MAYFIELD — Sarah Hamby means business.
The 17-year-old Mayfield High School senior has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America since 2007. She served as historian in the 2009-2010 academic year and now serves as secretary. In 2009, Hamby received second place in FBLA’s regional competition and fourth in the state for management information systems. The next year, she claimed first place in regionals and third in state for business presentation.
Hamby will pursue a business or finance degree at Murray State University in the fall. She is also interested in real estate and interior design. Hamby hopes to own a business someday, preferably close to home in Paducah or Mayfield, she said.
Hamby has the grades to back up her aspirations. She boasts a 3.92 grade-point average, including 12 accelerated level classes and an Advanced Placement class, with four more AP classes in progress. She was also selected as a representative for the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships’ National Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., in 2010.
She balances her academics with several extracurricular activities. Hamby has been on the school’s cheerleading squad since 2007 and currently serves as co-captain. She’s also co-captain of the soccer team, which she has played on since 2007. Hamby is also a three-year member of the color guard in the marching band, a two-year flutist in the concert band and a three-year member of student council.
Hamby, daughter of Kimberly Hamby and Vernon and Jamie Hamby, is the Murray State University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MSU Teen of the Week selected from nominees submitted by high school guidance counselors throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois. In May, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners, earning a $5,000 scholarship to Murray State. Teen of the Week is part of the Sun’s Newspapers in Education program.
When she’s not plotting capital venture, cracking the books, cheering or performing, Hamby is giving back to her community. She volunteers at Needline, where she stocks pantry shelves and bags groceries, and has also helped out at Graves County Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club.
Hamby is a member of First United Methodist Church in Mayfield, where she has been active since she was in fifth grade, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her school.
Mayfield High School guidance counselor Lynn Henderson also attends First United Methodist. Hamby inspires as a student and a church member, Henderson said.
“She is a great role model to the younger youth of our church and is loved by her peers and respected by her teachers,” Henderson said.
Other school faculty have taken notice of Hamby’s drive, as well. English teacher and assistant cheer coach Kara Dowdy said Hamby’s leadership abilities abound daily in and out of the classroom. Dowdy said Hamby has the motivation to accomplish anything.
“Sarah is quite honestly one of the best Cardinals to walk through the halls of Mayfield High School,” Dowdy added.
Contact Danielle Ray, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8657.
