She brought it on herself.
“I think I gave myself the responsibility. … I wanted to hold myself to the standard,” said Jada Cunningham on earning a 4.0 GPA.
That, and free scholarship money is nothing to sneeze at, something her mom Alicia Craft, certainly emphasized.
Indeed, Cunningham landed $1,500 per semester to study at Washburn University in Topeka.
There, she plans to pursue a degree in nursing, and happens to have family in Topeka, so the transition won’t be quite as daunting.
Thanks to dual credit courses, at the same time she graduates from IHS, Cunningham is also graduating from Allen Community College with an associate degree.
And she’s already got experience in her chosen field, as she’s currently a CNA at Windsor Place in Iola.
Indeed, Cunningham said getting up early and keeping long hours is already something that’s just become part of her day.
As for what she did for fun during study breaks throughout high school, she said, “I watch a lot of Tic-Toc, but I want it to be included that I don’t make them,” she laughed.
Along with other valedictorians, Cunningham said she thought college statistics was her hardest class, though by contrast, playing volleyball was a source of enjoyment.
As for how she feels about graduating and leaving home, she said “I’m sad about leaving my younger siblings and friends, … but I think it’s sunk in and I’m ready to get out.”
“I think I’m ready for the next step,” she said.
