When Jessica Barnes set high standards for herself in the classroom, at Lawrence Road Middle School, she didn’t expect it would one day put her in the running for a national competition — and a chance to meet Bill Nye.
The “America’s Favorite Student” online annual competition in which students advance through rounds of public voting, with the winner earning $20,000, a spotlight in readers digest, and a tour of the Planetary Society with Bill Nye.
“I feel honored to be one of the students honored for something like this,” Jessica said. “This is something that I can put on my resume for my career goals.
When I’m older, I want to be an NICU nurse,” she added.
As part of the competition, students complete a questionnaire about their interests, goals and why they should be considered. Jessica, who said she aims to keep her grades above a 95, noted that she hopes to one day become an ICU nurse.
Jessica has advanced through multiple rounds of public voting, moving from an initial group of about 50 students to the top 10. Voting is now underway to determine the top five finalists.
And after that is when they vote for a winner.
“She’s been sharing the link and telling people about it,” Claudia Barnes said, Jessicas mother. “Trying to get as many votes as she can.”
As part of the competition, students complete a questionnaire about their interests, goals and why they should be considered, with responses available to voters. Jessica’s mother said the process helped showcase her daughter’s personality and ambitions.
“I’m very good at ELA and math, but science and social studies are good — just not where I want them to be,” she said. “I try to work harder in science.”
As for spreading the word, Jessica told as many people as she could. Beginning with her friends at school, then Barnes help on social media.
“Some of them thought it was really cool,” Jessica said of her classmates. “Some wanted to find out how they could do the same thing.”
Unfortunately, this is an annual competition for students. However, there are various others coming up for teachers as well.
Barnes said the opportunity came after a friend suggested entering the competition, which invites students to answer questions about themselves before competing in public voting rounds.
She added that the experience has been a chance for Jessica to step outside her comfort zone while continuing to push herself academically.
“I just want to keep Jessica well rounded in everything,” Barnes said. “Experience every little thing.”
As voting continues, Jessica said she remains focused on doing her best and is grateful for the support she has received from friends, family and classmates.
If she advances to the final round and wins, Jessica would travel to California for a private tour of the Planetary Society with Bill Nye — an opportunity she said she is excited to pursue.
