She is a four-time state gold medalist and two-time silver medalist in University Interscholastic League (UIL) academics, a member of the UIL State Championship Lindale High School (LHS) Journalism Team, a two-time recipient of the Tops in Texas award, a national qualifier in National Forensic League Public Forum Debate, and those are only a few of Jessie Louise Elliott’s accolades. Now, the valedictorian of her graduating class can add KETK Student of the Year to her lengthy résumé.

Elliott made an appearance on KETK’s morning show, East Texas Live, on Friday, May 30 with Bob Brackeen and Jen Jacobson. The show’s hosts talked with Elliott about her time spent on service projects and her college plans.

“Jessie Louise Elliot’s dedication to volunteer work and helping others prove that she, more than deserves to be our 2014 Student of The Year,” said KETK Executive Producer Angela Berry. “We’re positive she’s going to continue to be a beacon in the world and touch the lives of many while on her journey to adulthood. Congratulations, Jessie.”

Elliott was selected as the NBC station’s Student of the Year for the East Texas area after submitting an essay application form. She was presented with a $2,500 scholarship on-air.

“Jessie is an outstanding young lady, and I’m so proud of her,” said LHS Principal Casey Neal. “She sets the bar high academically for future graduates and still manages to devote her time to serving others. Jessie exemplifies the school’s longstanding tradition of excellence in every way.”

“I am so thrilled to have received the KETK scholarship,” said Elliott. “I know it was incredibly competitive, and I feel honored to know I stood out. I never could have imagined that the work I put in for the past four years would pay off so well for me.”

Jessie is the daughter of Mark and Zana Elliott. She plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study journalism and the medical field. She wants to work in medical clinics overseas while writing about her travel and experiences.