Page 31 - All Arkansas Preps 2020

I WAS EXCITED. I mean, it’s always an honor to be given something like this.”
— Carly Strong, FIRST SECURITY BANK KEITH JACKSON ACADEMIC AWARD RECIPIENT
In outdoor track, Strong has won the 100-meter state championship twice, the 200-meter state championship twice and the 400-meter state championship. She has also made all-state three years and all-conference for three years. Unfortunately, her senior track season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carly also holds nine school
records in track.
“It’s her work ethic,” said Tony Bone, head girls track coach at Sheridan High School. “Just because practice is over doesn’t mean her practice
is over. She’s easily the last to leave and just a very dedicated athlete. She’s the hardest-working athlete I’ve ever coached.”
For her dedication to athletics, academics and other activities she has been recognized with the First Security Bank Keith Jackson Academic Award.
“High school athletes play a significant
role in our local communities throughout Arkansas, and we are pleased to recognize
Carly’s contributions by presenting her
with the First Security Bank Keith Jackson Academic Award,” said Reynie Rutledge, chairman and CEO of First Security Bank. “She gives back to her community through her sports programs, but also through her school leadership, church and other service-oriented activities.”
Strong said she gets a lot of her work ethic from her father, Glenn Strong. She said he’s always working on something, can’t sit still and is very encouraging.
“He’s kind of like my second coach,” Carly said. “He really showed me how to work hard and how it can pay off.”
Carly doesn’t have to look very far to see how hard work pays off. Her older brother, Hunter Strong, played baseball at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2018.
“She’s about as hardworking a young athlete as I’ve ever been around,” Glenn said. “I’ve been blessed with two kids who work very hard; her older brother is the same way.
Carly also has more than 250 hours of community service, including with
Advertising Supplement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | All-Arkansas Preps | Sunday, June 28, 2020 31M
CARLY’S
■ GPA: 4.32
■ 250 hours of
community service
■ Holds seven individual and two relay Sheridan High School track records
■ Four-time indoor 60-meter-dash state champion
■ Two-time outdoor 100-meter-dash state champion
■ Three-time all-state ■ Three-time
all-conference
■ FUTURE PLANS: Carly will run at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and plans to study communication disorders.
SEE STRONG, PAGE 46