MHS student nominated for scholarship

ELIZABETH GOLDEN/DAILY FORUM
Jessica Knowles, Maryville High School senior, is nominated for the Belcher Award, which is awarded to one student from each of the 17 Missouri School Board Association regions.

Jessica Knowles, a senior at Maryville High School, jokingly says she is involved in pretty much everything — literally everything.

As an active member of the volleyball team, band, academic team, Future Business Leaders of America, international club and junior optimists club, Knowles is the Maryville R-II School Districts nomination for the Belcher Scholarship.

The Missouri School Boards’ Association and FutureBuilders established the scholarship program in memory of John T. Belcher, who was instrumental in developing innovative financing programs for Missouri school districts.

Each district nominates a student, who goes on to compete at the regional level. A student in each of MSBA’s 17 regions is awards a $750 scholarship.

Maryville R-II is located in district one, and Knowles will compete against students from Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Buchanan, Worth, Gentry, DeKalb and Clinton counties.

The Maryville R-II School Board was tasked with the responsibility of nominating a student. For round two, which is due Jan. 15, applicants are judged on the basis of academic performance, extracurricular activities and an essay.

“I was really excited to be nominated,” Knowles said. “It’s nice to see my hard work pays off. Since it’s guaranteed to someone in the area, I thought I might as well give it a shot. It’s definitely worth trying for.”

Born and raised in Maryville, Knowles said she is proud to attend the high school.

“I’ve grown up here,” she said. “I’ve always had a great relationship with the teachers and with other students. Everyone is always willing to help out. It’s a very welcoming environment. I feel safe and comfortable here.”

Additionally, Tricia Knowles, her mother is a math teacher at the high school.

“It’s great to see her nominated,” said her mother. “She’s worked hard. She’s a good leader, likes her volunteering, likes to organize.”

Competing with other students from the district, Knowles said she believes her work ethic sets her apart.

“Everyone knows you’re smart and that’s great,” she said, “but you have to have the work ethic to show you don’t just get it without trying. I’ve had to work for it just like everyone else, and I think everyone knows I’m a hard worker.”

However, juggling her various activities has proven to be a struggle.

“Most of my time is dedicated to volleyball and band in the fall,” Knowles said. “It’s really hard to balance the two, and it has been a struggle throughout all four years of high school.”

In addition, she dedicates a portion of her time to volunteering at the Ministry Center.

“I like to give back,” Knowles said. “Helping others who might not be as fortunate is just as important as being thankful for what you have.”

After graduating in the spring, Knowles plans to study accounting at Drury University in Springfield.

“I love math,” she said. “It’s my favorite subject; it always has been. Last year, I got really involved with FBLA and found business was pretty fun too. I love math and I love business, so I was trying to find a career that would mesh both interests. We’ll see if I stick with it. I may try to do finance or economics.”

Knowles said Drury can be costly, so receiving the scholarship would definitely help with expenses.

“It’s a private college, and it’s definitely not cheap,” she said. “But, they have 100 percent placement rate for their accounting program. Going there will give me a good start on my career.”