Discovery student Janice Hendrick is a writer, figure skater, artist and musician. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Janice Hendrick is the definition of well rounded, with interests in writing, athletics and music.

The Discovery Middle School eighth-grader’s favorite subjects are language arts and band. “I like these classes the best because both allow me to express myself. Writing and music are an important form of communication — kind of like art,” she said.

Realistic stories or essays are Kendrick’s favorite writings. “I can make a fake story seem so real people will question if it really happened,” she said.

Tonya Breeding, her language arts teacher, has recognized Hendrick’s writing aptitude. Hendrick wrote about a girl and ghost for an assignment from Breeding:

” … Now what stood in front of me was a scared frightened woman who was just as lost as me. Julia seemed to be stuck between herself and what was tearing at her to get out …”

A member of Discovery symphonic and marching bands, Hendrick has played clarinet at concerts, parades and football games. She takes private lessons at Madison Band Supply.

Art is another form of expression for Hendrick. She uses charcoal and pencils for doodling. “I also enjoy the art of photography or editing photography to enhance natural beauty,” Hendrick said.

Hendrick learned about art in elementary school and reading books on her own. “I’ve experimented with shading and highlighting and where lights should fall in certain places,” she said.

A figure skater for about five years, Hendrick has competed in Birmingham; Decatur; Nashville; Troy, Ohio; and Columbus, Ind. So devoted to the sport, she gets up at 4:30 a.m. to skate before school. She works as a teacher’s assistant one night per week.

Hendrick has earned gold, silver and bronze medals in more than 36 skating events. On ice, she has portrayed a cannibal, spy, Arabian dancer and Cruella De Vil. At the rink, she also takes ballet.

Her parents are Bart and Sheree Hendrick, both employees at IroquoiSystems Inc. Janice’s brother John, 18, attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville.