Photo courtesy Sterling Photography
Murrah High School senior and Student Body President Joshua Mannery, 17, is both a scholar and an activist.
He is enrolled in the Power Academic and Performing Arts program at the school, is a National Honor Society member, has captained a mock-trial team, participated on the debate team and was in the school's Pleiades Creative Writing Club. Mannery was also a key organizer in the Show We Care Rally at the Mississippi State Capitol last summer, rallying to raise awareness of issues that Jackson youth face, including underfunded schools and juvenile justice.
"I felt empowered after the Show We Care Rally," he says. "... (I think) hearing these messages from us, the student organizers of the rally, really grabbed the attention of people at the event."
Mannery joined Murrah's 30 Plus Club, which is for students who score a 30 or better on the ACT, after he scored a 32 on the test. Soon after, he began holding ACT prep workshops for students.
"I held a huge ACT prep workshop (a few weeks ago), and I also tutor students one-on-one, providing tips and test strategies," he says.
His position as the chapter president of the Jackson Kappa League, which is a national organization that provides guidance for male students in middle and high school, engages Mannery outside of school.
He says that Kappa League's programs have helped him in areas such as career guidance, college readiness, health and self-awareness. He says he also got into stepping through Kappa League.
On his achievements, he says: "I feel an internal drive to succeed; this determination along with the support of my family, principals and teachers, like my English teacher, Mrs. (Sarah) Ballard, and my Kappa League advisers have all contributed to my achievements," he says.
Mannery plans to major in English and political science, and minor in film. He is currently choosing among select universities including Vanderbilt University, Howard University, the University of Mississippi and New York University for his college studies.
He plans to announce his choice of college at Anderson Church on May 9. After college, he wants to attend law school and practice criminal or civil law.
On his future, Mannery says, "I have my sights set on another leadership position ... to run for president of the United States in 2036!"
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