Westport's Leigh Foran is this week's News 12 Connecticut Scholar Athlete presented by Colonial Toyota.

The Staples senior is valedictorian of her class and will run track at Columbia University next year.

During her time as a wrecker, she helped the girls soccer team win two state titles.

Foran is co-president of the National Honor society, has done biomedical research at Yale, and started a club at Staples that teaches young students about inclusivity.

"I guess my schedule is pretty busy, but I think having that balance of academics and athletics helps me with my mental health," Foran said. "Being around such supportive teammates and having friends who I can study with and support each other, and having teachers who are always there to answer any questions... I think that showed me the value of being in a community where we can all support each other."

You can nominate a scholar athlete by visiting here: https://connecticut.news12.com/news-12-connecticut-scholar-athlete-nomination-form