As an educator in the Kansas public school systems I have had the pleasure of teaching many outstanding students over the past 40 years. I want to make mention of two local individuals in our community that I would consider “hometown heroes.”
My daughter and son-in-law are friends of their parents and I have heard them speak of the many accomplishments they have achieved over the past few years.
Many students excel in school and have bright futures; however, many go off to college and because of various reasons and distractions, fail to apply themselves. These two “heroes” set a fine example to our community and to their peers.
Jessica Haddad and Jacob Elliott both graduated from Shawnee High School in 2006 as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. They both attend the University of Oklahoma. Most recently they were selected for PE-ET, a top 10 Senior Honor Society. This is the highest honor that can be achieved at the University of Oklahoma.
Only five women and five men are selected annually. The criterion includes a minimum of 72 credit hours, 3.25 GPA, and they must be enrolled as a full time student. Additionally, they must have faculty recommendation. The application process is extensive, including interviews, essays, transcripts and resumes.
The applications are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of faculty, staff and students. In addition to this prestigious award, they also each received the Regent’s Award for Outstanding Juniors and Big Man/Big Woman on Campus. Both of these awards require a demanding application and interview process with the selection based on scholarship, character, leadership, and service to the local and university community. This is the third consecutive year they have been selected as one of 12 outstanding students in their class.
Jessica is a junior at the University Health Sciences Center and is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major who will graduate in May 2010. She maintains a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend graduate school to receive her MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She has served as an executive officer for her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. She is a Big Sister mentor, Crimson Club officer, Lead Team co-chair, and Burr Scholar. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Class and has recently been nominated by one of her professors as the Outstanding Health Science Center student.
Jacob is a junior in the College of Engineering and is a Computer Science major. He will also graduate in May 2010. He plans to attend graduate school to receive his masters in Computer Science. He is an officer in the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He has served as Campus Activities Council chairman, Crimson Club officer, Greek Community Forum host, and Relay for Life captain. He also received the OU Honors Scholar Award.
Jake and Jessica have been high school sweethearts for six years and have worked to maintain their relationship through all of their classes and activities. They have recently become engaged with plans to marry in the summer of 2010.
Their parents are Dr. Tony and Heather Haddad and Mr. Steve and Karen Elliott of Shawnee.
