Ask Matthew Osterhaus about any of the activities he's involved in — even his part-time job — and he'll likely say he loves it.

"Most people don't say they love their jobs," Osterhaus noted. "I can honestly say that I love it. I can interact with people every day. I always have a big smile on my face," he said of his job at Cold Stone Creamery of Paducah.

Osterhaus said the key to his enthusiasm lies in choosing activities he finds important. These include academics — Osterhaus boasts the top GPA of his senior class at St. Mary High School — as well as sports and volunteer work.

Matthew Osterhaus, son of Mark and Monica Osterhaus, is the Mid-Continent University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MCU Teen of the Week selected from nominees who 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. The Teen of the Year is eligible for a full four-year scholarship to Mid-Continent University or a cash award of $2,500, paid through the Paducah Sun, if the student selects another college to attend.

Osterhaus applies this principle to his volunteer efforts, as well. From spreading the faith through his church mission to selling concessions and tickets at Maiden Alley Cinema, he chooses causes he believes in. "I make sure that when I'm helping others, I do it not only to help them, but to help myself grow as a person," he said.

Osterhaus lists coaching indoor soccer and participating in cross country and track among his favorite extracurricular pursuits. "I love the team. It's a really great environment," he said.

He admits he hasn't always had the best work ethic, but says he is buckling down this semester in preparation for college, where he hopes to enter the field of business and finance.

Call Laurel Black, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8641.

Teen of the Week

—Nominations are accepted only from guidance counselors.

—If you are interested in the scholarship program, contact your guidance counselor.

—Nominations are reviewed by The Paducah Sun.

—For questions contact Kendra Mitchell at 270-575-8625 or kmitchell@paducahsun.com.