NATCHEZ — Kaitlan Melton feels weird when she has nothing to do — a rare occurrence for the well-rounded teenager.

Melton, 17, will graduate this year from Adams County Christian School, where she has played on most every field, court and diamond during the past 14 years.

Melton participated this year in fast-pitch softball, basketball, track, soccer, tennis and cross-country.

Melton is also a member of the National Honor Society, is active in the youth group at the First Baptist Church of Natchez and is a member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Students at school.

“I have just always liked to be involved in everything,” Melton said. “(Being active) is just part of who I am.”

Melton recently accepted a scholarship to play fast-pitch softball at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson. Playing ball in college has been a dream of hers since she was a child, she said.

She did not get to where she is without excelling in the classroom as well as the field. Melton credits her academic success to her father’s rules at home.

Melton said her dad always makes sure she and her little brother, Cole, do their homework right after they get home from school.

“He kept us on top of our stuff,” Melton said.

She said her father, who was an athlete growing up, has always promoted sports and coached her softball team when she was younger.

He also supported her after-school activities, cheering her on and running carpool to all of her games.

“I couldn’t ask for a better Daddy,” Melton said.

Melton likes spreading herself among a variety of activities, mostly because being active is all she knows.

When sports seasons start overlapping, she has learned to keep things on an even keel.

“Time can get a little crunched; it’s a balancing act,” Melton said.

But Melton has adjusted to her busy schedule.

“I don’t know what to do when I have free time — it’s a weird feeling,” she said.

While Melton will miss ACCS in the fall, she said she will be back to visit.

Growing up since age 3 with the values instilled in her at ACCS has helped her keep her priorities in order, she said.

“The school’s thing is, ‘God first, then family, school and athletics’,” Melton said.

Kaitlan Melton is the daughter of Steve Melton.