Alyson Warr: From track to science lab

Alyson Warr, 18, of East Freetown, is graduating first in her class from Apponequet Regional High School and has her sights set on a future in the field of science.
“I’ve just always been curious how the world works and I’m fascinated by cells, and the universe,” said Warr. “When I took biology as a freshman, I was interested in learning more about the detail of how things worked. I took AP biology as a junior, and that was a huge inspiration for me.”
She’s taking her inquisitiveness to the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall, where she will join about 50 other students accepted into the Commonwealth Honors College’s Talent Advancement Program (TAP) for biology. She plans to focus her studies on cellular and molecular biology and biochemistry, but for now she wants to keep her future career prospects open.
“I’m drawn towards research science, and in the past I’ve considered being a doctor, a surgeon, so I’m leaving my options open for medical school after college,” she said.
Warr spent the summer of 2009 working as a Sea Lab office worker, where she prepared experiments and activities for instructors and presentations to the New Bedford public School Board.
Since freshman year, she has earned four Science Course Awards. She is also the recipient of four Principal’s Academic Achievement Award, which is given to students who maintain an “A” average each year. She has also received a Harvard Book Award and a Certificate of Honor for placing in the top 11 percent in “Les Grands Concours” National French Exam.
Her AP biology teacher, Bonnie Ferreira, describes her as an impressive student and person. “She has unparalleled maturity, motivation and standard of excellence,” said Ferreira. “She is a remarkable young woman.”
Warr’s community service includes academic tutoring, and involvement with Klete Squires, a representative of the Special Olympics.
In addition to her interest in science and research, Warr was also active in extracurricular activities at Apponequet and outside of school. Throughout her high school career she participated in dance and spring track. She was a captain of the field hockey team, and received a varsity letter and MVP Defense award as well as a sportsmanship award.
In addition, she was president of the National Honor Society and a member of SHAPE, the Student Help and Peer Education organization at Apponequet.
“It is stressful sometimes because we had to have a full day of work then go to track,” she said. “It’s mostly being self-motivated. Everything I’m involved in I do because I love it. I just have to get it all done, so I make it work somehow.”
As for her departure from East Freetown and Apponequet, Warr said she will miss everyone but is excited about the future.
“It’s such a small school, so everybody knows each other. I have a great group of friends. The music kids also do sports and drama — everyone is close. But lot of (my friends) are also going to UMass,” she said.