What is Julie Clark, valedictorian of Monterey’s class of 2000 going to do now that she has graduated?

&uot;I’m going on a Disney cruise!&uot; Clark said.

After a senior year filled with activities like being on newspaper staff, being manager of both the basketball and softball teams, being in Spanish club, Beta club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students, Clark said she feels she needs a vacation.

&uot;I’m so excited. I will spend one day in the bahamas and one day in Key West and also have a ‘park hopper’ pass so I can visit the theme parks.&uot;

After her cruise Clark will return to Monterey to work at Clark’s Cafe’, her aunt’s restaurant. &uot;My family has always provided the money for me to do whatever I wanted to do,&uot; she said. &uot;But I want to help out before I go off to college.&uot;

Clark was active in her school’s Literary Rally for all four years of high school. For the rally several schools select one or two students in each subject to be tested for competition.

Clark lead the way in Civics her freshman year and math in the remaining three years of high school. &uot;I loved it. I made it to state competition for two years,&uot; she said. &uot; I owe my success to Mrs. Beverly Winston, my math teacher. She’s the one who’s always been there.&uot;

Clark will be going to Louisiana College in Pineville this fall to begin courses to become a physical therapist. In the summer of 1998, Clark spent eight weeks as a counselor for the Lion’s Club camp. &uot;I dealt with physically and mentally handicapped children most of the time,&uot; Clark said. &uot;But the last week I spent with children with diabetes.&uot;

Clark said she collects anything that has a tiger on it. &uot;Everything in my room is tiger. My bedspread, slippers, stuffed animals, beach towel, key chain – I even have statues of tigers. But these aren’t cartoon type tigers, they look like the real thing.&uot;

Clark said she loved her high school years. &uot;But I’m ready to move on,&uot; she said.

Clark is the daughter of Paul and Brenda Clark of Monterey, La.