Maintaining an un-weighted 4.0 grade point average, academics have always been a priority for senior, Kayla Richardson.

Richardson is proud of the fact that she has never had a B and plans to maintain that record.

“School is really important to me. I want to be at the top!” Richardson said.

Not only is she one of the top students in her class academically, she also holds the title of class president.

Richardson said taking anatomy her junior year influenced her to pursue a career in the medical field. Her plans, as of right now, are to attend the University of Oklahoma and study pre-med.

“I’ve always loved OU. They have one of the best medical programs in the country.” Richardson said.

Although academics are important to Richardson, she said she has also learned much as a member of the Bootlegger dance team.

“Being a Bootlegger has really helped me open up. I used to be really shy! I’ve learned a lot about myself, and it has taught me structure,” Richardson said.

Being a squad leader for the dance team has also helped Richardson evolve as a positive influence for underclassmen.

“She’s always willing to help, even if it means staying after practice,” said sophomore Alyssa Tipton, a member of Richardson’s squad.

Richardson spends most of her time away from school practicing dance, but she was forced to rest her sophomore year because of a hip surgery.

“Though I was very disappointed that I had to sit out, it made me work so much harder my junior year to make the team.

Although Richardson is excited about being a senior, thinking about no longer being able to perform is something she does not look forward to.

“I’ve already cried numerous times. I don’t want to give up performing and competing at state.”

This week’s Lions Club Student of the Week, Kayla is the daughter of Mark and Kellie Richardson.