For Tharptown’s BreAnna Gasque, leadership and involvement are high priorities. That’s why she was selected and is excited to be participating in the AHSAA Student Leadership Team.

Gasque was recently notified that she had been chosen to serve as a student representative – one of 16, two from each AHSAA district – and attend the annual conference in Montgomery in the spring.

“This program is a great way for student athletes like myself to be part of the decision-making process and better our athletic programs and our schools,” said Gasque. “I’m always looking for ways to improve my leadership skills.”

Gasque, who has also been honing her skills through the Franklin County Junior Leadership program, is a veteran volleyball athlete and also a member of the cheer squad. She began playing volleyball in the eighth grade.

“Volleyball is a great team sport,” Gasque said. “You all have to work together, and it’s super fun. I just feel like it’s something you can work and always be better at.” Gasque has experience at all positions.

“BreAnna is an absolute delight as a student and as a person,” said volleyball and cheer Coach Tracey Fretwell. “She is a dedicated young lady who truly gives her all to whatever project is before her. She has always been very determined to succeed in all that she does, and she truly exceeds expectations with every endeavor.”

This is the third year for the AHSAA Student Leadership Team program, chaired by Denise Ainsworth. To select student participates, a committee of three – Ainsworth, along with Kim Vickers and Marvin Chou – put all applications through a rigorous evaluation and re-evaluation process. The committee selects one boy and one girl from each district. This year, Vickers said, the AHSAA received a total 149 applications.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” Vickers said. “We evaluate these applications closely.”

At the two-day leadership conference, students will hear presentations on leadership topics and will also learn about the AHSAA. Vickers said the students are expected to take what they learn back into their schools and serve as ambassadors for the AHSAA and leadership principles among their fellow student athletes.

“Breanna is a very intelligent young lady who has demonstrated great leadership skills here at Tharptown High School,” said THS Principal Barry Laster. “When nominating her, I felt like the AHSAA could use input from someone like her. She works well with others and is confident enough to share her feelings with the association and the other members of the committee.

“Overall, I felt like she would be an excellent choice to represent our school and the other schools in district seven. I am very proud and excited for Breanna and this opportunity. I have all the confidence in the world that she will serve district seven well.”

In addition to cheer and volleyball, Gasque is involved in FCA (captain), Student Council (historian), FBLA, National Honors Society and History Honors Society. She aims to enroll at Wallace following high school and pursue a degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

Gasque is the daughter of Bonita and Andrew Gasque.