Athlete, valedictorian, future aerospace engineer: There’s nothing hidden about her dreams

It is a typical weekday morning in Scottsboro, Alabama. At the Dunkin’ on John Reid Parkway, the routine is set: the 18-year-old behind the wheel doesn't even need to order. She simply announces her name, and the staff knows exactly what to do. For Lela Moser, consistency is key, and she has been starting her mornings with a large vanilla bean iced coffee since her freshman year of high school.

A Future Driven by Purpose

Lela Moser’s life is defined not just by big dreams, but by actionable goals. A recent graduate of Scottsboro High School, Moser has spent her young life proving that she doesn't just talk about potential—she realizes it. Her foundation was built at home, where parents Robert and Ledelphia Moser fostered a culture of academic rigor, demanding book reports in exchange for screen time and encouraging their children to pursue any path they envisioned.

Moser’s academic prowess is matched by her athletic discipline. She excelled on the track, where she served as a key contributor in the 400m, 800m, and various relay events, securing seven state championships and a school record in the 4x400m. She credits her grueling early-morning training sessions for developing the time management skills that have carried her through a massive list of extracurriculars.

Inspired by History

Moser’s trajectory toward aerospace engineering was heavily influenced by the film Hidden Figures. She credits the stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson as her primary inspiration. Seeing those brilliant mathematicians serve as the backbone of NASA’s space race ignited a fire in Moser to pursue a similar career path in engineering.

This passion culminated in a historic academic run. Moser graduated as Scottsboro High's first Black valedictorian with an impressive 4.45 GPA. Her resume includes roles as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Student Government Association, and prom queen. At graduation, she was honored with 29 academic cords, including the prestigious Balfour Award for character and leadership.

Taking Her Talent to Auburn

With over 100 college offers on the table, including interest from Ivy League institutions like Brown University, Moser chose to stay close to home. She committed to Auburn University, citing the school’s elite engineering program and a welcoming family atmosphere. A key moment in her decision came during E-Day at Auburn, where she spotted a portrait of actress Octavia Spencer—a fellow Auburn alumna—on the wall, reinforcing her desire to join the program.

As a Bryant-Jordan scholarship recipient and winner of both the Ginn Scholarship and the Auburn Football Lettermen Scholarship, Moser is prepared for the next chapter. Her philosophy remains simple: Nothing is impossible because I am possible. While she is headed to college, there is no doubt that when she eventually returns to that Dunkin’ drive-thru in Scottsboro, she will be greeted with the same warmth—though perhaps now with the recognition of a future pioneer in aerospace engineering.