Shelby Schaefer is on top of her game.

She's been the president of her class since her freshman year. She runs track, cross country and plays volleyball. And she still has a 4.0 grade point average. Things are good, but there's much more Schaefer said she has to accomplish.

Schaefer added more responsibility to her plate this year. She is the service coordinator of Lone Oak High School's Beta Club. After going on a trip last year to El Salvador, Schaefer was inspired to coordinate larger events like it during her senior year. Though she's studied German throughout her high school career, Schaefer said she will take any opportunity to study abroad.

She's been involved in community service on her own as well. Schaefer helped organize a senior citizen prom with food, games and, of course, music. She enjoys volunteering of all of her social events, but children are nearest and dearest to her heart.

Schaefer is undecided between a career in education or medicine. One way or another, she wants to work with kids.

Shelby Schaefer, daughter of Gena Paschall and Nick Schaefer, 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.

She's considering University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Campbellsville University and Murray State University for her college career.

Schaefer has relied on strong support from her family throughout her academic endeavors. Though they provide a solid foundation, Schaefer said it's self motivation that keeps her going.