Ramona High selects Julie Voorhes as a 2013 Scholar Athlete of the Year

By Bill Tamburrino

Julie Voorhes, who earned two varsity letters in soccer and two in volleyball, and recorded a 4.40 grade point average in college preparatory, honors and advanced placement courses, has received a 2013 Ramona High School Scholar Athlete of the Year award.

Voorhes started playing sports at the age of 4 and her accomplishments in volleyball and soccer put her in the running for the Lady Bulldog Athlete of the Year award that her teammate, Mikayla Derochie, received.

“My parents (Michael and Gail) gave up many weekends to drive me to games and tournaments and always gave me positive words of encouragement,” Voorhes said.

She once had 32 digs in a varsity volleyball tournament. Voorhes plays with such enthusiasm and zeal that one would think volleyball was her No. 1 priority; however, Voorhes attacks her every endeavor like it was a serve or spike.

When asked the best lesson that she learned from playing two sports and taking demanding classes, Voorhes replied, “Manage your time and set your priorities so that you can take on multiple responsibilities and still get six hours sleep.”

Her favorite class at RHS was history and her favorite teacher was Mona Snodgrass.

Voorhes has been admitted to Smith College, an academic institution in Northampton, Mass., where she plans on majoring in political science and American Studies and pursue a career in law.

She also plans on playing intercollegiate volleyball while at Smith College.

“Julie has been asked to come out for the team. The coaches have seen her play and liked what they saw. She is the epitome of the term student/athlete and will fit in great at such a prestigious academic institution,” said RHS volleyball coach Connie Halfaker.

“Sports are important but academics are more so. It is important to try hard to find a manageable balance between the two so that you can excel at both,” is the advice that Voorhes would give incoming high school freshman.