Jessica Barker, Benson High School salutatorian, will be heading to the University of Arizona where she plans to earn a degree in finance.
Question: What are your parents’ names?
A: My parents are James and Julietta Barker
Q:What town do you live in, and what do you like most about living in a small, rural community?
A: I live in Benson and enjoy this area{span} because this is such a tight-knit community. The people in Benson come together when times get hard. Our community is very supportive of the school, families, and events which helps tremendously with the success of our town.{/span}
Q: How long have you attended school in Benson Unified School District?
A: I’ve been with the Benson School District for 13 years, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Q: What is your grade point average?
A: My GPA is 4.36.
Q: What extracurricular activities were you involved in during high school?
A: I served on student council as senior class president, was a member of our Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization where I served as secretary in 2021-2022 and president in 2022-2023. I was a Link Crew member and served as president, and played volleyball and basketball.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at Benson High School?
A: I enjoyed playing sports and attending sports events. I also like competing at the state and national levels for clubs. Celebrating homecoming week and going to all the annual events at the school are other activities that I really enjoyed.
Q: What high school memory/memories stand out that you would like to share?
A: I will never forget the relationships that I have made with my peers and teachers. I will also never forget beating our valley rivals (St. David) in volleyball during homecoming week in 2022.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to attend the University of Arizona where I want to pursue a degree in finance.
Q: What advice or words of wisdom do you have for upcoming graduates?
A: Always try to be open-minded to everything and know that things can change. Also, try to make connections whenever possible because they can help you in the future.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to say about your Benson experience?
A: I loved growing up with all of my peers in our community. I have been with some of them since preschool and it is awesome to see where we have gotten and where we will all go.
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