Julia Barrett, a senior at Curtis High School, is the captain of the softball team. She specializes as a catcher, but has taken on many other positions.

“I grew up watching the Curtis softball team with my dad, so now getting to play for them on the same field is really nice,” said Barrett.

“I’ve gone all over the outfield. I’ve played second [base], first [base]. I’m really easy to go with, I can play anywhere she wants me to,” she added.

“She’s the type of student athlete that every coach would love to have,” said Meghan McNamara, the Curtis High School softball coach. “Always on time, the first one there, always asking to lend a hand. She picks everyone else up even if she’s not having a good day.”

Barrett is also part of a debate program where they are given a mock trial to research. The group argues the case against other schools in front of a real judge.

“I got into it because I want to start doing political science in college. So, it was a big step for me to kind of learn how the system works and try to get ahead of other students before I go into school,” Barrett said.

Also a competitive swimmer with the Hillside Swimming club, Barrett created an organization called Hillside Helps.

“We take from our lost and found, old towels, blankets and toys and donate them to local animal shelters for them to use,” Barrett said.

She is determined and said organization is vital — not just in high school, but throughout life.  

“I think it’s really important to set up a good schedule because you’re going to need it when you go on to further steps, whether it’s straight into the workforce or straight into college, you’re going to need time management skills,” Barrett said.

She is off to the University of Rhode Island next fall to study political science.