JEDI JONES HAS BEEN WALKING THE HALLS OF FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOR OVER A DECADE. HE'S GROWN UP WITH HIS EAGLE PEERS FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN REMEMBER, AND HE WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY.
He's now off to Texas A&M as the Salutatorian leaving a legacy with his teachers, teammates and coaches.
"A smaller school is great, and I feel like I know everyone here," he said. "I may have been in class with someone back in fifth grade and even though we might not hang out all the time, we still have that connection. I love that. I'll remember them for life."
From a small private school to a massive state university, Jones is ready for the next challenge.
"I can't wait to get to Texas A&M," he said. "What really sold me on the school was that everyone is so personal and friendly there. That goes with my personality."
Maybe what sold Texas A&M on Jones was his involvement in several activities in and out of school. He did a little of everything at FBCA. He ran cross country and track, played a little football and basketball.
"When I was younger, I tried everything," he laughed. "Even if I wasn't that good, my dad wouldn't let me quit. I had to finish out the season. I was able to find out what I liked and didn't like at an early age." Running became his thing.
"Running helps me practice focus," he said. "When you are doing long distance, you don't want to let your mind wander. You have to push yourself and keep your form. You have to stay focused. I used that thought process in school.
"Playing sports, surprisingly helps you manage your time. If I knew I had practice, that meant I had to get my schoolwork done in a timely fashion. You can't procrastinate and that worked for me."
He also made time to help out around Sugar Creek Baptist Church where he was an excellent role model for the youth.
"I did everything from Happy Fisherman, to Vacation Bible School to collecting the offering," he said.
So, what does the future hold for the young "Jedi"?
"I'm going to study engineering at Texas A&M," he said. "My uncle is a civil engineer, and I'd like to start up my own firm one day. That's the plan."
Well, a big hearty WHOOP! for that.
