Jenna Schaefer credits hard work on road to becoming Valedictorian

The high standards that St. Joseph-Ogden High School’s Jenna Schaefer set for herself put her on the path to become an Illinois State Scholar and to receive a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

She’s also been named a Valedictorian of the Class of 2020.

“I’ve always set high standards for myself when it comes to my grades, and I kept that mindset when I started high school,” Schaefer said. “Becoming Valedictorian was a motivating factor for me in my schoolwork especially as I got closer to the end of high school.”

The last eight weeks of high school did not look like she expected it to.

“When I was still going to school, I really enjoyed spending time with friends during all of my extracurriculars, especially marching band, and during school,” she said. 

“The last eight weeks have definitely been less stressful as I’ve been much less busy, but in this case I wish I would have been busier. Graduation doesn’t seem like as big or important of an event since the gym will be empty.”

Schaefer will move on to the University of Illinois to study Environmental Economics & Policy. She hopes to pursue a career implementing sustainable practices into businesses.

Looking back, Schaefer said she’s been lucky to have gone through a rigorous and supportive program at St. Joseph-Ogden.

“My teachers were all very supportive and helpful if I ever needed anything,” she said. “My family was also supportive of me and let me focus on schoolwork. They all made my high school experience a lot better and I’m grateful for them.”

In a school that is small enough to know everybody and big enough to meet a lot of different types of people, Schaefer participated in band, scholastic bowl, drama, National Honor Society, Spanish club, Rube Goldberg club, and We the People.

“During my senior year of marching band, we placed third or better in each of our competitions. At the We the People Competition, we placed second. It’s important to get involved because you can make lots of friends or become closer with friends you already have,” she said.

There is one lesson that Schaefer will take with her as she moves forward.

“I will remember to not take anything for granted and how important it is to work hard but also have fun,” she said.