LAPLACE — West St. John High School senior Jerrod Jessie is a top student in the classroom, a proven leader on the basketball court and a successful entrepreneur in the making.

In February, he became a small business owner. Since opening “Oh Snap Photo Booth,” Jessie has booked weddings and special events celebrating life’s biggest milestones.

“My mom’s friend had a photo booth, and I always used to help her,” Jessie said. “My mom saw I enjoyed it, and she wanted to invest in one for me so I can make extra money.”

Jessie also works at Da King of Wingz in LaPlace, and he thoroughly enjoys the responsibilities he is given. Outside of work, much of his free time is devoted to practicing basketball for his school team or attending service at Triumphant Church in Luling.

As part of his Triumphant Church’s media team, Jessie places songs, scriptures and power points on the big screen for all to see.

Jessie puts God first in all of his decisions. He describes himself as respectful, funny and someone who yearns to be successful in life.

“My parents inspire me to work hard, and I know what I want to pursue and what I want to get out of life,” Jessie said. “I see other people and know the path that they are taking is not the path I want to go down. It’s about being better for myself.”

Jessie has earned principal’s list and honor roll since coming to West St. John in ninth grade. He’s a four-year member of the basketball team, where he has served as team captain since sophomore year.

“I’ve always loved basketball since my dad introduced it to me,” Jessie said. “It’s always been a passion of mine.”

As captain, Jessie must answer for the entire team when a game goes wrong. He takes seriously his responsibility to communicate with his teammates and bring questions and concerns to the coach.

Jessie is a finalist with the Posse Foundation for a full academic scholarship to Villanova University in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

With hard work on the basketball court, he hopes to secure an athletic scholarship.

Other college considerations include Prairie View A&M University and Xavier University. Wherever he ends up, Jessie knows he wants to study physical therapy.

His interest in the field sparked from a two-month summer internship at St. Charles Parish Physical Therapy in Luling.

He received hands-on experience working with a physical therapist. While doing exercises with patients, he realized every person learns at his or her own pace.

“I enjoy the different people you meet and helping everyone recover,” Jessie said. “You have to be patient with everybody. One person can learn to do stuff super fast, but with the other person, you may have to slow it down and break it down for them.”

In college, Jessie will continue focusing on his academics. He said being a good student means making the teacher’s job easier, being willing to learn and helping classmates in need.