Team work has been a part of Courtney Hawkins' life since she was in first-grade.

"Being unified on a team is what really is going to make the success," Hawkins said. "Without unity in your team, you don't get very far."

As a competitive cheerleader, soccer player, musician and high-ranked student, Hawkins is one that has worked hard for her successes. The Paducah Tilghman High School senior is involved in the Concordia auditioned women's chorus and serves as the secretary for her school's chapter of the National Honors Society.

Her group work with Friendship Baptist Church is one of the most important aspects in which her teamwork is in play. Not only is she comfortable bolstering others as one part of a whole, Hawkins has always been a natural leader.

Courtney Hawkins, daughter of Spencer and Melissa Hawkins, 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.

In everything she does, Hawkins hopes to show others the love of God. Her community service endeavors have been some of her favorite ways to show it.

"My relationship with Jesus Christ is my life, that's the most important thing in my life," Hawkins said. "And being able to serve others is one of my most favorite things to do. You go into sports, and all that is fun, but you go into these opportunities of serving others and you go in expecting to help other people, when in the end, you're the one who's really blessed."

She's also enjoyed time working with Genesis House and Legacy Personal Care Home.

Her family serves as the strongest support for Hawkins. Though she still has to find out about scholarships before making a college choice, Hawkins is not worried about her future because of her faith. She hopes to pass on that message to her younger brother and sister.

"I definitely want to be an example for them," she said.

"I guess my advice would be to really seek out what God's plan is for their life. I believe that he has a perfect plan for all of our lives. Just stay close to him and to know that they can do anything through him. To not ever let anyone tell them that they can't do something. Success isn't measured by how much you do, how much you've accomplished. It's measured by the effort you put into it."

Once she hears about scholarship availability, Hawkins will choose between Samford University, University of Kentucky, Belmont University, Georgetown College and Murray State University for her college career.