Bay's Jernigan wins prestigous academic award

PANAMA CITY - Nick Jernigan came into a bit of money on Tuesday, but unlike some teenagers he's not going to blow it in one shot.

The Bay senior was given a $750 check as part of receiving the Mandy Stoll Award. The honor is bestowed on 12 student-athletes, six males and six females, from across the state in three divisions. Jernigan, who participated in cross country, swimming and most recently tennis at Bay, had grand designs, but was rooted in reality when asked what he'd buy.

"I could spend it on a PS3 and a few games, but I wouldn't have much time to play it," Jernigan said.

That's due to his journey to the United States Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs, Colo. Jernigan leaves for Basic Combat Training June 25, where nine weeks will prepare him for the next important phase of his life.

He plans to use the funds as weekend spending money during his freshman year at the Air Force Academy.

"It's really exciting to be recognized for my performance in the classroom," Jernigan said. "It was because of a lot of hard work over the past four years."

Jernigan said joining the Air Force was a challenge he couldn't pass up.

"I liked the chance to serve my country," Jernigan said. "And I'll have the opportunity to get a great education."

Jernigan, whose resume includes a 4.48 weighted gpa, numerous Bay County scholar-athlete awards, being the senior class salutatorian and recognized by the National Honor Society, said he will major in either engineering or economics. All cadets also are required to compete in at least one intramural sport, and Jernigan said he will play tennis.

His immediate goal is to learn how to snow ski in Colorado, which provides plenty of areas to do so. He's excited about seeing snow, and added that living in a bigger city won't be a major adjustment due to having resided in Jacksonville until the sixth grade.

He thanked his teachers, parents and guidance counselor for helping him achieve his latest honor.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without them," he said.

The Mandy Stoll Award is named for the former Stetson women's tennis player who set a school record with 20 straight victories. She died in 1988 at the age of 20.

Mandy Stoll applicants must be a high school senior with a minimum unweighted gpa of 3.0, a minimum 27 on the ACT or 1210 on the SAT, and they must have participated in a sport for at least two years.