2020 Senior Spotlight: Jake Nelson

2020 Senior Spotlight: Jake Nelson
Posted on 05/29/2020
2020 Senior Spotlight: Jake Nelson

In honor of the Farmington High School 2020 graduating class, over the next several weeks we will be highlighting a few of our outstanding seniors. These students have been nominated by Farmington Area Public Schools staff members for exhibiting hard work and pursuing their spark with passion during their time at FHS. Today’s Senior Spotlight is: Jake Nelson!

Jake was nominated for his kindness and inclusiveness. During his time at FHS he has been a part of the football team, track and field, Link Cres, the National Honor Society (NHS), and the Strength and Conditioning program. Outside of schools he volunteers with Youth Football, Feed My Starving Children, and local NHS events such as blood drives. He also works laying carpet. 

     During homecoming week, Jake was elected to be one of 10 boys in the school’s coronation court. “I was able to be with a lot of my friends as we spent nearly the entire week together. The parade was a whole lot of fun, dressing up for the coronation ceremony that Wednesday, and of course the fun game on Friday. Even though we didn't win that game, I had looked forward to walking out onto the field for my Senior Homecoming for over 10 years. I was able to do it with my best friends who I had played football with since kindergarten, truly a great way to cap off an amazing week that I will never forget,” he said. 

     As a football captain, Jake made it a goal to “change the momentum of the football team.” He, along with the other three football captains, worked to not just improve their game scores but to make a lasting and positive impact on school culture. They encouraged each other to work hard every day and to value all members of the team, no matter their position. They became a true team both on and off the field.

     According to Jake, his greatest high school accomplishments are being captain of the football team, having a 3.95 GPA, having a front squat school record of nearly 400 pounds, and lettering in football for 3 years, Track for 3 years, NHS for 2 years, and academics for 4 years.

     Congratulations, Jake! 


All About Jake 

 

Favorite Classes & Teachers

“My favorite subjects growing up have always been math and engineering, this is because I always seemed to be good at them. I think logically and a good way to work with my hands is through the engineering classes, while always doing math in my everyday life.

     “My favorite teacher at FHS is by far Mr. Helmstetter. He was my SCSU Geography teacher my senior year. The reason he is my favorite is because of how much he cared about me not only as a student, but as a person in general.”


Favorite High School Memory 

“My favorite high school memory was meeting my best friend Andy Welter. The four [football] captains decided that we wanted someone else in the high school to help carry the flag out and be an honorary captain at our first home game. 

     “As we worked with Andy and his family to help carry out the flag, I myself grew a strong relationship with him. I now see him as one of my best friends and try to talk to him as frequently as possible.

     “The four captains and Andy plan to go to his house someday and play video games and watch football! Along with that amazing cool September night as Andy walked out for the coin toss and national anthem with us, I was able to meet my best friend, that memory I will never forget for my entire lifetime.”


Future Plans

“I plan to follow the Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering route at Iowa State University. I also have chosen to follow the path of the Air Force ROTC program while in college. I chose ISU because the engineering program is the best in the country, and it's not too far away from home. I chose to follow the Air-Force route because I have always been interested in airplanes and working with my hands. My involvement in sports has allowed me to experience a committed family feel before I go into the Air-Force.”


Advice for Future Seniors

“Future seniors, as a senior now in this time of chaos with coronavirus, I beg you, appreciate every moment, very cliche to say but I mean it. In a blink of an eye it could be taken away from you in a second. I have made so many memories in high school with my best friends. I frequently look back at freshman, sophomore and junior year and reminisce over the events I was involved in. The time spent together with others is unprecedented, and wow does it go by fast. I also suggest making high school more than studies. Work hard in the classroom, yes, but go out and find clubs to join. Be a part of a team, go to school events, make memories. This is the only time you get in high school. make the most of it, make memories and most importantly, have a great time.”


Search #FHSSeniorSpotlight on Twitter or Facebook to keep up with all seniors who have been recognized so far or visit our news page.