The term, long distance runner, is fitting for Millbrook senior Jenna Pickett.
"I lived in Russia for most of my life. So I lived in Russia for a good part of my life." Says Pickett.
Four years ago Jenna's parents sent her to live with her aunt and uncle here in Winchester because there was little opportunity in Russia for someone who had so much potential.
"I have a really busy schedule in between regular school, governs school and sports. I miss them (her family) but I don't have time to think about it. This is my fourth year here so I'm kind of used to it already." Says Pickett.
"When I first moved here, I didn't know that she'd just moved here, her freshman year, from Russia. It was really interesting to see how she has adapted to United States life."Says Millbrook high school track coach, Jen Ireland
But Pickett has done much more than adapt to American culture, she's adopted it. She's vice president of the senior class, captain of the track team, and a straight "A" student at Mount Vista governors school. She receives awards on the track, in the classroom, and even from her friends.
"My freshman year I used to eat a chocolate bar right before a race because i heard somewhere that chocolate gives you energy. But you probably work it before you get to the start line. Actually my friends gave me a plaque for Christmas and it said I would give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter." Says Pickett.
When Jenna isn't running, studying, or eating chocolate she embraces American heroes. Her dog's name is Reagan, after Ronald Reagan and she's a huge fan of the Rocky movies.
"I love Rocky. Sometimes I think of him when he ran up the stairs." Says Pickett.
Pickett is on her way to the Virginia Military Institute in the fall, where she'll study international studies, and later she hopes to become a lawyer.
Congratulations Jenna Pickett of Millbrook high school, TV3 Winchester's Student Athlete of The Week.