By Linda K. Eaves –
Alyssa Eaves, valedictorian of Foster High School’s Class of 2013, was named a National Merit Finalist and received a College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship to Texas A&M University.
In her junior year, she won the Bausch & Lomb Science award for academic excellence in rigorous science and math courses. She also received academic excellence awards in psychology and English. “If my friends had a question about homework, they would call me, and I was usually able to help them.”
“Sometimes finding time for everything I want to do can be a little difficult. When things happen at once, that can be overwhelming, but I push through it.”
Last year, Alyssa competed in regional Science Olympiad in chemistry events where she performed an experiment, noted the results, and took a written test. This year she placed first in circuit lab – a written test of circuitry concepts with a hands-on-portion where she tested actual circuits with a multimeter.
She and her partner, Donovan Lemaster, won 2nd place for their gravity vehicle. “It was surprising. Our car was made out of metal strips and CD’s covered with duct tape for the wheels.” The car was released from a steep wooden ramp and had a braking system which had to be adjusted to calculate where the car would stop. In science UIL regionals, she placed third overall, second in math, second in chemistry and first in physics.
In her sophomore year, she auditioned for Alice in Wonderland, Jr. “I played Matilda, Alice’s sister. We worked long hours, and we got to know each other so well. The experience helped me become more comfortable speaking in front of an audience.”
“A lot of team work was required because each prop had to be taken offstage for the scene changes. Everybody had to know what they were doing, and do it really fast and quietly. It was a lot more hectic backstage than what the audience saw.”
As a member of National Honor Society, she tutored a student in physics and volunteered at You-Can Academy, an after school program for elementary school children. “I helped them do their writing and reading homework. When I got them to finish, it felt like a huge accomplishment,” she said with a laugh. “At first, I worked with any child that needed help, and then I gravitated toward the Kindergarteners because they’re so happy to see you all the time.”
At Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Alyssa was a member of the teen prayer group and played the role of a woman of Jerusalem in Living Stations of the Cross. She also helped with All Things Girl Camp and Vacation Bible School. “Youth Group Bible Study was interesting because I was there when it started and helped make decisions about where we wanted to go with it.”
Alyssa also received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship award. At Texas A&M, she will major in chemistry with a minor in biology and would like to work in the field of medicine.