May Student of the Month: Kiowa's Jaylee Wills
Apr. 27—Where do you want to go to college and why?
I am planning to attend college in Oklahoma and would like to attend Oklahoma State University or Oklahoma Christian University. I have been accepted to both universities and am waiting on some final scholarships to make my decision. I am planning to major in nursing or animal science with hopes of someday continuing my education in these fields by becoming either a nurse practitioner or a veterinarian.
What is your list of accomplishments including scholarships received?
Senior Class Valedictorian, Six-time state qualifier softball, State Runner-Up and Quarterfinalist Basketball, Reserve Division Champion Wether Goat Oklahoma Youth Expo, State FFA Degree with Academic Excellence, State FFA Talent Show Qualifier, State Choir Qualifier, State Curriculum Contest Qualifier, Oklahoma Indian Honor Society, Superintendent's Honor Roll, Oklahoma Youth Expo- Full Tuition Waiver -Murray State College, Tenaska Scholarship, Oklahoma Christian University Heritage Scholarship, Pittsburg County Cattlewomen Scholarship, McAlester Stockyards Scholarship, Durwood and Faye Scott Scholarship
What drives you to succeed?
My faith and belief that God has a plan for my life gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams and goals with every ounce of effort I can offer. I am so blessed to have a large and loving family supporting me so that I can accomplish all of the things that God has in store for me. His plan for me gives me the drive to succeed simply by using the gifts He has given me.
Who inspires you to excel in school and why?
My parents have instilled in me the importance of working hard, time management, and taking my own responsibility for my education. All three of my older siblings have led the way as Valedictorians before me. My mother is a school teacher and I have seen first-hand how education can truly change lives. Even with several activities outside of school work, my parents always made sure that I knew that my education came first.
What community activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community?
As President of the Go-Givers Club I've had the opportunity to give back to our area by planning events such as canned food drives and community clean up days. I've also had the chance to gather items for Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas presents for our local angel tree, and organize a drive to collect items for area nursing homes. Outside of school, I also help fill and deliver food boxes for community members through my Church.
What are your extracurricular activities and how do they improve your education?
I am a member of FCA, Go-Givers, Basketball, Softball, Academic Team, Choir, Kiowa FFA Livestock Show Team, Kiowa FFA Shooting Sports, Kiowa FFA Judging Teams, Angie's Dance Plus Team. I am the President of FFA, FCCLA Vice-President of Community Service,4-H Vice-President, Go-Givers President, and the Senior Class Secretary. These activities have helped me learn responsibility, the importance of time management, and have provided me with challenges, adversity, and the opportunity to grow and adapt.
How would a new car help achieve your future goals?
A new car would relieve much of the financial strain of having two children in college at the same time. Since my brother and I will be attending two different colleges, both hours away from home, we will need two different vehicles to get us back and forth to classes, work, and home. Having a new car would also help lessen the stress of driving an older and much less dependable vehicle.
—Derrick James
