CAM Academy

Jessica Barnes is CAM Academy’s featured graduating senior

There are hundreds of students set to graduate from Battle Ground Public Schools this year, and we’re proud of and impressed by each and every one of them! We interviewed one outstanding graduate from each of our district high schools about what their plans are now that they’ve completed their high school education, what advice they’d give to next year’s freshman class, and to share their favorite high school memories.

Jessica Barnes was selected by CAM’s leadership team to be featured as an outstanding graduate. Below are Jessica’s responses, in her own words. Congratulations Jessica and all the other graduates on reaching this important milestone, and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

What are your plans post-graduation?

I am registered to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. I plan to study exercise science and dance. I have been awarded scholarships for merit and dance and have been given the Lewis River Rotary and Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholarships.

Who has been the most influential teacher or school administrator from your high school experience, and why?

Mrs. Bjur was my freshman and sophomore English teacher. She was known for being tough, but she gave me a beneficial push in English. She taught the basics of English and gave me interesting assignments and valuable corrections to apply to my writing. She was such a fun person and told incredible stories.

What kinds of extracurricular activities did you participate in during your high school career?

I have danced throughout high school. I have taken classes with Christina Wilder and Stacy Staples at Academy of Ballet Arts and have performed in the Nutcracker each year with Vancouver Dance Theatre. Cumulatively, I have danced for about 12 years and have been en pointe for the last five. I plan to continue dancing at Pacific University.

What is your favorite memory from high school?

One great experience I had in high school was my school’s junior-senior east coast trip. My friends and I would sit in the back of the bus. It was such fun to be around my friends and hear someone call my name and just turn around and talk with them. I got to stay in a hotel room with three other girls, and we got to chill and have fun. In Boston, we got yelled at (jokingly) by a Bostonian and it felt like getting just that extra bit of the Boston experience. In Central Park, New York, we saw Jimmy Fallon filming a segment for his show. I took so many pictures on the trip, one of which a couple of my friends photo-bombed beautifully.

What advice would you give to incoming freshman/younger students about high school?

My advice for incoming high school freshman is to set a high goal for yourself. No matter the grades you typically get, aim to excel. Don’t take an attitude of neutrality. Strive for good grades from the beginning of high school. Don’t be among the crowd of juniors and seniors who want to have a good high school transcript but have to overcome their grades from the first two years of high school. Put in the effort now. Set high goals. Put in the time to achieve and persevere even if that means putting in the hours. I am not the speediest, but with enough time put in, I can accomplish wonderful things. Press on toward good goals.