The biomedical science classes at Coon Rapids High School attract the best and the brightest students. And it is here where senior Jesse Co shines with his knack for science.
"I'm very interested in biochemistry and cellular biology and I hope to one day work in a lab and work with diseases and how to treat them," Co said.
His biomedical science teacher Luke Gliddon said Jesse is fun to have in class. “It's well-known and discussed among his peers, that if you're looking for someone with the right answer turn to Jesse," Gliddon said.
At the start of his senior year, Jesse was recognized as a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. It's a prestigious achievement based on his PSAT and ACT test scores used for getting into college.
"One of my strengths is I can learn a lot of information really quickly and I can really dissect what's important," Co said.
Jesse has his scientific sights set on attending college. He is focused on top schools like Johns Hopkins. Right now, he is weighing his options.
As a youngster, Jesse's parents instilled the value of education on him including music. He plays the French horn.
"One of my earliest memories is them sitting with me at the dinner table, going through math books, going through reading and English books," Co said.
Jesse has submitted another application in hopes of becoming a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. It's an chance to open doors for even more college and business scholarships.
"It includes all my extracurriculars, the classes I took, my GPA, as well as a personal essay that I had to submit," Co said.
Co will find out in January if he gets chosen as a National Merit Scholarship finalist.