Graduating in the top five of her class at Manchester Essex Regional High School will not happen by accident for Carolyn Heslop.

Having carried a 5.28 grade-point average while also competing as a three-sport athlete for four years, Heslop has earned all of her accomplishments.

"I believe Carolyn approached academics and athletics the same way. Her strong performance is the result of strong preparation," Manchester Essex Mathematics Department Chair Daniel Lundergan said. "Just as an athlete must work hard every day in practice to become the best player she can be, a student must work hard every day in class to reach her full potential. In both the academic and athletic realms, Carolyn has shown diligence, persistence, consistency and a desire to be the best she can be."

That type of approach has allowed Heslop to become a standout both in the classroom and in athletics at Manchester Essex.

In addition to playing four years of field hockey, basketball and lacrosse, Heslop is a member of chorus and "The Independent", the school's newspaper. She has also served as a peer leader for three years.

Heslop was the Manchester Essex representative at the MIAA 2013 Massachusetts Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports Day, and she has taken all Advanced Placement and honors classes.

She has also been a tremendous leader and role model for her teammates.

"As a teammate and captain, she is a role model because not only is she a hard worker and a great basketball player, but she is respectful of coaches, referees, and opposing players and demonstrates a terrific attitude at all times," said Sarah DeLuca, a member of the Manchester Essex Mathematics Department and assistant basketball coach. "She is responsible and I know if I give her a task, she will get it done. She is kind and welcoming to all of her teammates and is someone they want to be around."