Shaniya Straight is one of those people whose natural curiosity has her always wanting to learn and know more.
It’s that characteristic that served her well when it came time to apply to the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Program and helped the Hopkinsville High School junior get accepted.
Straight has been playing softball for 12 years after early interest in cheerleading didn’t pan out.
“I was a cheerleader, but I wasn’t into that. My mom put me into tee-ball and I’ve been playing ball ever since,” she said.
It helped that Shaniya, the middle child of five, had an older sister that played softball for HHS. Taiya is three years Shaniya’s senior and the older sister was a big influence and teacher for her.
Being a starter for the Lady Tigers since middle school has vaulted Straight into a leadership role, which she embraces.
“I try to be the best leader I can be. I’ve been playing a long time and feel like I know the basics,” she said.
Off the field, Shaniya is a member of the Hopkinsville High Beta Club and National Honor Society.
She pulls down a 4.18 GPA and recently made a 33 on the English section of the ACT.
She credits her athletic and academic balance to her mother, Latorayo.
“She’s very hard working and very selfless. She does whatever she can to make sure all of her children are living to the best of their ability,” Shaniya said.
While she hasn’t decided on a college after high school, she had decided on a career. Shaniya wants to be a pediatrician.
But until then, she has another season of softball and high school to finish. And she has the governor’s scholars program this summer.
“I look forward to socializing and getting to know other people who will be in the same environment,” she said. “Curiosity has made me become a better person, and I always want to know the answer to any question. This experience will make me better.”
