Hard work early in her middle school and high school career has given Maci Fletcher a bit of room to breathe this year.

With all her forethought, Fletcher has a lot less to cross off the "to do" list. She will attend the University of Kentucky next fall to study engineering. She's not sure what branch she wants to pursue, but Fletcher said she has a comfortable amount of time to make the decision.

Fletcher, a senior at Heath High School, has a 3.96 cumulative grade point average. When she's not crunching numbers in calculus, she's lacing up her cleats to hit the soccer field. Fletcher has been a dedicated soccer player since she as younger, playing on traveling teams until her freshman year in high school. She also played basketball and golf during high school. Fletcher said some were just for fun, but when it's competition time, she puts on her game face.

Maci Fletcher, daughter of Terry and Patti Fletcher, is the Mid-Continent University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MCU Teen of the Week selected from nominees that high school guidance counselors throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois submit to the Sun. Mid-Continent University will provide each Teen of the Week with a $2,500 annual scholarship to its university, which is renewable for four years. In the spring, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners and will receive a full four-year scholarship to Mid-Continent University, currently valued at up to $55,000, or a cash reward of $2,500 paid through the Paducah Sun if the student selects another college to attend.

Outside of sports and academics, Fletcher has also been highly involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club. She participates in the regional business competitions in Murray every year. For the past two year's she's represented Heath High School on a state level.

Her work with a unique Heath High School club has given her a new look on the traditional high school atmosphere. Fletcher is a member of the Friends of Rachel Club which strives to create a positive school environment to remember Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shooting. Currently, members of the Friends of Rachel club are raising funds for a junior student at Heath High School who has cancer. Fletcher said the knowledge that they are making high school a more enjoyable experience makes it worth the time and effort.

After college, Fletcher said she'd like to move to Fairhope, Ala. to live and work. After a friend moved there in middle school, Fletcher had the opportunity to visit. The balance between city and beach community, she said, makes it the perfect place for her to start her career.