Alexis Coffey

Alexis is a 17 year old high school senior from Chandler, Arizona. She splits her time between Arizona College Prep High School and the East Valley Institute of Technology Radio/Audio Production Program. You can hear her on the local radio station 88.7 the Pulse. In her free time, Alexis loves to play guitar and bass. She also enjoys crocheting, knitting and baking. She has always been an active part of her community. She is a member of the same Girl Scout troop that she joined in Kindergarten. She also completed over 100 service hours during high school and plans to continue volunteering throughout her college years. Alexis is a high achieving student who will begin attending the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona in the fall 2023 semester where she plans to major in engineering.

Click here to read her Winning Essay!

Our Interview With Alexis

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes, this was my first time entering.

How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about the contest through my school.

What inspired your work?
This year, I took AP U.S. Government and Politics, which helped me develop a stronger understanding and sense of pride in our government’s foundations, especially the Constitution.

What did you learn while creating your entry?
I learned a lot about the historical relevance of our First Amendment rights. I have always known they were important, but seeing their extensive history showed me how they are key to keeping our republic whole. I also had not thought deeply about all of the different freedoms that are included in the First Amendment. There are so many important rights in that one amendment to the Constitution.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
We are all able to have discussions on the importance of the U.S. Constitution in class. Outside of class, having discussions and talking about real-life situations can also help spread the word.

How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
Usually any discussions we have about history or the Constitution occur in classes. I hope to meet more people in college who share my interest in these subjects.

What do you love about U.S History and the forming of our government?
It is amazing that the founders of our country were so wise that they could create a system of government that has thrived for over two centuries. Their ideas have been an example for many other countries that have used our Constitution as a model for their own constitutions.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I would love to go to Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell.

Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
James Madison is an inspiration to me for his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Without him, we would not be the nation we are today.

Who is your greatest role model?
One of my role models is my Mom. She is an amazing person who has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind toward.

What in your life are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about making a difference in the world. I have spent a lot of time volunteering throughout high school. I want to continue to make an impact for the rest of my life. I think that I can make a positive difference in the world by going into engineering. Engineers have the ability to impact the world by creating new inventions or improving existing products or designs to enhance everyone’s lives.

How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy crocheting, knitting and designing patterns. I also like to play guitar and bass and write music.

What are your plans for the future?
Right now, I am focusing on going to college at the University of Arizona to study engineering, and after college I will start my career.

If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
As a future engineer, I would love to make an impact on the world through scientific research. Developing new technologies that can improve people’s quality of life is my goal for my career.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution is the basis of our government. Without it, we would not be the country we are today. It is a living document that has changed and grown with our country and it will continue to change. It is the supreme law of the land and it protects the rights of all American citizens and ensures that we can remain free.

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