Though Zook, 16, is younger than most high school seniors, she doesn't let that stand in her way. She has been ranked first in her class for the past three semesters, is principle clarinetist in her band program and is also the band president, according to her biography in You S.A. by Ernestina L. Maldonado.
Zook has always had a passion for writing, and she puts those skills to practice by writing for her school newspaper, the Rampage, where she has been copy editor for two years and editor-in-chief for one year. She plans to earn a degree in English but has yet to decide which college she will attend.
"I'd rather go out of state," she said. "I was born and raised in San Antonio, so I'd like to expand my horizons in college."
Another outstanding student gets away. Too bad.