Noble’s Jenna Horton – Academic Athlete of the Month Presented by Republic Bank & Trust

By Kelsey Baucom

Jenna Horton has played a few different positions since she picked up soccer at about five years old. These days you can find her as Noble High School’s center back defender. Horton has given many sports a shot over the years, but she says that none have been as rewarding to her as soccer.

“My parents put me into when I was young and I fell in love with the sport,” she said. “I have not wanted to stop playing since. The game of soccer is challenging yet simple. Strategy is an important aspect of the game.”

In addition to soccer, Horton also plays the clarinetin Noble High’s band and is a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Outside of school she volunteers at a local hospital and works two jobs as a server and a receptionist. While most people would balk at such a full schedule, Horton embraces it. She says she likes to stay busy.

On top of everything, Horton maintains a weighted GPA of 4.11 and is ranked 10 out of 194 in her senior class. She works hard for these achievements and makes her academics top priority.

“For me, education always comes before sports and work,” she said. “I can recall times I’ve made education a priority when I had to make up sprints for missing practice. I have used practice time to ensure that a project was turned in by the deadline. I have also had to trade shifts to have extra time to finish a last minute assignment.”

Though not everyone does at a young age, Horton understands the importance of education.

“My motivation to be successful in the classroom comes from not wanting to be known as someone who slacks off,” she said. “Education is a very important aspect in life. I want to be able to give it my all and give myself the best opportunities for my future.”

One teacher who has had an impact on Horton’s academic career is Mrs. JP.

“My favorite teacher at my high school would have to be Mrs. JP,” she said. “JP (as many call her) has been my teacher for a total of three out of my four years of high school. JP is always willing to help her students. She makes you feel like you aren’t just another student in her class, and I have always felt like I could turn to her for anything. She’s a great teacher!”

After high school Horton plans to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas on several partial scholarships including soccer, academics, and honors. She intends to major in business and pre-med to prepare for her future plans of becoming a pediatrician.