Sitting across a table in the library of Lynnhaven Middle School, Jalyn White enthusiastically runs through how she spends her time.
First off, there’s Girl Scouts.
“I love volunteering, helping people” she says. The smile across her face only widens as she talks about the work her troop has done partnering with Autism Buddies, hosting food drives for the community and even holding Christmas giveaways for families in need.
She plays basketball on the weekends.
“(It) improves my health, my endurance,” White points out. She goes on to talk about how important it is to keep your health a priority – especially in middle school while you’re balancing so much.
Balancing things like One Act Play, where White is currently rehearsing her role in “The Ever After.”
“It’s really fun,” she says. “I love acting.” White dreams of going to the Yale School of Drama, where she can study to follow in the steps of some of her favorite actresses, like Angela Basset, Sanaa Lathan and Jada Pinkett Smith.
But that is still in the future. Right now, White has National Junior Honor Society.
And Student Advisory Council.
And maybe a return to gymnastics.
Before long, it feels like you are no longer talking to a 13-year-old, but the walking personification of the school’s activities office.
Point this out to White, and her smile never falters. She stifles a laugh.
“Sometimes I do think, ‘How do I even keep up with all of this?’” White says.
Her answer to her own rhetorical question reveals more of the eighth-grader’s maturity than her litany of leadership roles. She is the first to tell you she finds nothing extraordinary in herself to keep up such a pace; rather, every time she steps out to try something new, the support from her parents buoys her to success.
“Support from your family is very important,” she says. “My parents are willing to take me to every meeting. They help a lot.”
In addition, leaders, teammates and fellow students also encourage White to keep going. As an example, being in the national honor society – a distinction in itself – proves to still be an inspiration for White.
“It encourages me to keep really good grades,” she says.
And, being involved becomes almost cyclical in nature: once you try something new, there is another opportunity waiting for you.
“The more you get involved, you will pretty much want to do anything,” she points out.
White’s voice and drive were just a couple of reasons that Lynnhaven Middle School Principal Violet Hoyle wanted White on her Student Advisory Council.
“Jalyn guides and directs her peers,” Hoyle said. “She is not afraid to take risks and her peers know that they can depend on her. She holds firm to her beliefs and she sets high expectations for herself, bringing those around her into the same realm of thinking.”
Hoyle also noted that White not only take the time to represent her fellow students and their concerns, she researches solutions to issues students may have to come forth with resolutions.
Perhaps one of the biggest resolutions White personally wants for her fellow students is for them to realize the power and the potential they each have. White is passionate that involvement is a choice. Any student can take action in their school career, and, again, echoing her own experience, there will be people there to help you along the way.
“The fact is you are able to do it,” she said.
Jalyn was a remarkable young lady at Linkhorn Park ES as well! She excelled in everything she did, participated in many school activities, including All City Chorus, and made an impact in many positive ways.. I am so happy that Jalyn is continuing to follow her dreams – there is nothing she can’t do when she puts her mind to it! Congratulations Jalyn!
This young lady is a true inspiration. I love the focus she has to excel as a student. She is taking advantage of every opportunity she has available to her. Jalyn’s parents have to be full of joy to raise this remarkable young woman. Great job Jalyn. I’ve never met you, but I’m proud of you. I plan to share your story with my 6 year old. You’re a great role model.