Although Shannon Newberry has excelled in sports, academics, clubs and fine arts, it’s her sister who she describes as the over-achiever.

Newberry, a senior at Heath High School, said her sister carved a path for her to succeed in high school, college and beyond. She joked that she’s indebted to her sister for all the help she’s given Newberry on her college applications. Their resumes were very similar, but without help from her sister, she likely wouldn’t be the high achieving teen she is, Newberry said.

Shannon Newberry, daughter of Van and Cecelia Newberry, 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 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.

Newberry spends a lot of time on the soccer field, with school and club teams, dabbled in swimming and still plays tennis. She has a perfect grade-point average, and she is using her composite 30 on the ACT to follow her dreams to college.

Despite all her other honors, Newberry’s passion lies in art. She prefers pencil drawing portraits above other media and subject matter. Her mother, who has a master’s degree in art, has offered support and advice with her creative endeavors.

It’s her love of art and math that she will combine as she studies architecture in college. She’s undecided between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. It all depends on scholarships.

Newberry refers to herself as a Jill of all trades, other than singing, which she readily admits is not her strong suit. She has personal advice for high school students who seek excellence.

“Never be too hard on yourself, and try everything you can,” she said. “Try to be the best you can be and always have a smile.”

Call Rebecca Feldhaus, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8651.