Cocoa Beach Seniors Nominated for Academic All-State Team

Cocoa Beach Student Athletes Excel in Both the Classroom and Athletic Competition

CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Mark J. Rendell, Principal of Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School

We have hundreds of wonderful students at Cocoa Beach and if given the time and space, I would brag about all of them. Unfortunately, that is not possible. But, I do want to tell you about two of our Seniors; Madison Day and Michael Watson. They are true “student athletes.”

The Florida Dairy Farmers Association and the Florida High School Activities Association, which oversees high school sports in Florida, select a handful of Senior students each year for an Academic All-State Team. These are graduating Seniors who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition. Well, Madison and Michael certainly qualify and are our nominees to the All-State Team.

Madison has recorded straight A’s in all of her classes here at Cocoa Beach for a perfect unweighted grade point average of 4.0, and a weighted average of 4.7. She has taken on the challenge of participating in the International Baccalaureate Programme and has even been designated an AP Scholar with Honors. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Student Government, and is First Chair Cellist for the Orchestra. To say Madison has been active in athletics would be an understatement. She is Captain of the Varsity Girls Soccer team and has been on Varsity since her Sophomore year. She has also played for three years on the Varsity Golf team and this spring she is playing Varsity Softball.

Madison Day

photo provided by CBHS Principal Mark Rendell

Madison Day CBHS Varsity Soccer

photo provided by CBHS Principal Mark Rendell

Madison is grateful for the lessons sports has taught her,

“As a three-sport athlete and IB student, I am thankful for the life lessons I have learned by participating in these programs throughout the years. Through sports, I have learned teamwork is the best way to achieve a goal. There are many things, both on and off the field, I would not have been able to accomplish if I did not have my teammates at my side. I also have learned that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are critical for success in both sports and academics. I believe my participation in these extracurricular activities has greatly contributed to my achievements due to the life lessons they have taught me, and I would never have realized how connected they are. I am very thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Michael has exhibited strong performance in the classroom as well. He is also pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma, has taken numerous AP courses and boasts a 3.9 unweighted and 4.5 weighted grade point average. He is a member of the National Honor Society, an officer in the Junior ROTC program, and participates in academic competitions such as the Math Bowl. Michael has earned a Varsity letter in three sports for five straight years. He has been a member of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team since 8th grade and also on the Varsity Swim team since 8th grade, serving as team Captain this year. But Wrestling is the sport in which he has had the most success. Wrestling at the Varsity level since 7th grade, Michael has won two Cape Coast Conference titles, qualified for the state meet five times, placed at the state meet four times, and been named an All County Wrestler three times. He has been a team Captain for three straight years.

Michael Watson

photo provided by CBHS Principal Mark Rendell

Reflecting in the difference that participation in athletics has made on his life, Michael said,

“Sports have taught me it is important to always keep your composure and stay tough, even during the toughest of times.”

I think everyone would agree that these are accomplished student athletes and fine young people. Just two of the many we are fortunate to have at Cocoa Beach.

Michael Watson CBHS Varsity Wrestling

photo provided by CBHS Principal Mark Rendell