Natalie Christensen named Lakers Student of the Month
The Los Angeles Lakers basketball organization honors several students and educators every month who “demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach”, according to www.lakers.com.
On April 11, Natalie Christensen, senior, went on the court during halftime at a Lakers basketball game along with five other students and educators to receive the Lakers Student of the Month Award for April. Christensen admitted that stepping out on the court in front of the crowd was a little nerve-wracking. “At first I was very nervous when I was on the court. There were cameras and a huge crowd which was very overwhelming … but it turned out to be a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed it,” she said.
She was nominated by her social sciences teacher, Rich Bradley. “I believed she would be a worthy recipient based on her excellence in academics, her commitment to extracurricular activities, her strong leadership qualities, and her devotion to serving the community. Her work ethic is exceptional, and has enabled her to be an amazing student,” Bradley said.
Christensen has been captain of the cheerleading team for three out of her four high school years and also serves the community as a volunteer at St. John’s Hospital. “(The award) comes as no surprise to me due to her reliability and her capability as a leader. She always took on leadership responsibilities in any in-class group activity,” Bradley said.
When asked why she thought she deserved the award, Christensen remained humble. “To be honest, I think I simply won the award by being an actively working student. Much like a lot of other students at NPHS, I have tried to put a consistent amount of effort into school and other activities and I think that must count for something. A lot of students I know would fit the role of the Student of the Month. Putting in effort is all it really takes,” Christensen said.
After graduating this month, Christensen plans on attending Moorpark College in the fall and hopes to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles after two years. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
“Natalie’s character is exceptional and inspiring. She embodies all the virtues and values that I want to see in my own daughter. If one of my sons brought her home, I would lock the door and not allow her to leave until she agreed to marry him,” Bradley joked.
