Mexico High School student Travis Shramek spent most of June on the University of Missouri campus, taking part in the prestigious Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) according to a news release.

The academy is a three-week residential program for students entering their junior year of high school. Held each year in Columbia, MSA brings together 330 students from across the state for challenging academic experiences and personal growth opportunities.

During his time at MSA, Travis’s major academic focus was "Old School Engineering," where he explored hands-on problem solving and creative design. His minor course was "Math Without Numbers," offering a unique take on mathematical thinking and logic without relying on traditional calculations.

“It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of new kids that were similar to me in a lot of ways,” Travis said. “I made some really good friends. There were also many opportunities to learn new and interesting things. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Travis is the son of Craig and Stacey Shramek. 

Students are selected through a competitive process that starts with a school-based nomination. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, essays, and teacher recommendations. Each year, a statewide selection committee reviews applications before inviting a select group of students to attend.

Missouri Scholars Academy has been part of the University of Missouri Honors College since 1985. The program gives students a chance to explore new ideas, engage in critical thinking, and build lasting friendships with other high-achieving students from across Missouri.

For more information about the academy, visit https://moscholars.missouri.edu.