Casey Pendley was born in Jackson County and moved to Athens in 6th grade. She attended Clarke Middle School and is graduating from Clarke Central High School. She was the co-captain of the CCHS Color Guard, part of the marching band. She participated in the Young Dawgs internship program, doing internships at a UGA research lab and at DanceFX. Casey has been a dancer most of her life, participating in programs at Dancefx, Center City Ballet and Studio Dance Academy, mainly focused on ballet and tap. After graduation, Casey will be attending the University of Georgia. She lives in Cedar Creek with her mom Angie, dad Chris, twin sister, Chandler and brother, Quinn. They have two dogs, Rosie and Abby.

 

 

 

 

What was your favorite class in high school?

 

My favorite class was AP Biology. I took it sophomore year. It was one of the first classes in high school that really challenged and pushed me, and I had a brilliant teacher, Dr. [Michael] Gatlin. AP Biology is rumored at my school to be one of the harder classes. It starts as a class that has around 25 people in it, but a lot of students switch out of it. By the middle of the Fall semester, there were only about ten of us left in that class. There was a feeling of camaraderie because we were the ten that stuck with it.

 

When we are not sheltering in place, what do you love to do in Athens?

 

In the winter, I love to go ice skating at The Classic Center. I have made so many good memories there. But, in general, I love going out with my friends, eating at good restaurants and walking through North Campus. My favorite restaurant ever in Athens is Cali-n-Titos. I could eat Cali-n-Titos all day every day.

 

What have you been doing with all of your extra time at home?

 

I have been reading a lot. I have been reading the Southern Reach Trilogy. Also, me and my sister have been re-watching Harry Potter. I have been picking up baking, which seems to be what everyone is doing, but I learned how to make soft pretzels.

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

 

Any beach anywhere. I went to St. Simons with my grandparents for my 16th birthday, and I loved it. Since then, I’ve been wanting to go to the beach again.

 

If you could see any musician or band anywhere, dead or alive, who would it be and where?

 

I love listening to new music all the time. One of my favorite artists, Conan Gray, recently released his debut album, so I would want to go see one of his shows. They are so high energy, and they always look really fun. Of course, I would want the show to be in Athens.

 

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and where?

 

Probably, Sara Mearns. She is a principal dancer at New York City Ballet. I adore her and have for a long time. I would love to just get to sit down and talk to her…maybe at Cali-n-Titos!

 

If you could give advice to someone just entering high school, what would you tell them?

 

I would tell a Freshman to explore new things, push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try to meet new people. High school is much different than middle school, so it can seem overwhelming, but once you find something you enjoy or a good group of friends, it’ll be a breeze.

 

What is your favorite movie or series?

 

My favorite movies are the Jason Bourne series. All of my family and friends know that I love watching spy movies.

 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

 

Hopefully, I have graduated from college in five years and am pursuing a career that I enjoy.

 

What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home”?

 

Comfort, family and friends