Sixteen-year-old Mya White is the only member of Poplar Bluff High School's "Top 10 Seniors and Juniors" to include a job in her list of extracurricular activities.
"I work at Marble Slab (Creamery) and I love it," said the junior, who currently holds the No. 5 position in the Class of 2019.
White, who is the daughter of Jada and Michael White, said she always studies for her tests and turns her homework in on time, but mentioned that the key to landing in the "Top 5" is staying ahead of the curve. She said completing assignments before they are due is a must.
"That's a big deal, staying ahead," White said. "Say, if a teacher gives you a ton of homework one day, you can get it done the day before so you don't have to do it all in one night."
White said the proactive tactic has served her well since elementary school.
"I've always done it this way and it works," she added.
White said aside from staying on top of her studies, she is also an athlete and a class officer.
"I played softball my freshman and sophomore year," she said. "I played tennis this year and I'm secretary of our class."
White said after high school, she plans to pursue a career as a pharmacist, but is currently undecided as to which university she will attend.
"I'm not really sure, but I've been looking at St. Louis College of Pharmacy," she said.
Plans to build a rigourous schedule are in the works for her senior year, said White, which will be full of dual credit college and Advanced Placement courses.
"It will be hard," she said with a smile.
Although White stays busy working and playing sports, she said the social aspect of her senior year is what she is most excited to experience.
"I'm looking forward to all the events, like graduation and prom," she said. "The social part, hanging out with my friends."