Toryn Triplitt has dealt with adversity since she was a baby, but she has never let it stand in the way of her success.

By the time she was 1, she was diagnosed profoundly deaf and began to learn sign language. At 17 months, she received her first cochlear implant — a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.

She spent three years after the implant learning to listen and speak. In the years since, she has excelled academically. She earns straight As, and is already reading between third- and fourth-grade levels.

Toryn admits to not liking homework much, but she likes the payoff of good grades. “It makes me feel proud to work hard in school. It makes me feel excited.”

Teacher Laurie Hunter, who nominated Toryn, called her a true Academic All-Star.

“Knowing what she has had to go through, to get to this point, is what I think really makes her stand out,” said Hunter.

Toryn loves animals, especially horses. She started taking riding lessons last year.

Ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, the answer is simple and single-minded: “An equestrian.” When she ponders the question a little more, she adds, “Maybe a veterinarian or a tennis player.” She said she likes dogs, but she really likes horses.

Toryn takes jazz and ballet dance classes, has taken gymnastics and recently began art lessons. She played softball this year for the first time and is active in her church.