Valedictorian
Co-Salutatorians
Valedictorian
Mary Leigh Mooney
Mary Leigh Mooney is the daughter of Leigh and Steven Riggins . Mary will be attending the University of Texas at Tyler where she has been awarded the prestigious Honors Scholar Scholarship . As an Honors College student , Mary will be initially pursuing a bachelor ’ s degree in English , with plans to become an English teacher . She plans to further her educational degree and ultimately teach English at the collegiate level . Mary has also earned The Highest Ranking High School Graduate Scholarship from The State of Texas . As a two-year member of the Jacksonville High School chapter of the National Honor Society , Mary currently serves as secretary . She is a six-year member of the district ’ s choral department and has been a JHS Varsity Choir member for three years . Mary is a current member of the JHS UIL Academic Team , with competition advancement in both Literary Criticism and Copy Editing . She is also a twoyear member of the JHS Key Club and serves as the Communications Officer for the JHS Multi-Cultural Club .
Co-Salutatorians
Chesni Rae Speaker
Chesni Rae Speaker is the daughter of Traci Luster and John Speaker . Chesni will be attending East Texas Baptist University in the fall . She plans to pursue a degree toward a career in elementary education . As a four-year member of the Jacksonville High School cheer team , Chesni has earned numerous awards , at both the state and national levels , in recognition of her athletic and academic abilities . She has also held various leadership positions within the organization and currently serves as captain . Chesni was recently named by the Texas Girls Coaches Association as a 4A Legacy All Star . As an active fouryear member of the JHS softball program , Chesni has been recognized for her athletic abilities , her academic abilities and her leadership qualities . She has served as the team captain for the past three years , helping to lead the team to playoff status the last two years . Chesni has also served as captain of the JHS varsity volleyball team the past three years , where she has been honored at the district level for both her athletic and academic accomplishments . She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Students , the JHS Student Council and the JHS chapter of the National Honor Society . Chosen by the student body , Chesni was recently honored as Miss JHS 2024 . Chesni is an active member of Central Baptist Church , Jacksonville . She has volunteered and served in many areas supporting the church ’ s youth group for the past six years .
Dakoda James Whiteley
Dakoda James Whiteley is the son of Misty and Marshall Whiteley . After graduation , Dakoda will be attending Stephen F . Austin State University where he will pursue a degree in computer science . Dakoda has received academic recognition from the College Board for his strong score on the PSAT . He is a member of the Jacksonville High School UIL Academic Team and was honored as the top scorer in the Chemistry competition . Dakoda participated in the UIL One Act play for two years and is an active member in the JHS Curtain Club . He is also a member of the JHS chapter of the National Honor Society . Dakoda is a six-year participant in the district ’ s sports program , playing varsity football the past two years . He was recently recognized as a First Team All- State Academic Athlete . During his junior year at JHS Dakoda was nominated and chosen to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy camp . His senior year he received a return invitation to participate in the camp and serve as a RYLA leader and facilitator .
6 | Jacksonville Progress | Class of 2024