Looks Bright: RA’s Jenna Necaise maintains 4.0, many pursuits
Published 12:09 am Saturday, April 21, 2018
RESERVE — Riverside Academy sophomore Jenna Necaise likes to stay busy, whether it means studying to maintain her 4.0 GPA, staying active in sports or traveling to festivals around Louisiana as the 2018 Teen Miss Fisherman’s Festival.
After high school, she hopes to work in the medical field as a neurosurgeon or a trauma surgeon. Her father’s position as a radiologic technologist has been an inspiration, and she’s always up for a challenge.
“I used to visit the hospitals a lot, and I liked seeing how you can change someone’s life and save them in an instant,” Jenna said.
“Becoming a surgeon is more involved and takes more time, so that’s what I want to do. I never like being bored.”
Working hard and giving back have been constants in Jenna’s life, and her faith drives every decision she makes.
She’s a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has used her 2018 pageant crown to support Trinity Outdoors Disabled Adventures, the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk and Very Miss Special Louisiana.
A straight “A” student since kindergarten, Jenna is an active member of BETA Club and the recipient of several outstanding student awards. Her 32 on the ACT placed her in the 30+ Club, but she’s not content to stop there. In June, she’ll take the test again to aim for an even higher score.
Spanish teacher and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor Lisbeth Jackson said Jenna stands out from other students in her maturity.
“She cares about her classes, and she wants to learn,” Jackson said. “She doesn’t just study for the test; she wants to fully understand the language.”
Jackson said Jenna’s faith and strength of character allow her to succeed.
“Jenna loves God, and that’s the No. 1 thing,” Jackson said. “She stands up for what is right instead of blending in with the crowd because she’s strong in her beliefs.”
Staying active as a student-athlete is important to Jenna. She’s enjoyed participating in cheerleading and soccer but loves volleyball most of all.
“You have a family instead of just teammates,” Jenna said. “After every point, you have a sense of accomplishment.”
Jenna is the daughter of John and Pam Necaise of LaPlace.