VYPE: Can you tell us a bit about how you got into dancing and acting? 
Alexandria Burdett: OK, I’ll start with acting. My dad actually went to college for acting—he graduated with an arts degree. Seeing him talk about his experiences really inspired me. So, I gave it a try my freshman year. I started in Mr. Ellis’s Intro to Acting class, and then moved on to Drama 3 and 4.  

As for dancing, my sister is a cheerleading coach, so that probably influenced me too. My family’s pretty creative, and I was always the kind of kid who wanted to try everything. I started palm and hip-hop in 5th grade, and now I’ve been dancing for six years.  

VYPE: What makes you want to keep dancing year after year? 
AB: It’s my happy place. Dance lets me relax, express myself, and have fun with my friends.  

VYPE: What inspired you to run for National Honor Society president? 
AB: I’ve loved NHS ever since junior high. At the club fair my freshman year, I tried to sign up and was so disappointed when they told me I had to wait until junior year. But once I got my acceptance letter, I was thrilled. I wasn’t even planning to run for an officer position, but I decided last minute and ended up being a chair. The community involvement and the members inspired me to go further and run for president.  

VYPE: What pushed you to accept that leadership opportunity? 
AB: At first, I didn’t even consider running for president. But when I thought about my  

leadership style, it just made sense. I love to lead. I’m even going to leadership camps this summer. I worked hard—178 service points this year—and I think I showed the sponsors I was the right choice.  

VYPE: How do you balance your time between academics, performing arts, and NHS?  

AB: A little agenda goes a long way! I use a calendar and make sure the most important  

things—like NHS responsibilities and school—come first. Dance is still super important to me, but I treat it more like a creative outlet.  

VYPE: Have there been moments where your commitments overlapped? How did you handle it?  

AB: Definitely. For example, my Thursday dance classes were sometimes at the same time as NHS events, like our induction night. I chose induction because I knew I could catch up on choreography—I pick up dances really fast. I always weigh what’s most critical to be present for.  

VYPE: What’s been your favorite role or performance? 
AB: Playing a lead in Cinderella this year! It was the biggest role I’ve ever had. Sophomore  

year I was in the ensemble, which I loved, but being a lead was a whole new level. I didn’t expect it—I can’t really sing—but I can act, and when I saw my name on the cast list, I was so excited. The whole cast was amazing, and I really felt like I embodied my character.  

VYPE: How has performing shaped your confidence or leadership? 
AB: Tremendously. The first time I got on stage, I was shaking. I still get nervous, but  

performing helped me push past that. I’ve learned how to project, give speeches, and organize my thoughts creatively. I actually just ran my first NHS meeting recently—it lasted an hour, and I think I did great. Performing gave me that courage.  

VYPE: What are your goals as the incoming NHS president? 
AB: We want fewer members on probation and more community involvement. Sometimes  

students join NHS just for the college résumé, but we want members who care—who find joy and purpose in serving. At our leadership workshop, we focused on values like prosperity, happiness, growth, and outreach. That’s the legacy we want to leave.  

VYPE: How do you hope your leadership impacts the school and your fellow NHS members?  

AB: I want to inspire more people to join NHS and to understand what it’s really about. I’ve found a second family here. I want others to feel that too—through outreach, through promoting the real benefits of being involved, and by encouraging people to find their purpose in service.  

VYPE: After high school, where do you see yourself going? 
AB: Right now, I’m in a legal assistant program at Moore Norman. My dream is to be a  

prosecutor—Harvard is the goal! I think everything I’m doing now, from leadership to public speaking, is preparing me for that. Knowing how to speak with confidence will help me in a courtroom, for sure.  

VYPE: What advice would you give to underclassmen who want to get involved and pursue their passions?  

AB: Stay organized and manage your time well. I’m lucky to have the schedule I do, but it takes effort. Most importantly—have fun. Don’t let the pressure steal your joy. This past year helped me find myself. Trying new things helped me grow and gave me a sense of purpose.  

VYPE: One last question—can you tell us about your recent experience with BPA? 
AB: Absolutely! I recently won first place at BPA State for Legal Office Procedures through my MNTC program, and I’ll be competing at Nationals this May!  

To qualify for state, I took an objective test covering everything from probate and criminal law to running a law office and legal terminology. I scored in the top 20% at Moore Norman and advanced to state in Tulsa. They covered everything—hotel, transportation, even a hospitality room with snacks!  

At state, I had to format two legal documents with precise grammar, spacing, font, and structure. I was so nervous I barely ate—I remember only having a banana before I competed. Even though I wasn’t sure I’d win (there were returning seniors), I gave it my best.  

I made great friends, had fun at the conference, and even went to the mall. I did leave early though—I had to be back for our Cinderella performance the next day! Luckily, my teacher Mrs. Woodard coordinated everything so I could do both. I’m so grateful for the experience, and I can’t wait for Nationals!