POINT PLEASANT — An avid runner who is highly involved in her community will be amongst the graduating Class of 2010 at Point Pleasant High School.

Amanda Neal, 17, of Apple Grove, describes accomplishing a 3.2 mile cross country run as something she never thought she could do. But during her track career, Neal has set records and also has received special recognition for the sport that she loves.

“I love to run,” Neal said. “I have done it since the eighth grade and I enjoy training all-year round for track and cross country.”

Neal, who competes on both the high school’s Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams, enjoys lifting weights and staying in shape in the off season with her teammates. She has been a two-year member of the cross country team and has competed in track for the past five years.

“I surprised myself when I started running,” Neal said. She was encouraged by her friends to try running when they noticed her talent in basketball. “Most kids have some sort of track in elementary school and I didn’t, so the first day I tried track, I loved it.”

As for cross country, Neal said her coaches thought it would be a good sport for her to participate in to help her stay in shape for track. Soon, she found out that she was good at running long distances as well.

She currently holds a Point Pleasant Middle School track record and is the recipient of several awards including the Lindsey Mann Achievement Award for track, the Leadership Award for track, and the Coach’s Choice in Cross Country Award.

Neal also is a part of a winning team that took second place in the state in the 4x100 team event. In 2008, the team won first place in the shuttles event.

Among other school activities, Neal is in the National Honor Society and serves on the Student Council. She also is Vice President of the senior class and is the Point Pleasant High School Homecoming Queen.

“Being named homecoming queen has been my favorite memory of my senior year so far. It is special to me, because I was chosen by my classmates,” Neal said.

Although running and school seem to be a big part of her life, Neal finds time to volunteer in her community as well.

Having over 500 hours of community service, this busy senior says she plans to continue to serve her community.

“I really enjoy helping others and giving back to my community,” Neal said. “I started participating in community service as a requirement for high school, and in meeting that requirement, I learned something about myself; I love to help people.”

She has volunteered many hours with serving as a “buddy” for the Special Olympics, making blankets for nursing home and cancer patients, baking cookies for soldiers, writing the newsletter for her church, and serving as a volunteer for the Ashton Fall Festival, where she says she found a talent for making balloon art for children.

Neal is one of four daughters of David and Kelly Neal. She calls her parents her role models and credits them for always encouraging her to do her best. Her sisters are Emalea, 21, Amee, 19, and Kelle, 16.

This 17-year old also describes herself as being a lifetime member of church and says that God is a big part of her life. She attends Barton Chapel Church.

Those things that are most important to Neal include her family, faith, church family, and her friends. Her hobbies include collecting old movies and music, and running.

Plans for Neal’s future include attending college, although she is still undecided on where she would like to go. She has recently met with coaches at the University of Rio Grande.

“I definitely want to continue to run,” Neal said. She also plans to pursue a degree in something sports related.

While she is prom dress shopping for her final prom, and training for her last high school track season, Neal said she will miss the school that is filled with great and nice teachers.

“Everyone has always been so helpful and we have good coaches and sports at Point Pleasant,” Neal said. “I am really excited about our new track and field and I am looking forward to our first home track meet.”