Katie Hooper, a recent graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, was named the 2005 Student Journalist if the Year by the Virginia High School League. She will be attending Virginia Tech this fall, and she is this week's People Profile.
Years in the community: I moved to Burke in fourth grade, so I have lived here for nine years.
Family: My parents are Diana and Tom Hooper, and my siblings are Jimmy and Kristen Hooper.
Current job: I'm a student, but I also work at the Pacific Sunwear at Fair Oaks Mall.
Achievements: Editor-in-chief of "The Bear Facts," Lake Braddock's student-run newspaper; received a scholarship from the Virginia High School League for being Student Journalist of the Year; "The Bear Facts" won Trophy class from the Virginia High School League while I was editor-in-chief. I was also in the National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll Honor Society, which is an honor society for journalism.
Activities/interests/hobbies: Journalism.
Favorite local restaurant or place: Mike's American Grill
What brought you to the area? My father was in the Army and was transferred to the Pentagon. Before
then, my family lived in Huntsville, Ala.
Personal goals: To be successful in whatever I do. I'm not sure about what I want to do in the future, but I hope that whatever it is makes a difference. My journalism teacher, Jennifer Delinski, is someone that I hope I resemble when I "grow up." She gives all of her students great tools for school, the paper, and life. She has taught me how to lead and be confident. Whatever it is that I decide to pursue, I know I'll be able to achieve because of the lessons learned from Ms. Delinski.