Question

as captain of the basketball team and a record - holder in track who consistently excelled in academics, she was a ______ of a scholar - athlete.
1 claque
2 recluse
3 despot
4 paragon

Explanation:

"Paragon" means a model of excellence or perfection. She excelled in academics and sports, so "paragon" fits as it implies she is an ideal example of a scholar - athlete. "Clique" is a group of people, "recluse" is a solitary person, and "despot" is a tyrannical ruler, none of which are relevant here.

Answer:

1. paragon