Just as a junior in high school, Unaka’s Axi Erickson has already received some national notoriety.

Here recently, Workforce Career Readiness released its 2019 Class of 100 High School Students America Needs to Know About and making the class was Erickson, who found out through her teacher and Key Club sponsor, Kayla Clawson.

“She is a great all-around student,” Clawson said. “She is always finding ways to improve and always finding ways to help out. I am an advisor for her in both Key Club and HOSA. She is also a part of the National Honors Society. Anything you ask her to do, she is willing to do, and she really deserves recognition. She really excels in the classroom with her academic work. And when I say she is an all-around great student, she is very exemplary of that.”

Erickson said she was surprised when she found out about making the listing.

“I am honored, and it really opened my eyes to how there is more out there than this little town,” said Erickson, who said she hopes to attend college outside the Tri-Cities Area.

According to information given to Workforce Career Readiness about Erickson, she has “contributed to the planning and development of several community service programs such as Ranger Pride-Clothing Stride and The Ranger Backpack program, fundraise for UNICEF, and find the time to volunteer at events hosted by Elizabethton Kiwanis Club.”

Erickson, along with being a part of the National Honors Society, serves as vice president of the Unaka High School Key Club and is a member of the Health Occupation Students of America.

With everything that she is involved in, Erickson said it takes focus to stay on top of everything.

“Mrs. Clawson really helps me with that,” she said. “Key Club is my main priority.”

So far, Erickson, who was born and raised in Stoney Creek, said she loves being an Unaka Ranger.

“It is like a family here,” she said. “It is great because all of my friends are here.”

Originally, Erickson said she wanted to go into the medical field but now thinks she would rather be a school counselor so she can work with kids.