Jovahni Perez

Character: Growing up, I was always told to separate myself from others and do the right thing when no one’s looking. This is something that many continue to struggle with, rather it’s the recognition that isn’t received or getting nothing beneficial out of it. For me, doing the right thing when no one is looking is something I excel in. I love doing things like giving out small acts of kindness to others, checking in on people I’ve never spoken to, assisting someone with anything they may need help with etc. Last summer, a childhood friend was involved in a horrific car accident, putting him in a coma for weeks. Him going back to school was the least of anyone’s worries, but thankfully at some point he was gifted with having the opportunity to continue his education. Previously he went to Oak Park high school, but he ended up moving back to Piper to finish out his senior year. I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy coming back for him, knowing how some highschool students would react after noticing the permanent physical effects that cause him to “look” different from others following the car crash. Fortunately, he was able to get in a class with me, and I had the ability to help guide him through that class. Caden lost most of his memory from the past, with a few exceptions, including our childhood friendship. Helping teach him some of the different factors wasn’t the easiest because the majority of the course was new to him due to the memory loss. I was informed by his paraeducator that he had always mentioned his excitement to see me in class. Knowing that he was having a positive experience coming back to school was something very emotional for me. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to guide an old friend of mine and be a part of his journey.

Service: During the Winter, my best friend and I came up with an idea to create our own home services business. This would include things like mowing their lawn, raking leaves, anything that we could possibly assist with. At the time, the service we provided the most was shoveling people's driveways. We received a lot of snow this past Winter, and there was one specific area that we would put first before anyone else’s request, that was an elderly neighborhood. Both of us having loving grandparents in our life allowed us to think about how much help the elderly people would need during these snowstorms that had hit our area. Everytime it would snow, these people were the first we would reach out to and try to assist. I hope this makes our community a place where people can count on their neighbors.

Achievement: One thing I carry much pride in is my GPA, which is currently at a 4.02. I have put so much time, hard work, studying, and sacrifice in order to be where I am academically. I currently take AP Literature and had previously taken AP Language and Composition, furthering my critical thinking skills. In powerlifting, I’m a two time state champion as well as a 3rd and 2nd place finisher in previous years. I have been nominated for “most inspirational lifter” as well as “freshman of the year” at one point, and am currently working for an “All American” award, in which Coach Coker has been guiding me through. In baseball, I am a two year team leader and have started varsity from freshman year through senior year. My favorite award throughout school is the “SWORD” award, which I have received two years in a row from sophomore and junior year. This award stands for Student Worth of Recognition and Dignity, in order to receive this award you must be nominated by a teacher who thinks you fulfill the standards of the award.

Leadership: Throughout my highschool years, I have been able to provide leadership to my peers in and out of the classroom. In powerlifting, Coach Coker has recommended new lifters who are in need of assistance to ask me for guidance year after year. In the weight room, there are instances where kids come up to me and ask me how to do something they are not familiar with. There are also different occasions where I may have to reach out to the student due to their timidity of asking for help. Referring to baseball, there are many situations where I have had to step up as a team leader vocally and physically. Leading by example, and showing my teammates how to be a better player, teammate, and a coachable kid is something I strive for. In the classroom, I am used as a reference for new students as well as peers who may need support. I’m grateful that I am someone people can out on to lead in big and small ways.