Top of the Class: Ali Yuen

Ali Yuen

School: Cape Girardeau Central High School

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Parents: Benjamin Yuen and Celia Chan-Yuen

Post-graduation plans: Attend Vanderbilt University to double-major in economics and mathematics

High school activities: Missouri state vice president of FBLA, student body secretary, founder and president of Political Interest Group, chairwoman of Youth United Way, varsity letterman in cross country, violinist in Central High School Orchestra

Honors received: Missouri Scholars Academy Alumna, fall homecoming court, published essays and photographs in The Central Light, Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizenship Award, George Washington Carver Award, Missouri Top 100 Scholar

GPA: 4.3/4.0

Favorite high school memory: All of my activities have had their moments! I'll never forget the multitude of push-ups I received in cross country for abusing my seniority, overcoming my stage fright at this year's FBLA State Conference, being a part of Big Man on Campus and all of the amazing people I've met along the way.

Summer plans: I'd like to spend as much time with my friends as possible. My mom is taking me to Hong Kong, China and Japan next month. After that, I'll finish the summer with a three-day music festival in Chicago, a camping trip, and I'm off to Vandy!

What will you miss about high school? I'll miss my friends, my sport and the small-school atmosphere.

Explain your prop: I brought my Missouri Scholars Academy T-shirt. MSA was an incredible experience for me! I've never learned more, academically or otherwise. It allowed me to meet so many brilliant, wonderful people that I'm still friends with today. I really hope I can return to the Academy one day as faculty or staff.