BETH CLARK Jackson-Milton High School

BETH CLARKJackson-Milton High School
NORTH JACKSON -- A valedictorian at Jackson-Milton High School, Beth Clark doesn't know what she wants to do.
"I'm thinking pre-vet," she said, but that could change. "My ideal job would be to be a movie star, but that's unrealistic." Clark plans to attend Youngstown State University, where she's been offered a full academic scholarship. Kent State University also offered her a scholarship, "but it wasn't a full ride," she said.
YSU is the better choice, anyway, Clark continued. "I can stay at home, and they seem to have more options -- the things I'm interested in."
She's interested in animals, social work and theater. "I could end up anywhere. Once I get to college, I'll try to see what I like the most. Why should I pin down my ideas now and realize later on I could have done something better?"
Mission work: Clark is active in all three fields. She owns two dogs, helps care for horses, has been in plays at school and church, and volunteers to teach Bible school. She also plans to do mission work in Mexico this summer.
In Mexico, Clark will help put a new roof on a church and visit an orphanage.
"I think that will be a good leader into college -- to go by myself," she said. Clark won't be totally alone -- two other members of her church are going on the mission trip -- but it will be her first major trip away from her family.
"I've wanted to go on a mission trip for a while, but we didn't really see the way or the means," she said. "My mom said, 'Find the money, and you can go.' I have over half of the $800 now." Her church will also help raise funds to defer costs of the trip.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, drama club, and the track and basketball teams.