Carolina Mejia wants to study law in college, and she plans on getting a head start in that pursuit this fall.

Carolina, daughter of Carlos and Nolvia Mejia of Shelbyville, will be a senior this year at Central High School. She has been selected to attend The National Youth Leadership Forum on Law (NYLFL) in Washington, D.C. in November. The NYLFL is a six-day program for high-achieving high school students who are considering a career in the field of law.

During her week in Washington, Mejia will have the opportunity to receive an in-depth introduction to the legal profession through contact with law professors and students from numerous universities and law schools, and partners and associates from participating law firms.

"I am really excited about going to this youth leadership forum," Mejia said. "I think it will be great for me because it will let me know more about law, and it will give me a head start for college. This will be a great learning experience for me."

The NYLFL looks for high school students who have shown high academic promise, leadership potential, and a strong interest in law. They are selected from references by teachers, youth organizations, and community and civic groups.

Mejia, who is a member of the National Honor Society at SCHS, has been very busy with school and community involvement throughout her high school years. She is one of the editors of the yearbook and is a member of the Drama Club, chorus, French Club, Student Council and tennis team.

She serves as a volunteer Spanish/English interpreter at the Community Clinic; volunteers in various activities for families at the Center for Family Development; volunteers for activities at the Fly Cultural Arts Center; and is a member of Bedford Bridges, the youth group of El Centro Latino. Carolina and her family are members of St. William's Catholic Church.

Students who participate in the NYLFL will visit court rooms, law schools and law offices in and around Washington and will have class sessions on crime scene investigation and forensics, legal ethics and negotiating contracts.

At the culmination of the week of learning at the NYLFL, Mejia and the other students will take on the roles of attorneys and justices to review judicial issues, argue positions, and make decisions on an actual Supreme Court case.

Carolina will have to raise $1,500 for tuition for the NYLFL, and she and family and friends will hold several fund-raising activities to help with the cost. Anyone interested in helping Carolina take part in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law can make a donation in her name to First Community Bank in Shelbyville. To speak with Carolina Mejia call her at (931) 224-9139.