Being a leader in a graduating high school class isn’t easy, and juggling each extra curricular activity can only make it tougher. For senior Katherine Burns, this crazy life style is the norm for her. Burns currently leads her class academically, as well as in the organizations she is involved with.

She is on the Lady Bear Varsity Soccer team and is a member of Key Club and outside of school, she takes dance, participates in her youth group at the First Presbyterian Church, and is helping in the Bear Buddies Mentoring Program.

“I am very busy, but being involved has helped me learn to manage my time well,” she said.

According to Burns, most of the activities she is involved with are for enjoyment.

“I love sports and dance,” she said. “I also enjoy Key Club and youth group because of the people and there are many opportunities for me to help others and the community.”

Burns said her biggest challenges of being a senior are being involved in so many activities and keeping her grades up.

“It can be really easy to get caught up in all my activities and lose track of what is truly important,” she said. “So far this year I think I have been doing a pretty good job of staying grounded.”

After a typical school day, Burns usually has some kind of extra curricular activity. If she is not too busy and does not have too much homework, she will run and then devote the rest of her time to studying.

“This year I would say I probably spend anywhere from five to seven hours a night (on homework),” Burns said.