From Clint Mulhollan, Social Studies department head:
Jaylee Messer
The Social Studies department is given the opportunity to select the students of the month for February. We pride ourselves in choosing students who have exemplified spirit, pride, and honor during their four year journey through the halls of BHS. Our selection of Jaylee Messer for this award was an easy decision; she is kind, ambitious, and diligent.
Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Jaylee’s caring attitude, polite demeanor, and timeless class have shown Burnet High School the language of kindness. She’s always kind to her classmates, respectful of her teachers, and helpful to anyone in need. Her service in our local community includes: The BHS Trunk or Treat, Community Christmas Tree Lighting, MLK Day of Service projects, Humane Society volunteer work, helping with our Head Start program, Soles for Souls, and the Rotary Scholarship Night. Beyond her community involvement and school commitments, Jaylee always has a smile for her teachers, friends, and classmates. She goes out of her way to spread kindness to all those she sees, including her former AP Human Geography teacher. The joy she shares with others does not go unnoticed.
Jaylee is an ambitious, well rounded student, who was recently named the Burnet Chamber of Commerce Female Youth of the year. She is a member of numerous activities, clubs, and organizations including: Girls Basketball, Cross Country, Track, UIL academics, Student Council, Flag Corps, Athletic training, Interact, and NHS. She currently holds the leadership position of Vice President in both Interact and National Honor Society, and probably holds the title of the best high school basketball manager in the history of the sport. No matter how Jaylee represents our school or community, it is always done with class and grace.
These days, good old-fashioned hard work is an often overlooked trait. Jaylee demonstrates perseverance and grit as one of the busiest students on campus, yet she still always finds a way to excel in the classroom. She is currently ranked 4th in her class, with a 4.68 GPA. She has been the top scholar in numerous academic classes, has picked up multiple All State Academic honors, and has always taken an advanced academic workload. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Jaylee has always given 100% in all she has set out to accomplish.. Whether it is academics, athletics, training, volunteer work, or friendships, you can depend on her hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Jaylee’s kindness, ambition, and perseverance has transformed her into one of the leaders of tomorrow, and I know our future is in good hands. She has been accepted to The University of Texas at Austin this fall where she will ultimately become a forensic scientist. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Jaylee Messer as your February Student of the Month.
Alexander Davis
The Burnet High School Social Studies department has not often been accused of having a deep appreciation for the arts. In fact, I will be the first to admit that our team's personal artistic skills and imagination are probably near the bottom of the BHS, creativity-meter. However, this does not mean we do not see, value, and appreciate eclectic students who make our world such an amazing place. Alexander Davis is our choice for Febrary’s Student of the Month. He is a talented musician & athlete, an impressive news junkie, and a dream chaser.
Alex has spent four years in the Burnet Esprit de Corps, where he has been a section leader, drill sergeant, and brass captain. He also collected accolades including outstanding achievement in brass , outstanding Junior, UIL Solo/Ensemble area qualifier, and a region band member. Outside of the school band, Alex is part of an amazing competitive marching band that travels the world putting on shows, called the Blue Devils. Dedicating the amount of time necessary to keep up with just his music and marching would be a full time job for most students, but Alex is not most students. He is also a 4 year varsity swimmer, a 3 year varsity tennis player, and an avid pickleball player. He volunteers at the library, humane society, Rotary club, and has even been part of the Hill Country Community Theater productions. His talents are limitless.
It takes a lot of time, energy, and effort to be an informed citizen. Alex has been a vital part of a state qualifying current issues and event team for the past two years. Over this time, he has grown into a leader, oftentimes finding obscure news stories, even his coach hadn’t heard about. This makes him stand out as the impactful, engaged, and knowledgeable future of America. So if your ever curious how a monkey can knock out the power to 22 million people's houses in Sri Lanka, or that someone recently stole 48k pounds of cheese in the UK, ask Mr. Davis. He can tell you all the details. I am hopeful his passion for the news continues and develops into a UIL state championship for our Current Issues team in May. But, even more so, I hope his passion for journalism helps drive him to become the better and brighter future of tomorrow.
Setting extremely high goals is a rarity for the average American teenager. Good thing Alex Davis is not average. Whether it is selecting his preferred college, exploring his passion to pursue music to the highest levels, or aspiring to design the cities of the future, he dreams big. I love his mentality of setting high expectations. It is what makes him such an outstanding student, challenges him to take an advanced course load, and drives him to maintain a high GPA. Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Whether it ends up being Notre Dame, Loyola, Arkansas, or UNT, Alex will be attending a major university pursuing degrees in music and/or urban planning. It is my pleasure to introduce Alexander Davis as your February Student of the Month.