Who says students can't do well both academically and in sports? Asante Chapman is living proof it's not an impossible feat.

The Clearwater Middle School student credits her parents, Nina Webb and David Chapman, with giving her the drive to succeed in all she does.

"Both my mother and father are great athletes and are my main encouragement in life," said the 12-year-old. "My dad is really into science and he helps me a lot with homework and school.

"And my mother is an amazing person. She is a super mom. She is like an emotional rock for me. I can talk to her about anything and she always makes me feel better. She gives me good advice about anything including boys, although that is not her favourite subject!"

Asante plays netball, football, basketball and badminton. She plays alongside girls as old as 18 on the Bermuda Under-19's netball team and recently went with them to Florida to represent the Island. She is also a midfielder for Dandy Town football squad and represents her school in local badminton and basketball tournaments.

She is also an exemplary student. Asante has earned top honours in nearly all of her classes and has consistently remained on the honour role first while a student at Elliot Primary and now at Clearwater Middle School.

She is currently a sports house captain for sports and recently applied for the position of head girl at the school.

"I think I have a really good chance," she said. "Being head girl looks really good on a résumé so I hope I get it."

Her father is the author of 'Daddy and I Explore...!', a series of children's books that promote environmental science and the exploration of Bermuda. The books are designed as educational tools, and to inspire children and parents to take advantage of the vast array of beautiful sites that Bermuda has to offer.

Asante is featured in 'Daddy and I Explore... Nonsuch Island'. She claims it is her father's influence which has led her in her aspirations of becoming an environmental scientist.

"My dad and I spend a lot of time exploring the Bermuda," she said. "The things that are in the books are the types of things that we do in real life. We go to places like Tom Moore's Jungle and if we find a path we follow it and see where it takes us.

"I love animals and being in nature and my dad's love for the environment some of the reasons I want to study environmental science," she said.

According to Asante, some of her peers have their priorities in the wrong place. She credits her family and common sense with keeping her on the right track.

Do you know a Young Achiever? E-mail details and contact information to Chris Spencer at cspencer@royalgazette.bm.