan__ Even before he was old enough to understand the depths and dedication his dream would require, Colin White dreamed of playing hockey. He dreamed of Boston College hockey, of playing for a team he idolized, and being one of the few …

By Russell O. Karr “Set your goals high, and don’t stop ’til you get there.” – Bo Jackson “Honestly, I want to be the first woman to get two Olympic gold medals in volleyball; one in indoor and one in beach.” This is how Kathryn Plummer clearly and confidently explained her goals to High School Illustrated in a recent interview. …

By Ryan Bundy | Photos by Bob Leivy Close your eyes for a minute and prepare to imagine. Imagine being a 17-year-old high school athlete, winning a state title in track. How great of a feeling would that be? Now imagine being the eighth-ranked football player in America with every college football program wanting you to play for their alma …

Understanding What It All Means Even the most casual food shoppers have probably noticed the increased quantity and variety of organic foods available in regular grocery stores. Once the specialty of health food stores, organic foods are spreading from specialty aisles to shelves throughout the big food stores. Maybe you’re wondering what all the fuss is about. Are organic foods …

by Norma Palacios and Russell O. Karr Dedication, solid work ethic, strong family support, and a noteworthy focus on balance in her life provide Fremont High School basketball star, Jessica Shepard, with a solid foundation for success in sports and life. Ranked third in the country by ESPN and first in her position, Jessica was also Gatorade’s 2013-14 and 2012-13 …

Tacko Fall, a 7-foot-5 high school senior from Senegal, thrives on and off the court by Kristen Giddings   TAVARES, Florida__As young players across the country gear-up for the upcoming basketball season, Tacko Fall stands above them all. Literally. The 7’5″ high school senior currently holds the spot as the tallest player in the country, standing two inches over even …

By Madeline Stokell The new era of cheerleading has all heads turned in its direction, waiting to see what’s next. Feats of strength and coordination dazzle the eye in performances of spirit and positive energy. The sheer difficulty of the routines seen at national cheerleading competitions seem to dispel any prejudices against the sport; old ideas of pom poms waving are …