Alexandria “Lexi” Cogle, junior, has a passion for biology and swimming, going far in both those fields. In the past year, Cogle has not only created a website for Advanced Placement (AP) Biology students, but has also competed in the World Juniors swim league for Jamaica.
Cogle took AP Biology in the 2024-2025 school year, developing her love for science, this thus allowed her to exell on the exam, earning the highest possible score, a five.
“I love this topic [biology]. I love how it explains everything,” Cogle said.
However, this class was not her introduction to biology. Her love first stemmed during freshman year Biology Honors with Sarah Guzick. Her interest further developed in AP Biology giving her the inspiration to create her website, AP Biology.
She created the idea towards the end of her sophomore year, as she would be leaving the class.
“I didn’t want to lose biology out of my life, it’s my passion in life. I was tutoring my friend for an AP Biology test and was wondering how I could help more people out,” Cogle said, about her reasons behind the website.
The website itself serves as a tool, having the advantage of being made by a student. Cogle brings the perspective of knowing exactly what high schoolers need to pass the class. Allowing for her site to be catered towards students’ work and needs.
“I’ve used it to study for a couple of my tests, and it has been helpful. It’s a nice way to review the content,” Myriam Smithwick, junior, and close friend of Cogle, said.
Cogle plans on pursuing the world of science after high school and university, hoping to be a pathologist. Pathologists examine tissues and cells in order to study medical conditions.
Outside of school, Cogle’s dedication to the subject is apparent, she tutors biology students 10 hours a week. This is not something she does as a part of a club, as a job, or for community service hours. She tutors simply because she loves the subject and wants to help others love it as well.
In addition to her skill in biology, Cogle is accomplished in swimming. She’s represented Jamaica at several meets, having the opportunity to travel through swimming competitions.
“The biggest meet that I’ve been to, which was this year, was World Juniors. It’s at the same level as the Olympics, it’s just every two years and 18 and under,” Cogle said.
When Cogle was 10-years-old she became a Jamaican citizen. With her father, Maurice Cogle, being born in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Swimming has served as an outlet for travel in recent years, with Cogle getting to journey to places such as Trinidad and the Caribbean. Cogle’s favorite country she has been to through swim is Romania.
“It was my first time in Europe. One of my best friends is Romanian and it’s just so cool. The food was good and the people were so sweet, and I think it was the farthest I’ve ever been,” Cogle said.
Cogle has been swimming competitively for the same team since she was five, the Jupiter Dragons Swim.
Swimming on this team has allowed her to meet people who she wouldn’t normally meet simply through school, connecting her with others who share the same interest.
“I like swim because of the relationships it has given me, like my best friends and a coach,” Cogle said.
Smithwick is an important person in Cogle’s life,who shares that love for swimming as well. Them having known each other their entire lives.
“Both of our sisters were swimmers on the same club team. So we knew each other when we were little at the pool hanging out,” Smithwick said.
Cogle’s personality and character has impacted those around her, she’s managed to become a loved and appreciated student not only among her friends, but her peers.
“She’s one of the hardest workers I know. She tutors people, she’s always happy to give anyone a ride home any day,” Smithwick said.
The hardwork and dedication that Cogle practices reflects back in her accomplishments.
