OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLA. — Niceville High School freshman Jacob Clifton has been selected as the Okaloosa County School District’s Youth Volunteer of the Year for his voluntary work at the Okaloosa STEMM Academy during the past school year.
“Jacob Clifton is an All-American young man who is delightful to have around,” said the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD).
He is gifted, friendly, motivating, and sympathetic. He has experience performing in theater but also excels academically, earning a 4.20 GPA, said the OCSD.
According to Scheree Martin, principal of the Okaloosa STEMM Academy, Jacob is always first to volunteer when help is needed moving or delivering anything to another location.
She says Jacob is the first person she turns to when a student leader is required.
“He is a natural mentor to the younger students,” said Martin.
Ms. Martin said Jacob is considerate of other pupils and takes the time to engage in discussion with them.
She said that when he collaborates with other students, “he listens to their ideas and is always respectful.”
Jacob devotes around seven to eight hours a month to volunteering at the STEMM Academy.
His optimistic outlook has contributed to the beneficial aspects of school culture. Jacob tends to walk with his hand up during the transition from one class to the next, so anybody traveling the other way may give him a high-five.
Jacob was chosen by his classmates to be a HOPE Squad Officer because “he prevents drama and maintains the confidentiality of information from other students,” said the OCSD.
“He is an awesome young man!”
