Maiya Fudge makes everything around her better

BY DEXTER MCCREE, Feature Writer

ST. PETERSBURG —Much can be said and admired about Maiya Fudge. Each conversation with her would appear to highlight the great efforts of an individual who specializes in one specific area.

Maiya Fudge

Maiya is a 2016 graduate of Admiral Farragut Academy, a challenging private school where she graduated with honors, touting a 4.02 grade point average. She plans to further her education by attending Bethune Cookman University on an academic scholarship and then head to law school. Certainly, one must believe this is the best part of her. But, wait!

Then there is Maiya the athlete. You know the one who played four years of varsity softball for Admiral Farragut where she was three times the captain; played third base, catcher and outfield and received Coaches and Leadership Awards.

Maiya led her team to the Class 3A – State Final Four, Regional and District Championships this year alone.  She also played four years of varsity volleyball and was captain of that team as well, earning many awards.

She also found time to play varsity basketball and become a cheerleader. Not done yet, she was on Team FLA Travel Softball, playing right and left field and qualified for ASA National Tournament.

So sports must be the way to best describe Maiya, right? Not so fast. There’s more to her story.

“High school is what you make of it.  It can be the best and or the worst of times, but in the end, you will only regret the things you didn’t do or the chances you didn’t take,” said Maiya.

“I thank God and my family for the experiences I’ve had and for allowing me to take chances.  They have helped to mold me into the person I am today.  I have come to understand the importance of self-growth, teamwork and learning to give back and serve in the community,” she stated.

Oh yes, she is also involved in her community.  Maiya is a youth usher at Bethel Community Church and stays connected to the youth ministry. Because of her strong spiritual beliefs and commitment to service, she has been on mission trips to Ecuador in 2004 and Costa Rica in 2013.

She has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten and an Exquisite Gems in the AKA AKademy since 2008.  Other community activities include Emerging Young Leaders and Read Aloud.

At Admiral Farragut Academy she was a Regimental Staff Cadet Officer for Public Affairs, National Honor Society vice president, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, on the yearbook staff for four years,  the Little Jackets program (2013-16) and  Lower Division Volunteer (2013-16).

“I think that a part of your purpose should include being a positive influence and leaving footprints on those around you and also in the community in which you live,” said Maiya.

The oldest of 13 cousins in her family, she was recently told that she has been a positive role model for her siblings and all of her cousins. She has left a strong example for them to follow.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” stated Miaya.

Much more can be said about Maiya, and it is practically impossible to think of one word to describe this phenomenal young woman.  There is one thing that is for sure, however, she makes everything around her better and leaves a lasting impact.