Katrina Avery, at left, and her sister Victoria Avery pause for this photo. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Katrina Avery, salutatorian at James Clemens High School, attributes time management as her key to good grades.

“I had to balance multiple advanced-placement classes while dedicating many hours to track and volleyball meets,” Avery said. “I refused to allow myself to be distracted.”

On a typical school day, she arrived home about 6 p.m. after track practice, studied until 10 or 11 p.m., while squeezing in time for dinner and household chores.

“The world fascinates me,” Avery said. “I strive to learn as much about it as possible.”

Usually, she could gauge the required work “to emerge from the class with an A.” She never overexerted, realizing she couldn’t concentrate without much sleep.

“Don’t be scared of challenges; they will only prepare you for your future,” Avery said. Her only regret … not taking AP U.S. history.

Avery’s final GPA was 5.02. Her favorite class was AP physics – electricity and magnetism with Greg Duvall. She commuted to Bob Jones High School for this class.

“I was overwhelmed at how willing everyone was to work with me,” she said. Avery also acknowledged AP teachers Cory Wright, Amy Protos and Greg Ennis.

Avery’s most valued award was third place for high jump at the 2014 state track meet.

“I’m really going to miss people (in) track while I’m at college. They’ve basically become my family,” she said. “Track allowed me to believe in myself and attack my classes with a competitive spirit.”

Avery was a National Merit Finalist, participated in National Honor Society and volunteered at Asbury Community Thrift Store.

Her parents are Brian and Marina Avery. He works as an environmental manager at Nucor Steel Mill. Katrina has a brother at Auburn University and a sister at James Clemens.

She appreciates her parents’ support. “They provided an optimal environment to allow my reaching for success … and to pursue my interests in sports,” Katrina said.

Katrina will study chemical engineering at Auburn. “I’m keeping my plans wide open in regards to graduate school,” she said.