ESJ’s Jarrod Jackson Jr: She’s more than just mom

Published 12:10 am Saturday, April 25, 2015

LAPLACE — Jarrod Jackson Jr., a senior at East St. John, pushes himself to excel in his education thanks to the strong influence of his mother.

Jackson also extends his reach athletically, engulfing himself in many opportunities. Jackson said he has made it this far because of an extended support system that has grown through the years.

Jarrod Jackson Jr. said he is inspired by his mom, Jessica Jackson.

Jarrod Jackson Jr. said he is inspired by his mom, Jessica Jackson.

Whenever he feels as though he can’t go any more, he thinks of his mother, Jessica Jackson, and knows he has to push through for her.

Jackson’s mother was suffering with a kidney disease, which caused her to give birth to him prematurely, his birth as detrimental to her health as his. Within the first days of his life, he was not expected to live, but with all the love and nurturing his mother could possibly give, he miraculously pulled through.

Jackson said he sees his mother as his whole world.

“She’s my mom, of course, but she is so much more than that,” he said. “She is my best friend and the one person who has been with me through the heartbreaks and accomplishments. I could not have become the person I am today without my beautiful mother standing right beside me.”

He played basketball as an East St. John High Wildcat for three years, beginning in his freshman year. During that time, he was selected as a tournament MVP. He has also participated in ESJ’s football program. In his junior year, he was selected as a member of the Second Team All-District, and in his senior year was chosen as a member of the First Team All-District.

He was awarded an honorable mention in his sophomore year and received a wide receiver award as a sophomore and senior. Jackson was a member of the track team for two years. As a junior, he ran in the state competition and ranked No. 9 for the 400-meter dash. He is also a member of the 4×2 relay track team.

Jackson also credits his success to a group of ladies outside of his family for supporting him and pointing him in the right direction. He said he would like to thank Norma Alford, one of his freshman-year teachers, for teaching him the ropes of high school and for advising him of what he needed to do in order to make it until graduation.

Encountering Julie Vagianos-Jackson in his junior and senior years, Jackson realized she was a teacher placed in his life to not only teach English but provide a sense of reality.

Jackson said he would like to thank Teckla Holder for supporting him in all sports, for monitoring his grades and for constantly reminding him to buckle down on his work.

“Jarrod has the type of personality that will make you love him instantly,” Holder said. “I do not think I have ever seen a day when he was not smiling and making someone else smile too. In my classroom, I have photos of my family, and yes, that does include pictures of Jarrod, too.”

Jackson plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall, majoring in biomechanical engineering. His dream is to invent an instrument that will help his mother reach complete health.

Jackson said he believes “God will never put more on you than you can handle,” adding he lives in the faith of God and knows his mother and he can get through it all together.

— By AmyGayle Slayton

Editor’s note: The above is the ninth of a 10-week series, “Senior to Senior,” where a River Parishes high school 12th grader profiles one of his or her peers.