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Jessica Menendez

1x

Finalist

Bio

high school senior graduating class of 2026 central washington university

Education

Auburn Mountainview High School

High School
2025 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Judiciary

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Wrestling

      Varsity
      2021 – 20221 year

      Arts

      • Lakeland Hills Elementary

        Acting
        beauty and the beast jr, lion king jr, mulan jr, wizard of oz jr
        2015 – 2019

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        N/A — Volunteer
        2014 – Present
      Cadets to Vets Future Leaders Scholarship
      My commitment to building stronger communities began in JROTC, where service stopped being an idea and became a responsibility. JROTC taught me that leadership is not about authority, but about showing up for others when it matters. Through the program, I learned discipline, accountability, and the importance of serving something larger than myself. These lessons shaped my ambition to create environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Through JROTC, I participated in community outreach and volunteer efforts that directly connected service to impact. Whether supporting school events, assisting with community programs, or acting as a representative for younger students, I saw how consistent presence builds trust. JROTC placed me in leadership roles where I was expected to uphold standards, mentor peers, and represent the program professionally. That responsibility strengthened my drive to serve underserved communities, especially those where voices are often overlooked or dismissed. One of the most influential experiences in JROTC was learning how systems fail people when communication and accountability are missing. I observed peers struggling with harassment, stress, and unsafe situations without knowing where to turn. As a leader, it was frustrating to want to help but lack a clear structure to intervene early. This challenge reshaped my perspective on service. I realized that meaningful impact does not always come from large gestures, but from creating systems that allow people to be heard before problems escalate. That realization changed my goals. I no longer see community service as temporary volunteer work, but as long term problem solving. My future career goals focus on leadership, advocacy, and creating support structures within educational or community organizations. I want to work in environments where policy, training, and accountability protect individuals rather than react after harm occurs. JROTC gave me the foundation to pursue this path with confidence and purpose. If I could be the world’s next superhero, my theme would be protection and prevention. My power would not be flashy or destructive, but rooted in awareness, structure, and intervention. I would focus on stopping harm before it happens by strengthening the systems meant to protect people. My theme song would be “Unstoppable” by Sia because it reflects resilience, determination, and quiet strength. The song represents my belief that impact is built through persistence, even when progress feels slow or invisible. The lyrics capture how I approach leadership and service. I do not give up when challenges are ignored or solutions take time. I continue to push for safer, stronger communities because I believe they are possible. JROTC shaped that belief by teaching me that leadership is not about recognition, but responsibility. My ambition is rooted in service, my drive comes from lived challenges, and my impact is measured by how many people feel supported rather than silenced. JROTC did not just prepare me for service. It gave me a mission to build communities where everyone has the chance to stand strong.
      Richard Neumann Scholarship
      I first recognized the problem when I noticed how often people remain silent, not because they do not need help, but because they do not know where to go or fear the consequences of speaking up. In school environments especially, issues such as harassment, bullying, and emotional distress are frequently minimized or ignored until they escalate. As someone in a leadership role, I became frustrated by the lack of a clear and safe system for addressing concerns in a timely and compassionate way. That frustration motivated me to create a solution. I developed a peer support reporting framework designed to give students a safer and more approachable way to share concerns. This system allowed individuals to speak confidentially with trained peer leaders who documented issues, provided immediate support, and guided students to the appropriate resources or authority figures when necessary. The framework solved a personal problem for me as a leader because I wanted to prevent situations from worsening instead of responding after harm had already occurred. It also empowered students by offering an option that felt less intimidating than formal reporting channels. Although effective on a small scale, the framework revealed its limitations without funding or technology. If I had the money and resources, I would expand this idea into a secure digital platform that centralizes reporting, support, and accountability. The platform would allow individuals to submit confidential reports related to bullying, harassment, mental health concerns, or safety risks. Users would have the choice to remain anonymous or identify themselves, giving them control over their comfort and privacy. The platform would be built around three core components. First, it would include a secure app and website with strong data encryption and privacy protections to safeguard users. Second, it would implement standardized training for staff members and peer leaders who receive reports, with a focus on professionalism, consistency, and trauma informed responses. This would ensure that concerns are handled appropriately rather than dismissed or mishandled. Third, the system would feature an accountability dashboard that tracks each report from submission to resolution, ensuring timely responses and preventing concerns from being ignored. Funding would support software development, cybersecurity infrastructure, training materials, and partnerships with mental health professionals and advocacy organizations. These resources would allow the platform to function not only as a reporting tool, but also as a proactive support system that connects individuals to real assistance. Over time, anonymized data could help identify patterns and guide preventative programs that address issues before they escalate. This solution addresses a problem I have witnessed repeatedly, which is that systems fail when people feel unsafe speaking. What began as a simple, student led framework has the potential to become a scalable tool that prioritizes safety, dignity, and accountability. With proper funding and resources, this project could transform how individuals seek help and create environments where voices are heard early and problems are addressed before silence turns into harm.