Prep Sports had the chance to speak with Carl Junction’s Sydney Ward to learn more about her. PREP SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?

My personal goal for this year in track is to improve myself in every way I can. My goals include: getting PRs, placing higher in the state track meet than last year, and becoming more versatile in which events I can run.

PREP SPORTS: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?

The most fun I’ve had in the past year would be Camp Ozark. It’s a summer camp I’ve gone to for the past 10 years. I’ve made friends from all over the country and every year we share a cabin for 2 weeks. It’s a Christian camp with sports-based activities. It creates a fun environment to make new friends and reunite with old friends from the past years.

PREP SPORTS: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?

I’d say Mrs. Valdois, she was my kindergarten teacher! She was always so sweet and kind. She taught me how to draw a turtle. We always did such fun activities in her class and she was a great teacher.

PREP SPORTS: What is your favorite athletic memory?

My favorite athletic memory is long jumping for CJ Freedom Track Club when I was about 8 years old. I would put red spray hair dye in my braided ponytail for every meet. I made friends with the girls from other teams while we were waiting to jump. I loved practicing for it and having fun competitions with my
teammates.

PREP SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Ally Montez has left the biggest impression on me. She graduated high school last year and is now running track at Pitt State University. I’ve ran with her since I was little, we were both on the CJ Freedom
Track Club in the summers. Ally is very hardworking and kind. She showed me that track can give you great opportunities in life; like running in college. Ally is incredibly competitive and she was a great example to me my freshman season.

PREP SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

My favorite part about this team is all my friends! I love all my teammates with everything in me. They bring the fun and jokes to every practice and always know how to lighten the mood. My team is the most
encouraging bunch of people I’ve ever been around.

PREP SPORTS: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?

If I could go anywhere for summer vacation, I would go to Hawaii & I’d take my mom with. We love the beach and the warm weather. My mom is super fun to travel with!! We’ve always wanted to learn to surf and hula dance!

PREP SPORTS: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?

With $500, I would donate half to my church. Then, I’d save part of it and invest part of it. Finally, I’d adopt 3 kittens from the local shelter. With the rest of the money, I’d take several friends to dinner.

PREP SPORTS: Do you participate in any community service projects?

I’ve volunteered for Special Olympics for the past couple years. I volunteer with baby care at College Heights Christian Church. I’ve helped with the Blood Drive at my school. Also, the volleyball team has
done community service during the summer.

PREP SPORTS: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

I’m involved with Student Council at Carl Junction High school. This last year, I participated in volleyball, swim, and track. I’m part of FCA at my school also. My school offers a Business Management class. The
students run a coffee shop for the students and teachers called Java Junction.

Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?

I’m in National Spanish Honors Society and Student Council.