For Jashawn Staples, high school has been more than just a schedule of classes and games—it’s been a space for self-discovery, learning, and strength. “My biggest accomplishment my freshman year was playing a big role on our playoff football team,” Staples answered, ’27.

That season didn’t just mark a victory on the field—it helped him begin to find his voice and who he truly was.

As a sophomore that voice has grown louder—not in volume, but in confidence.
 “A challenge I faced as a sophomore was leading the football team. I had to lock in and speak up to overcome it,” Staples said.
Taking on a leadership role wasn’t easy, but it gave him a chance to grow into someone others could count on.

That growth hasn’t happened overnight, and it hasn’t happened alone.
“My family has faith in me at every moment,” said Staples.
Their steady belief gives Jashawn a sense of strength, even when things get difficult.

He’s also been lucky to have role models who see his potential and encourage him to keep going.
  “My role model is Kati Burns; (Student Serivces Administrative Assisant) she pushes me to do better,” Staples explained.
Her support has helped him stay grounded, especially during times when he’s needed a reminder of his own strength.

While achievements like MVP stand out on paper, it’s the meaning behind the moment that matters most to him.
“I think the most rewarding experience so far is being MVP,” said Staples.
That recognition speaks to the time, energy, and heart he’s put into both his sport and his team.

Even with all he takes on, Staples knows the importance of checking in with himself.
“I take sleep breaks between lots of things,” Staples said.
It’s a small way to pause, to breathe, and to keep himself steady.

When days feel long or stress creeps in, it helps knowing he’s not going through it alone.
“Playing with my friends and knowing I’m not alone,” Staples explained.
  That simple connection makes a big difference.

His social life is comfortable and easy, thanks to the people around him who understand his world.
“I think my social life is calm and cool. It’s easy to balance my life because all of my friends play sports,” Staples described.
  With shared goals and routines, his friendships are a source of both support and fun.

Academics don’t always come easy, but Staples has found ways to meet challenges with patience.
  “Math, I step back, take a breath and attack it head on,” said Staples.
  He knows that taking a moment to reset can be the first step to moving forward.

To get through longer tasks, he turns to something simple that keeps him centered.
“Music helps me focus during long assignments,” he says.
  It’s one of the little routines that help make school feel manageable.

Staples’s teachers, too, have played a big part in his journey.
  “My relationship with my teachers is like coach and player always wanting me to do better,” Staples added.
  There’s a quiet trust there—one that helps him keep growing, both inside and outside the classroom.

It’s not just academics or athletics that have helped him grow—it’s the spaces in between, like conversations and team moments.
  “It helped me talk to people better,” said Staples.
  Through extracurriculars, he’s found ways to open up and connect.

One of the moments that helped him feel more like himself came this season.
  “This football season gave me a shield to be behind,” said Staples.
  In the rhythm of the game, he found comfort—a space where he could focus and feel strong.

Still, he’s no stranger to setbacks, and he’s learning how to carry those moments with grace.
  “I try to work harder so that next time I can do better,” said Staples.
  There’s quiet resilience in that—a lesson he carries with him every day.

Of all the moments he’s proud of, one stands out as a reminder of just how far he’s come.
  “In football when I broke the rushing record,” explained Staples.
  It wasn’t just about yards—it was about growth, effort, and every small step along the way.

And when he’s not studying, practicing, or leading, Jashawn makes time to recharge in his own way.
  “I like to chill inside and play my game,” said Staples.
  It’s in those quiet moments that he finds time just for himself.

Looking ahead, Jashawn sees high school not as a final destination, but as a stepping stone.
  “I think high school is just preparing me for the next level,” Staples said.
  Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Jashawn is taking it one steady step at a time—with purpose, heart, and quiet confidence.