After amassing a 4.0 GPA and participating in nearly 10 different activities at Becker High School, Arleigh Pudlick will take her many talents with her as she heads south for college.

She plans to major in Biology on a pre-med track after receiving a full-ride scholarship and a few more benefits from the University of Alabama.

“They reached out to me in regards to the Rural and Small Town Recognition Award I received from Collegeboard over the summer,” Pudlick said.  “Even with the scholarship, I was hesitant to accept and move so far away. However, I did visit the campus over spring break and that helped me make my decision. There are so many opportunities for different clubs and activities and the entire campus is absolutely beautiful.”

At Becker, Pudlick earned fame as a member of the Speech Team, earning the Mississippi8 Conference Championship for three straight years in Informative Speaking. She was also a six year member and twice captain of the varsity swim team, as well as active in NHS, Yearbook, B-3 Leadership Program, DREAM Team, Prom Committee and Graduation Committee.  Outside of school, she danced at STARZ Dance Studio and operated her own business making cupcakes that were sold for special events and at the Becker Farmer’s Market.

At Alabama, she is unsure what activities she will participate in, but there certainly will be many choices.

“I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to be involved in yet, but UA has almost 600 student clubs/activities so I will definitely be joining some of them,” Pudlick said.  “Alabama’s Forensic Council actually just won their 24th national championship, and since I enjoyed being on the speech team in high school that is something I am considering auditioning for.”

One thing, however, will be a certain for Pudlick: the chance to embark on a whole new venture beyond the borders of her hometown.

“I’m not always a huge sports fan, but I’ve been told by numerous people that Alabama sports (especially football games) are like nothing you’ve ever experienced,” Pudlick said.  “So that is for sure something I am looking forward to. UA also has almost 40,000 students which is a little nerve wracking, but it does mean that there are opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds. From what I saw on the tour, the grounds are kept very well maintained and the buildings are all beautiful, and I anticipate lots of warm, sunny weather.”

While some student leave high school with undecided plans, Pudlick certainly has a clear vision for her life.

“I have always enjoyed science and math classes so I’ve definitely known since at least middle school that I wanted to go into a STEM related field,” Pudlick said.  “After finishing my undergraduate studies I hope to attend medical school and become a physician, although I am not currently set on a specific specialty.” 

While her enrollment at Alabama will take her far from home, one thing she will take with her are the lessons taught by her parents.

“I am thankful for my parents who have supported me through every step of my life,” Pudlick said.  “They have driven me to and from activities, helped me with homework, and pushed me to reach my full potential. I would not be the person I am today without either of my parents.