When Jenna Ross talks about her success throughout high school, she continually mentions her sister as a source of inspiration. Ross's sister, who is five years older, is now married and teaching at Mayfield Elementary School.

"She's always been good to me," Ross said. "I saw her go through high school. I just knew the expectations were going to be set high. She set the bar high, and I needed to do just as good as she did. She's been there for me, taught me to play soccer whenever I was little and drove me around."

Ross took those early soccer lessons and made quite a career out of it. She was the captain on Mayfield High School's varsity soccer team this year, and she used to play competitive travel soccer. Ross decided to opt out of travel ball this year so she could focus on her studies. She's kept a 4.0 throughout her high school career, despite time at practice for track, soccer, tennis and cheerleading. Soccer has been her most prolific sport, but Ross isn't afraid of getting her feet wet in other sports too.

She just started playing tennis this year. Ross said it was challenging to start a new sport after having become so comfortable on the soccer field. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ross said she often gets frustrated at practice. She said she plays for competition and just for fun. But really she'd prefer winning.

Jenna Ross, daughter of Keith and Darla Ross, 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.

Ross is ranked first in her class of 83 students. She is the president of the Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) club. She's moved up in the ranks over the years from historian to vice president, to president this year. Ross said each year is more responsibility, but more fun to take part in. She's been to national competitions with FBLA and done very well.

As for school spirit, it's another aspect of Ross's life she loves to share. She likes to be as involved in the pep club as time allows. Though she doesn't get to do as much themed dressing up with the pep club, Ross loves to show her school spirit at Friday night football games in her cheerleading uniform.

Ross will attend Murray State University next year where she will either study elementary education or business. She's not sure what branch of business she'd like to study, but feels fairly certain it won't be accounting. Ross chose Murray State because it's so close to her family. After graduation, she hopes to stay in the area. She loves western Kentucky. It has been and will continue to be home.