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Student Spotlight: Lilly McCauley and Shemai’ya Peak Attend Rural Scholars Program at University of Alabama

By Andrew Edwards

Elmore Autauga News Staff Writer

It didn’t take long for Lilly McCauley and Shemai’ya Peak to realize that they have a lot in common.

McCauley, a rising senior at Prattville High School, and Peak, an upcoming senior at Stanhope Elmore High School, have always been academically gifted.

Peak has helped with multiple community service projects, been involved in 17 extracurricular clubs during her time at SEHS, and is currently taking a full course load of advanced placement classes.

McCauley is no different, taking only honors and AP classes at PHS, recently becoming the section leader for the band’s wind symphony, and is heavily involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).

Their academic mindset has allowed them to meet before in the past at various events attended by both PHS and SEHS. Their tenacity and tendency to always stive for excellence allowed them to reunite once more over a five-week period at the University of Alabama.

 From May 23rd to June 29th, the two students attended the Rural Scholars Program at UA. The program provides opportunities for rising high school seniors from rural communities in Alabama to pursue careers in medicine and other health care professions.

Out of 200 applicants statewide, only 20 were accepted into the program. McCauley and Peak were the only ones that represented their respective county.

“I really, really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with Lilly and all the other people who were there. Our friendship helped to ease any tension from not knowing the other people at first, but I ended up making friendships that I know will last a lifetime,” Peak said.

There was plenty of time for everyone to get to know one another. During their five-week stay, the 20 students attended chemistry and creative writing courses five days a week, while simultaneously using the night time for study hall and tutoring. They learned about CPR, pediatrics, and other aspects of the medical field. They also had labs that taught them how to measure chemicals accurately, and how to properly handle acidic and basic materials.

“I really enjoyed going to the labs, and I feel like the seminars really helped me to focus on the specific type of field that I want to go into,” McCauley said.

McCauley knew for quite some time that she wanted to go into the medical field, but after attending the scholars program, she’s fairly certain that she wants to go into nursing with a specialization in Dermatology.  

“I’d plan on going to Auburn,” McCauley excitingly said.

Peak, like McCauley, also has a profession in mind after taking the five-week courses.

“I want to be a pediatrician and attend either Emory University or the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” Peak said.

Peak went on to explain that the program was valuable in other ways as well.

“I feel like my time there really gave me insight into what life is like in college. The medical field is so multi-faceted, so it was so interesting learning about all the different types of professions,” Peak said.

 McCauley’s mother, Hillary Porter, says that her daughter’s self-determination has helped to guide in her in her endeavors.

“She’s always been very proactive with her academic career. She’s committed, driven, and can do anything that she sets her mind on. I always tell her to trust in her own ability,” Porter said.

Likewise, Peak’s mother, Susan Glover, explained that she’s always admired her daughter.

“I’m tremendously ecstatic and in awe of her. She never ceases to amaze me. I’m never on her, making sure that she does the things that she’s supposed to do. She’s accomplished so much at a young age, and no matter what obstacle comes her way, she’s always ready to overcome it,” Glover said.

Now, the two must continue their scholastic journey as they are set to start their senior years. Both felt like their time with the scholars program helped them better prepare for the future.

“I was really grateful to be a part of it. It definitely gave me direction towards what I want to do in life,” McCauley said.

 Even though they will be attending schools is opposite counties, they’re aware that their friendship bridges the distance between.

“It’s nice to know that she’s close. She’s been a great friend,” McCauley said.