Earning the South Sequoia League Scholar Athlete of the Year has to take a lot of hard work and late-night studying. There’s also a lot of pressure to earn this achievement, wondering if the individual studied hard enough for a quiz or test that day and if anyone has a better grade point average. Jackson Van Roekel was able to embrace any obstacle that has come his way during high school and has been able to keep a 4.33 cumulative grade point average.

Van Roekel was really thankful for the award he received and for being recognized for his efforts, “It feels great to get recognized after putting in as much work as I can on and off the field. I had to make sacrifices here and there, but sometimes we have to do that if we want to get better.” Van Roekel has always been a standout athlete for Taft High, playing baseball, football, and basketball. Van Roekel was very thankful for the people that helped him on his way to this achievement: “I couldn’t have even gotten close to the award if it wasn’t for my teammates, friends, coaches, and family. Sounds cliche, but I owe it all to them!” Jackson is going to be heading next door to Taft College to continue his baseball career and is hoping to continue further on after college graduation as well.