The past month has been a whirlwind of accomplishments and excitement for Lalita Andrews.A 2016 graduate of Warrenton High School, she recently received her diploma before being crowned a state champion just two weeks later. But Andrews has had little time to celebrate those achievements, as she balances four jobs and prepares for college.Having moved from her native country of Thailand as a third-grader, Andrews used her outgoing personality to quickly establish a social base in Warrenton.She joined the track team in middle school, using her athletic ability in the sprinting and jumping events. To conclude her career, Andrews cleared a personal-best 5-foot, 4 inches to become the Class 3 State Champion in the high jump. In addition to jumping, Andrews also competed in the 400-, 800- and 1600-meter relays, along with the 200-meter dash.She was a cheerleader from eighth grade through sophomore and used to be involved in the dance force. Andrews was also a member of NHS, Integrate and played tenor in the Marching Band.Aside from her athletic endeavors, Andrews is also very involved in modeling, which is one of her jobs. She also works at Jack in the Box, Moser’s and helps out with the family dog hotel and grooming business.Using her A+ assistance, Andrews plans to attend St. Charles Community College, before transferring to a four-year university. She is considering Mizzou as a long-term option, ultimately pursuing a career as a pediatrician.On the rare occasion that she has free time, Andrews enjoys riding her skateboard and playing the piano.Q: How did you first get involved in the high jump?“When we started track in middle school, I was trying out events to find out what I was good at. I knew I could sprint, and I also tried high jump and long jump. I ended up loving high jump, so I kept it going in high school.”Q: What makes you an exceptional jumper?“When I jump I don’t have form. I just have the height.”Q: What was your philosophy this season?“All I could think about was breaking the record, but I could never get past 5 feet. Then I cleared 5-3 at conference to get the record.”Q: What was your reaction to winning state?“I was kind of shocked, because it’s my last year. It was really exciting and a great way to end the year. I didn’t know what to do on the podium with thousands of people looking at me.”Q: How did you gain an interest in modeling?“I like being in front of a camera, and my cousin took some pictures. I signed up for a modeling website in St. Louis, and they called me for an interview. Photographers call me in for this and that. It’s fun being in front of camera and getting paid.”Q: What do you think your car (red Mustang) says about your personality?“I’m athletic so driving a sports car could mean something, and I really like the color red.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“During track season it would be Coach (Mike) Spoede. He started off really tough on me since freshman and sophomore year. He kept me pushing me, and I started to realize why.”Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?“I always wanted to go to the Bahamas, because I’ve heard they have a really beautiful beach. I also want to go to Colorado and go skiing. And then Paris to the Eiffel Tower.Q: If you could spend a weekend with any three people, who would you choose?“My boyfriend Tyler, my best friend Susan and my mom.”Favorite Food: “Thai food.”Favorite Restaurant: “Any Thai restaurant.”Favorite TV Show: “Lost.”Favorite Movie: “The Pursuit of Happiness.”Favorite Song: “Lucky by Jason Mraz.”Favorite Musician: “Trey Songz.”Lalita Andrews