Alyncia Jackson is a senior this year and stays busy and active in multiple activities – all of which came to a halt a few weeks ago when she took a hit during a volleyball game and found herself with a concussion. Volleyball was over for her for several weeks, but all activities, including debate, were put on hold for a while. 

 “I was taking pictures at the game when Coach Harris brought Alyncia over and took her into the practice gym to wait for medical attention,” debate coach Melonie Menefee said. “We were scheduled for a meet the next day, and I knew there was no way she was going to be able to go. She was in so much pain – I absolutely hated seeing her hurt.” 

 A few days out of school and Alynca was back – moving a little slower, talking a little more quietly, but mostly back to her usual cheerful self, which is one of the things that make Alyncia so much fun to be around. 

 “She is a strong and kind person. She has made such a difference in my life,” junior Tristan Cole said. “She brightens everyone’s day including mine. You can never really be sad when she is around.”

 Alyncia is a very positive and upbeat person, which means she has become a role model as well as a teammate and a friend. Besides volleyball and debate, she started cheer this year, has played softball and run track, is a part of the journalism staff and the broadcast team, and is a member of the student council. 

 “Over the past two years I have seen her grow into a dependable, responsible young lady who is absolutely a role model to younger girls,” head volleyball coach Judith Harris said. “Alyncia leads by example, allowing her teammates confidence when they follow her.” 

 As she nears graduation, she has to make decisions about life after high school. She plans to attend college and become a teacher. 

 “I plan to attend Baylor University and I want to major in general education,” Jackson said. “I plan to become a history teacher because I want to teach younger generations about what came before them.”  

 Senior year brings plenty of challenges, with or without a concussion, but Alyncia plans to handle them all with a smile and her usual positivity. 

 “I am ready for whatever is to come,” Jackson said. “I cannot wait to begin my path to adulthood and see what my life will be like.”