Berkeley Springs High School's Abby Cowles Named AARP WV/MetroNews Scholar Athlete of the Week

Abby Cowles of Berkeley Springs High School has been selected as the AARP West Virginia/MetroNews Scholar Athlete of the Week for the week of October 18.

A senior, Abby is a 3.1 g.p.a. AP Honors student. She is pursuing a college course track with dual enrollment at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and has been recognized as a Bob Elmer Athlete of Honor by the Rotary Club of Martinsburg. Abby is the daughter of Daryl and Nikki Cowles of Berkeley Springs.

Abby is a four-year starter and team captain for the Lady Indians soccer team, where she rotates between the striker, midfielder and goalkeeper positions, and a two-year starter and team captain for the Lady Indians basketball team. She is also a member of the defending Class AA State Champion Lady Indians track team, earning three varsity letters during her track career and qualifying for the 2014 WVSSAC State Championship Meet in the 4 x 200m Relay. In addition to being a busy three-sport athlete, Abby is a member of the Berkeley Springs High Marching Band, performing with the band at each football game and throughout its competition season.

On a community level, Abby is actively engaged in volunteer and service activities in Morgan County through Berkeley Springs First United Methodist Church and her school. She has served as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Following graduation, Abby plans to pursue a nursing degree and hopes to continue her athletic career on the collegiate level.

During the 2015 Fall Sports season, one high school student athlete will be selected each week as the AARP West Virginia Scholar Athlete of the Week and recognized on the popular West Virginia MetroNews High School GameNight program, which airs 9:30 p.m. – midnight each Friday night on nearly 40 radio stations across the Mountain State .

West Virginia student athletes in Grades 11 and 12 with a minimum 3.0 grade point average are eligible for the award. Nominees should excel in one or more athletic program, and be active within their community through service and community involvement. Nomination forms may be completed online at http://wvmetronews.com/scholar-athlete-of-the-week.

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AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304.340.4605, tphunter@aarp.org