By Kristine Thomas
Whether it is volunteering or participating at John F. Kennedy High School, Amelia GrosJacques knows what it takes to successfully accomplish a task.
“Teamwork is what gets it done,” she said.
A senior at JFK, Amelia is the Mount Angel Junior First Citizen. “It’s nice to receive recognition for what I have done,” she said. “This award is like a thank you from the community.”
Her volunteer work includes Habitat for Humanity Restore, the Hazelnut Festival, Oktoberfest and Wurstfest. She also volunteers as a referee for youth basketball.
At JFK, she is an associated student body secretary, Future Business Leaders of America secretary, Habitat of Humanity president and in Health Occupation Students of America class. She is team captain of the varsity girls basketball team and has won numerous honors in volleyball, basketball and track.
Her parents are Pete and Annie GrosJacques. Her sister Carlie is a freshman at Chemeketa Community College and brother Sam is a seventh-grade student.
“Carlie was the one who got me to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity,” Amelia said. “By volunteering, I have met a lot of friends.”
Only 13 months apart in age, Amelia considers Carlie her best friend. “My sister set the bar really high and she had success in high school,” Amelia said. “She is my role model. She has a job, goes to college and has the steps planned out for what she wants to do with her life.”
Amelia plans to attend Chemeketa for two years on the honors program, then transfer to a four-year college. She wants to have a career in the medical field, working as a health and services manager.
JFK staff member Vincent Teresi describes Amelia “a splendid combination of scholastic, athletic and social skills,” adding Amelia stands apart from her peers in an “impressive, mature manner. This gracious young lady is exemplary in her conduct both within the academic arena and her local community.”
JFK track and cross country coach Steve Ritchie said Amelia deserves the award.
“She has been a joy to have on the team and has been one of the pillars of our girls’ state championship run,” Ritchie said. “Mia has shown great determination in battling through several injuries in track, and has excelled not only in her events, but also as a leader on the team.”
Growing up in Mount Angel has taught her many important skills – from the importance of volunteering to hard work. She said she appreciates the love and support from her family – knowing she can talk to her mom about what’s happening, to the times she spends cooking with her dad.
“Living in Mount Angel is about having good friends, family and community members,” she said.
One of her most rewarding volunteer experiences was helping to build a Habitat for Humanity house.
“Volunteering has been a big part of my life and has given me the opportunity to branch out and try new things,” Amelia said. “I feel that my future career will be satisfying because it will not only benefit my life but it will also help others.”
