November Student of the Month - Jessie Wallace

Jessie Wallace is our student of the month for November 2012.  A senior at the Steamboat Springs High School, Jessie is a mature, responsible student who continually works to achieve at the highest levels of her ability.  In the classroom, Jessie is quick to grasp major concepts and apply them to a variety of new situations.  She is a quiet leader in class, listening intently with an open desire to master the big ideas of the course. She is unafraid to grapple with difficult, abstract concepts, and persists until she develops a deep understanding of the material. Her written work consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of both content and process. Not content to merely master the content, Jessie continually strives to make subtle connections between related ideas. In class, Jessie shows leadership in her participation in class discussions and group projects. Her passion was ever present in everything she did.  Jessie has challenged herself with AP classes in nearly every subject area, with the goal of graduating summa cum laude.  

Jessie is passionate about the medical sciences.  As President of our National Honor Society, Jessie organized a blood drive for students and community members. Such a drive is significant as our community does not have a regular donation center. She has also participated in Science Olympiad and the US Biology Olympiad. Over the past two years, Jessie has participated in the internship program at veterinary hospitals and our community hospital. Last summer, Jessie attended a week-long health careers institute to gain even more hands-on experience in the medical field.

Jessie is also accomplished in the arts and athletics.  She has played the alto sax for the past six years. Twice she’s been selected to play with the District Honor Band and has recently taken up the soprano saxophone. Jessie enjoys making her own jewelry and sewing. Last spring, Jessie made her own prom dress, spending over fifty hours in the project.  Jessie is also active in sports, playing JV and Varsity lacrosse, soccer and basketball. She has served as captain of her lacrosse team and hopes to continue to play lacrosse at the DIII level in college.  Throughout her rigorous high school career, Jessie has also made community service a priority, often combining her passion for science and art with her service work. She has volunteered at veterinary hospitals and served as a junior counselor for the Yampa Valley Science School, a week-long residential program for sixth graders. She has given countless hours to theater rehearsals as a member of the pit orchestra and community orchestras.

Jessie has ambitious goals for her future. She plans to attend a rigorous four-year university and pursue her interests in biology and veterinary medicine.  Her ability to get along with others as well as her empathetic, sensitive approach to those she works with will serve her well in any field.