Willsboro native to appear on "Survivor"

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September 12, 2011

Anonymous Press-Republican The Press Republican Mon Sep 12, 2011, 05:32 PM EDT

By ALVIN REINER

Staff Writer

WILLSBORO — Sophie Clarke, a soccer star, prom princess and valedictorian while at Willsboro Central School, can now add national TV celebrity to her resume.

She is a contestant on the CBS reality show "Survivor."

During a phone interview — in which a show representative listened in to make sure Clarke did not divulge too much information — she said she was a big fan of the show. While at Middlebury College, she would watch the show late at night on her computer after she finished her studies.

"My friends would make fun of this," she said.

"I decided to enter. At first, I did not make it. But then they called me. I then went to L.A. for interviews and found out in April that I had made the show. No one knew it except my parents and sisters.

"It was a tough secret to keep."

PREPARATION

To train for the show, Clarke started lifting weights.

"I also read a lot of survival books, as well as 'How to Make Friends and Influence People.' There were also some psychology books that I read. I read a book a day.

"No one that knows me believed I could keep a secret like this. I am thankful for all that has happened."

Sophie's father, Thurston, said she was determined to get on the show. Initially, she didn't and was somewhat discouraged.

"We were kept in the dark but then knew she was going to L.A. for an audition. Our only real concern was that it would conflict with her studies. But the timing was perfect, as it was the next day after her graduation from Middlebury."

HELPFUL SKILLS

Thurston said Sophie has always been an athlete, with skiing and soccer being her best sports.

"I can see how some of her skills can help," he said.

"She has also lived in rough places before, such as Kenya, where she ate the local food, and there was no electricity and running water, but she did very well."

He said he was not worried about her being on the show; he was more concerned when she was in Kenya, Russia and Africa.

EXCITED

Thurston said people in Willsboro are very excited for Sophie.

"A lot of people say they can't believe it, and many plan on watching it on TV. We will be going to New York City to watch the series kickoff with Sophie.

"This is a perfect show for her to go on, as she is very athletic and determined."

Clarke has seen and experienced a lot in her relatively short lifetime, having been to France, Italy, Kenya, Russia and Thailand.

But nothing could compare to her immersion into Kenyan culture. After finishing her high-school requirements in January, Sophie wanted to further her knowledge of the world and decided to visit a country in Africa.

'ONE OF THE SMARTEST'

For the show the 22-year-old pre-med student has been assigned to the Upolu tribe.

On the show's promo, host Jeff Probst said Sophie is "calling the shots. Sophie is the double threat. She is one of the smartest to ever play the game. She is also one of the most athletic."

The "Survivor, South Pacific" premiere airs at 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

The TV Guide channel has been airing previews of the series.