Seventh grader illustrates successful time-management skills

When asked how he manages to balance schoolwork and all of his extracurricular activities, seventh grader Brody Anderson simply replied, “I just work hard.”

“He studies and does most of his homework at school, so this frees up his time after school for piano, soccer and diving. He even finds time to read and play with his little brother,” said mom Ruth Anne Anderson. “He is proud of his achievements, and this drives him to work hard and do his best.”

Brody, who began playing soccer before he was old enough to start school, said a good player needs athleticism, speed, strength, foot skills, defensive skills and the ability to be aggressive. “You also need to give a 100 percent effort and set goals,” he said.

An outstanding athlete who has trained with Darlington School Soccer Academy Director Chad Liddle, Brody currently plays for the Middle School team and the U-13 Arsenal Rome team, which won its division in the state last season.

“I think my most exciting moment playing soccer was last year during a Middle School game,” he said. “We were missing several of our players because of a band concert, and I had to play goal keeper. We were playing Model, and Noel, one of my older brother’s teammates from last year’s U-14 Classic team, was shooting a PK at me. I saved the goal.”

Brody boasted another exciting moment that took place last year, though it was not in athletics. He was the only sixth grader in the district to make it to the state piano competition.

“I learned a lot, and know now I need to play harder songs at this year’s competition to have a chance at placing,” said Brody, who currently plays at the intermediate level (a ninth or tenth grade level). “I started playing piano in the first grade. My brother, Cody, was taking lessons, and I thought it was awesome. Piano has taught me to read music, and that has also helped me in chorus.”

Brody practices daily, takes lessons twice a week and competes four times each year. He will be competing next at the Piano Festival at Shorter College in February and the Gold Cup Recital in March. In April, he will participate in the GMTA auditions for the state competition as well as the GUILD competition.

In school, Brody maintains a permanent spot on the Headmaster’s List. Science and history are his favorite subjects, and he hopes that they will help him in his goal of becoming an architect.

Science teacher Joey Rice commends Brody for taking academics seriously and having a good work ethic. “Brody is a very special young man. He is very polite, and is a real pleasure to have in class,” said Rice. “I enjoy talking with him about sports, music, life and also American History.”

Ruth Anne said she is proud of Brody’s hard work and the effort that he puts into everything. “He has just completed ‘Tenth Hour’ at church. This involved getting up at 5 a.m. every Tuesday and studying the Bible and memorizing verses,” she said. “Brody is also a student adviser for our private Family Foundation. I think it is great to be well rounded. I feel doing well in school, being active in sports, playing an instrument and knowing about philanthropy are key units for a happy and successful life.”

While Brody still has one more year at the Middle School, he and his mother are already thinking about what life will be like in high school.

“I think he will continue playing piano. He would love to play keyboard for a jazz band,” said Ruth Anne. “I’m sure he will also continue playing soccer and diving. I can see him joining the Chess Club and possibly the Math Team. Time will only tell.”

Brody is the son of Todd and Ruth Anne Anderson of Kingston, Ga. His brothers Zane and Cody also attend Darlington School.