Jessica Schatz has pursued a variety of interests and likes to be involved in different activities. Her commitments have ranged from drama performances and the Peninsula High School speech and debate team to volunteering for several organizations as well as working part-time.

Schatz credits her busy schedule with part of her success.

“I like being busy because it makes me work hard and makes me feel more accomplished,” she said. “Time management is definitely important.”

Schatz became involved in theater performance when she was in seventh grade, and she landed the role of Veruca in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” During her four years at Peninsula High, she has performed in six plays, including musicals. Schatz said her favorite character is Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which she performed when she was in eighth grade.

“I loved the play,” she said. “It was a little difficult to understand it, so we had to work through it, but it was a great experience. It took hard work, and I liked that.”

Speech and debate also has been among her favorite activities because it’s pushed her out of her comfort zone. Schatz recalled being “terrified” during her first competition.

“I wanted to improve my ability to speak,” she said. “I was a bit shy around people I didn’t know and wasn’t quite confident. I wanted to try something new to see if I could change it, and I’m glad I did it.”

Model United Nations, Key Club and speech and debate were among Schatz’s leadership activities, and she’s maintained a 3.98 grade-point average while she’s balanced them with community service and a part-time job.

“Jessica has a keen intellect, but what is also of note is that she has the discipline needed to use that intellect effectively in an academic setting,” said David Morgan, Ph.D., a social studies teacher at Peninsula High. “Jessica stands out not only due to her academic grades but also because of her maturity, thoughtfulness and critical-thinking skills.”

Schatz has especially excelled in science subjects, where her achievements include a grade of 100-plus in advanced-placement environmental science, the highest grade in the class.

Schatz plans to study biology in college, and she has a goal of becoming a dentist. She said she likes working with people and helping others, and the interaction she would have with staff members and patients would be compelling.

“I also want to be involved in the community, and I feel (being a dentist) would fit my lifestyle,” she said.

Jessica Schatz

Category: Academics

Education: Senior, Peninsula High School

GPA: 3.98

Parents: Andrea and Cory Schatz

Activities and achievements: National Honor Society, Washington Scholars Award nomination, 10 AP/Honors courses, speech and debate awards and team co-captain, AP Scholar with Honor, Model United Nations, Key Club, Relay for Life participant, Backpacks 4 Kids volunteer, drama performances, National Forensics League Degree of Distinction, We the People state competitor, part-time job.

Favorite teacher: Jonathan Bill. “His enthusiasm for what he does truly shows while teaching and working with students, and I admire his talents and his ability to be involved in so much.”

Best thing about high school: “The wide range of interests and talents of both students and faculty, and the supportive, friendly atmosphere that allows one to explore different opportunities and passions.”