"Over time it's really become a passion for me," said Alexxis Garza, the Scholar Athlete of the week.
Running is second nature for John Jay senior Alexxis Garza.
Her teammates are a lot more than classmates by her side.
"To me they feel more like a family than a team," Garza added.
For Alexxis, running has been an outlet to help her focus.
"When I'm running it clears my mind," Garza continued.
And she has a lot to think about.
In the classroom she's an A student.
"Since I got into high school I've been taking mostly AP classes," Garza continued.
And she loves to study science and nutrition.
"She's quiet but she's probably one of the hardest working students that I've worked with here at John Jay High School," said teacher Rhia Garza.
She also has a wide variety of hobbies and interests.
For the first time John Jay has a fashion club, and Alexxis is President.
"We usually do activities and sewing projects and stuff as a team," said Alexxis.
The club isn't just about learning the latest trends, it's practical.
"She is doing what nobody else has come in to do so far and she has set that standard," Rhia Garza added.
It's a high standard that she applies to all aspects of her life, from the track, to schoolwork, and to her clubs and jobs in her spare time.
As she prepares to head off to UT Austin next year, she says lessons from her Mom keep her focused.
"She has always motivated us to do good in school and to keep our grades up and be involved. She's definitely the one who inspires me," Alexxis said.
"She's very well rounded and a likeable and hardworking individual, she'll do well in whatever she decides to pursue in life," Rhia Garza said.