Alonso's Shields named FHSAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Alonso High two-sport athlete Elizabeth Shields, valedictorian of the Ravens' 2011 graduating class, was named the FHSAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year at a ceremony Monday evening in Gainesville.

Shields, named the St. Petersburg Times' female student-athlete of the year for Hillsborough County just last week, was selected over 11 other finalists, all of whom comprised the FHSAA Female Academic All-State Team. Winter Park Trinity Prep's Whitner Chase was the boys winner.

Shields, a captain of the Ravens' flag football and volleyball teams, graduated last week with a 6.92 weighted GPA. A violinist, active community volunteer and member of several academic honors clubs, she has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

All academic all-state team members had to possess at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and earn varsity letters in at least two sports as a junior and senior. A defensive back/receiver for the Ravens, Shields had a team-best six interceptions and 50 catches as a senior for Alonso, which reached the state championship game for the second consecutive season.

Both Shields and Whitner received a trophy and $4,000 check Monday evening.

Teams in post

• Alonso High School