EHS students speaks at Coppinville pep rally

Students on the “A” and “A-B” honor rolls at Coppinville Junior High School received special recognition during an academic pep rally, Jan. 25.

The students were recognized for their successes in the classroom with a certificate presented by principal Matt Humphrey and assistant principal Jeff Torrence.

Enterprise High School student-athlete and Coppinville alumni Clark Quisenberry was the guest speaker for the day’s activities.

Quisenberry, an EHS honor graduate himself, recently signed a football scholarship with Troy University.

“I want to thank all my teachers and coaches from Coppinville who helped give me a good foundation in academics and athletics,” Quisenberry said. “Many people our age participate in sports and school, but no teacher, coach or parent can make us be good students or good athletes. You (can’t) just participate, you have to want to excel.”

Quisenberry told the seventh graders success couldn’t come without self-discipline.

“We have to set goals for ourselves in our assignments, work and extracurricular activities,” he said. “Be ready to play your game, whatever that may be.”

Quisenberry also emphasized the importance of hard work and determination, even when the deck seems stacked against you.

He illustrated his point by discussing his senior football season, which he began with a broken wrist and in a new position.  

“I took a snap for the first time (as quarterback) with a cast on, but I was determined to do my part,” he said. “We worked hard at practice and in the weight room. We listened to our coaches when they were giving us the skills to be successful.”

As a result of their hard work, Quisenberry and rest of the 2012 Wildcat football team finished with a 7-4 record, taking Enterprise to the playoffs.

“The number one thing I can tell you is to try and be different and not to go with the crowd,” Quisenberry said. “Be proud of your hard work and continue on the path you have chosen.”