Cassie Shockley has a humble, giving spirit and work ethic that not many people possess today. She is a senior at Quitman High School and is actively involved in both school functions and her community.
She is striving hard to achieve her goals at school, and she is already making plans for what she will do after she graduates in May of 2020.
“I have already been accepted into three different colleges: Meridian Community College, Jones County Junior College, and the University of Southern Mississippi” stated Cassie. “I want to become a neonatal nurse so that I can work with babies after they’re born.”
Although she has already been accepted to the colleges, Cassie is working hard to try and improve her ACT score and apply for multiple scholarships to assist her in furthering her education. She also makes sure to participate in different school activities to develop more skills. She is a member of TSA with broadcasting and the National Technical Honor Society. She does much more with the school than just being part of two great clubs.
“I played softball from peewee age until sophomore year,” said Cassie. “I had to stop playing softball after I tore my ACL and find a less rigorous sport. I decided to do archery, and I love how it gives me a skill that not everybody has.”
At the Clarke County Career and Technical Center, she is part of the broadcasting class where she has learned an assortment of skills involved with media.
“We make school news, use green screens to do different segments, fly drones, and we have different assignments where we have to go out and interview fellow students and edit out the footage,” explained Cassie. “We have to play all the roles at all times so that we can see what every job in broadcasting is really like. My favorite role is being the director and doing editing.”
Cassie’s hard work doesn’t just appear in the hallways of the high school. She makes sure to volunteer in her community as well. One of the places Cassie volunteers at is the Quitman Public Library.
“I love reading, so I usually volunteer at the library and help put away books, find books, help with the computers, and help if anyone needs something printed,” said Cassie.
She also volunteers at Creature Comforts because she loves animals and wants to be able to help the animals who are waiting for their forever homes.
“As a volunteer at the animal shelter, I usually help to clean up after the animals and make sure that they are all fed, play with the animals, and help name the new animals that come in,” stated Cassie. “Only the supervisors are able to give the animals medicine.”
Not only does she volunteer at the library and Creature Comforts, but Cassie is also a volunteer fireman for the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department.
“My dad was my inspiration to join the fire department. He was a firefighter for over 30 years and just recently retired. Currently, I’m only a cadet since I’m not 18 yet. I get to learn how to work the trucks and use the different gear. I’m already CPR certified. I change the tanks out, and when we respond to a fire, I usually give out water or pump trucks,” explained Cassie. “My plan is to take firefighter one classes and medical responder classes when I’m old enough and get as many certifications as I can. My goal is to eventually become a chief. There aren’t many women who become chief.”
With all her hard work trying to maintain her grades and provide different volunteer services, it is hard to imagine Cassie has much time for anything else. She does, however, have a favorite activity when she isn’t in school or volunteering.
“My favorite thing to do is spend time with my nieces and nephews,” said Cassie. “I love children, especially the younger children. They’re so fun to interact with.”
Cassie gives her best effort at everything she decides to do, and she offered the best advice she could give everyone around her, which fits perfectly with her personal life motto:
“Love your family, always be there for people, and take care of your community.”
