TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
National Guard. She is a Las Amigas Debutante and a proud member of Top Teens of America and the SWORD and SHIELD Organization. She has volunteered at local homeless shelters, led voter registration drives, coordinated meal donations, and contributed to community beautification efforts throughout Texarkana. She earned the community service learning credit offered through both the Texarkana Arkansas School District and the state of Arkansas. Accomplishing so much takes planning, commitment, talent, and many hours that could otherwise be spent carefree with friends. To keep all of it from swallowing her whole, Addison has had to be strategic. “If I think about it too much, I will get overwhelmed,” she said. “For me, the key to juggling my activities, job, schoolwork, and life is by simply doing it.” Faith also plays a role in keeping her grounded. A lifelong member of Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas, Addison draws strength from her church community alongside everything else she carries. And her motivation is not just one person but an entire group of them. “It’s my family. They inspire me to always strive for more.” Addison is also one of Arkansas High’s Collegiate Academy students through the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, adding another layer to her academic record. She has committed to Arkansas State University, where she will compete as a discus thrower for the Red Wolves. Her vision for the future is as layered as everything else about her. She wants to become a radiologist, build real wealth, and have a family of her own, and a bakery or small business somewhere in the mix would not surprise anyone who knows her. Kortina said it best, the way mothers sometimes do when the child they raised has become someone the entire community is proud of, “That goes to show how God predestined her path. She is walking in her true calling.”
Addison plans to attend Arkansas State University, where she will compete as a discus thrower for the Red Wolves.
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