BonnerSprings.com

Puddles of blood, dead bodies, a missing murder weapon and only a few clues to go off; that's the future of Bonner Springs High School senior Kasie Cook.

As graduation nears, Cook is looking toward her future as a crime scene investigator with excitement.

"I'm excited but I'm really nervous as well," Cook said. "Bonner is all I've ever known."

In July, Cook will leave Bonner Springs and join the U.S. Navy in its master of arms program. She has committed five years to the military in return for the Navy paying for her schooling.

Cook said she's always loved the TV show "CSI." Since getting hooked on the show her sophomore year, Cook was certain it was the job for her.

"It's just such an adrenaline rush," she said. "I like puzzles, and it's like a giant puzzle that you have to put together."

While serving her time in the military, Cook plans to take online courses to work toward her CSI degree. She expects to complete her first degree in three to four years but says eventually she hopes to get a Ph.D.

In the meantime, Cook has gotten some hands-on experience while working on her senior project.

Earlier in the year, Cook got the opportunity to shadow an officer in the crime investigation division of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department. She learned how to take fingerprints and she even went with police to visit the scene of an aggravated robbery. During the experience, Cook got to talk to a police sergeant about what it would take to fulfill her dream.

"He told me it was a mostly male-dominated profession so I need to make sure was a strong, independent women," Cook said.

It's because of the last four years in high school that allows Cook to know she meets those requirements.

Cook said her high school life was full of great times that she will always remember fondly.

"Looking back on the years," she said, "it was definitely an experience. An experience that I'll never forget."

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