Alexis Guffey has worked hard in her academic life to get to where she is now. Her dedication has lead to her earning her way to be a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Career and Technical Education.

Scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas: academic and artistic success, leadership, involvement in school and the community, representation of excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

Guffey has been involved in many school activities. She’s been in Key Club and NHS, she is the vice president of HOSA and Missouri’s HOSA historian. She’s been in sports such as varsity cross country, track & field, and swim. As for her academics, she’s enrolled herself into six AP classes. Guffey right now has a GPA of 4.33 and scored 33 on her ACT.

“I am extremely honored to have received this nomination to represent career and technical education on a higher level as a candidate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program,” Guffey said.

Guffey hopes to go to Washington University and her backup choice is Truman State University. She wants to major in either biology or public health. Since 9th grade, she has been looking at colleges.

“Washington University is my first choice because it offers an excellent academic program, opportunities to get experience helpful for career development as well as in research, and a collaborative environment with ambitious and philanthropic student body,” Guffey said.

Majoring in biology or public health is something she hasn’t always wanted to do, but since 7th grade Guffey has known she’s wanted to go into healthcare. Before deciding on being in healthcare, she actually wanted to be an author. Guffey still wants to publish a book at sometime in her life but that is not her main goal. Being in HOSA has lead her to explore more in biology or public health.

Mrs. Strathman, HOSA’s sponsor, has been working with Guffey for two years and has been able to see her work ethic.

“She is one of the most dedicated students I know, she always goes above and beyond,” Strathman said.

She is a hard worker in HOSA locally and in state. She is always very positive around her peers and gets along with everyone. Strathman has seen her become a better leader over the years she’s known her.

As for the program, candidates are chosen based on their accomplishments in career and technical education fields. They are nominated by Missouri Education Commissioner, which nominates five people. She does not have the full scholarship yet, but was selected as a semifinalist. She will know in April if she gets the scholarship or not.