To say that Texas High senior Jenna Williamson has had a busy year would be a huge understatement. Even the district's superintendent Paul Norton calls her the "queen of everything." This 2018 Miss Lake O' The Pines Outstanding Teen has quit the competition life to devote more time to school. She even quit cheerleading. "I was so busy. I tried to pick what activities my heart sang to," Jenna said. "I love the cheer program, but I just couldn't this year because of travel. But Courtney Waldrep, the head cheerleader, has allowed me to be a helper and teach the freshmen their routines." Focusing only on scholastics, the Student Body president has spent the past year traveling as the president of Texas Association of Student Councils. Her work with the Association led the Texas Education Agency Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, to select her as one of two state delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program. Each of the delegates receives a $10,000 scholarship.
That selection makes her and her brother, Jay, the only siblings in the country to ever be selected to the program. Jay was a Senate Youth delegate in 2018.
On the Texas High campus, Jenna has started a new program called "Unite to Ignite." She credits Student Council adviser and student leadership teacher Susan Waldrep for her guidance and support.
"I wanted to bring unity between the clubs and organizations," she said. "All clubs are coming together and everyone can be involved, rather than different clubs sponsoring specific activities. It's changing a mindset."
Each year the high school hosts Tiger Strong Field Day, which is similar to Special Olympics.
"We have all of the special needs students from all over TISD here. It's a great program," she said. "I was also a 'buddy' at the East Texas Special Olympics (at New Boston High) last year, and plan to do that again if I'm in town next month."
While Texas High is her favorite campus, she said one of her fondest memories happened on another campus.
"In November I attended the Middle School Conference and acted as emcee and breakout leader for 800 middle school students," she said. "It's amazing for them to see a state president. They really look up to you."
Jenna said she is more than aware of the sacrifices made by the women who came before her.
"The success of young women today can be attributed to the remarkable women responsible for the passing of the 19th Amendment," she said. "They are one of the reasons I want to work in government with a focus on public policy."
Today, just as many young women hold student-elected positions as men, she said. In fact, four of the five state student-council officer positions in Texas are females. "They opened the door of opportunity and now women are receiving the highest academic honors and holding the most prestigious positions," Jenna said. "Their impact inspires me to compete, chase my goals and create positive change in my community. I believe in the power of a woman, and I appreciate their sacrifices and look forward to my own journey."
Besides these activities, Jenna is active in her church, First Baptist on Moores Lane. In the summer, the daughter of Lisa and George Tullis of Texarkana, and Charles and Allison Williamson of Longview, is a lifeguard at Holiday Springs Water Park.
"As far as graduation goes, It's bittersweet, but I'm also ecstatic," she said. "I'll also be sad to leave the state office. I've become best friends with the other four officers."
On March 11, Jenna learned that she had been chosen as a 2020 Coca-Cola Scholar. She will receive a $20,000 scholarship and join 6,300 others leading positive change around the world. It is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States.
With two big scholarships in hand, Jenna will be ready to join brother Jay at University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to study communications and public policy. Her love of a course in government and experience with student elections has given her a foundation for the future.
"There's no other way I'd want to live," Jenna said. "I love doing the things I do."
Since this interview, the COVID-19 crisis has disrupted some of Jenna's plans. The Youth Senate in Washington, D.C., that was supposed to take place in March, was canceled, although the winners will still receive the scholarship.
"COVID-19 has definitely impacted my senior year, as well as every other 2020 senior," she said. "I am sad that we might not experience the most exciting parts of senior year, but I understand the situation and know that the health and well-being of everyone is what's most important. I pray this makes us stronger and more determined to join together once the crisis is over."