Jennifer Brecklin Davenport

Valedictorian: Jennifer Brecklin Davenport

PLANS: To major in zoology at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Determined" by classmates, American Legion first-place award, Prudential Spirit of Community state level award for excellence, Rotary Club honoree, All American Scholar, academic letter for four years, 2001 University of Florida Student Science Training Program participant.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Student Council representative, Key Club.

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Jennifer Davenport's devotion to animals has taken her places most young people never go.As a veterinary technician for K-9 Search and Rescue Teams of Florida, she has assisted for the past two years in the search for missing persons -- dead or alive.

"We are available 24/7 for any type of law enforcement request," she said, explaining that because a lot of her team members' work involves cadaver recovery, their efforts have helped solve several murder cases.

The work is often stressful, but she finds it rewarding.

"Even if we don't find the person, we are still clearing an area for law enforcement so they can concentrate their efforts," she said."The best thing is seeing the relief on the faces of the victims' families when they can finally rest."

Jennifer, who decided she wanted to be a veterinarian when she was 5, has always surrounded herself with animals.Her decision to take one of her five dogs to Gainesville figured prominently in her decision to live off campus.

Armed with national certificates that enable her to do search and rescue work anywhere, she hopes to stay involved with it when she leaves home, but says school will be her main focus.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't concentrate on academics," she said.

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