by NICOLE CARDINALI Staff Writer
Jeena Patel is about to finish her last year here at Monroe Township High School with nothing but pride and the good memories she created in the last four years.
During Patel’s freshman and sophomore year at MTHS, she started playing lacrosse, as well as shooting guard for the girls’ basketball team.
Patel played varsity basketball her junior year. She was also a starting defensive player on the varsity lacrosse team that same year.
Currently, Patel is a starting defensive player for varsity lacrosse, as well as the varsity captain.
“I really like being the captain. It’s definitely taught me leadership and responsibility like making sure everyone comes to practice on time with all the equipment and having to lead stretches,” Patel said.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Patel managed to be a Mathlete her sophomore year and participate in two years of Fly Camp. She is also part of the Safety Ambassador’s Program, National Honors Society, and Spanish Honors Society.
“Throughout high school, I’d have to say I’m most proud of making the National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society and making varsity for both lacrosse and basketball,” Patel said.
In addition to excelling in sports and clubs, Patel excels in her academics, too. Through all her four years at this school, she managed to keep her GPA above a 3.6 with her current GPA being a 3.7. She has been in mostly honors classes and participated in various AP classes as well. Patel is currently ranked number 90 in the entire senior class of over 400 students.
For Patel’s Senior Option, she is part of the Athletic Training Internship in our school’s trainer’s office. Patel did not participate in basketball her senior year due to the fact that she wanted more time to spend learning at this internship.
Next fall, Patel will be attending the University of East Carolina in Greenville, North Carolina. There, she plans on majoring in Exercise Physiology. She also plans on playing for the club lacrosse team at the University of East Carolina.
After she goes through an extra seven years of schooling to get her Doctorate, Patel plans on becoming a physical trainer.
“I love Jeena! She’s always so positive and helpful on the field. She’s so nice and always offers to drive me to the field for practice or help carry the equipment even when she doesn’t have to. She is always stretching people on the team whenever they need it. Jeena is a really good captain too,” freshman Courtney Frycz said.
With an impressive four years to look back on, Patel is ready to take on her future at the University of East Carolina with some more hard work and dedication.
“The most important thing I learned in the four years I spent at this high school would be to get out there. It’s important to join clubs and sports, make new friends, and try new experiences. I also learned to always try your hardest, because in the end it will definitely pay off,” Patel said.
Jeena Patel has been very involved in our school for the last four years. What activities can you join to get yourself more involved?