Nathan Fonner has found balance in schoolwork and extracurricular activities by maintaining honor roll grades while blazing up the cross-country courses.

At first glance, Fonner appears a  shy, laid-back eighth grader, but when he starts talking, a whole other person comes out.

Fonner is involved in cross-country, baseball, golf, basketball, track, scholastic bowl, student council and National Junior Honor Society in his final year at Mayo Middle School.

“So far eighth grade is going good,” said Fonner. “I have all As and one B.”

Among all activities Fonner’s favorite is cross-country.

“I really like running a lot,” Fonner said. “It is a good environment, and I have a good coach, and I got close to many people.”

Fonner has already set his sights on the cross-country team at Paris High School.

“I am looking forward to competing in cross-country at the next level,” said Fonner. “I will hopefully qualify for state. That’s the goal.”

When Fonner is not at one of his multiple extracurricular activities, he is a normal kid.

“I like to hang out with my friends and go to the movie or something,” said Fonner. “I like watching action movies, like Marvel movies, or sports movies.”

Fonner added that he likes many classes in school, but history is his favorite.

“I like learning about the past,” Fonner said. “I love learning about the evolution of our country so I can see why we are where we are.”

Although Fonner loves running there is one thing that when he leaves mayo he will not miss.

“I am not going to miss running up and down the stairs every day,” said Fonner.

During the cross-country season, Fonner set two personal records. He finished the two-mile run in 12:17 and the three-mile in 19:50. Fonner likes the three-mile run better than the two-mile.

“In shorter distances, I just can’t get my rhythm going,” said Fonner. “Now when I run the longer distances, I go en fuego.”

Doing all he does Fonner said is work.

“I have to apply myself every day,” Fonner said. “It doesn’t get easier as it goes along.”