The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce announced the Students of the Month for September at their monthly networking coffee on Sept. 9, at Thayer Dance Academy, in Orangefield.

Jessica McKinney was chosen as the Bridge City High School Student of the Month and Jade Ousley was chosen was the Orangefield High School Student of the month. Jessica is the daughter of Mike McKinney and Judith Garner. She is ranked number 1 out of her class of 178 with a GPA of 4.80. Jessica’s awards and honors are as follows:

• Honors English, Math, Science, History and Spanish 3

• Dual Credit Psychology, College Algebra, Government and Economics

• Presidential Honor Roll – All Four Years

• Rotary Youth Leadership Nominee

• Numerous Honors Class Awards

• Second Place Individual in UIL Literary Criticism 2012 and 2013

• First Place Individual in UIL Literary Criticism 2014

Jessica’s clubs and organizations include:

• National Honor Society

• Literary Criticism

• Academic Team

• Cardinal Singers

• Spanish Club

In Community Service, Jessica has volunteered at The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, visited nursing homes and volunteered in a can food drive.

Jessica’s English Teacher and Literary Criticism Coach, Diane Grooters stated “I am honored to say a few words about my student, Jessica McKinney. Jessica has been in UIL Literary Criticism, the most difficult and demanding academic competition, for all four years of her high school career. She has placed at every level, district through state for those years, and last year she won the gold medal, beating all contenders 1-A through 5-A. Her dedication to excellence, to our team and to our school is unsurpassed. Jessica, who has taught herself Latin, writes poetry and short stories, and challenges herself to ever-higher goals, is not simply a student, but also a classical scholar.”

Social Studies Department Chair, Don Miller, stated “Jessica is a very nice young lady who is committed to excellence in all areas of her schoolwork. She worked very hard in my History class and I know that her goal is to do the best job she can in her studies.”

Jessica plans to attend college and major in English.

Orangefield High School student, Jade Ousley is the daughter of Brian and Anna Ousley. Jade is ranked 16 out of 136 seniors with

a GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Jade’s Awards and Honors are:

• Scholastic All-District in track and area qualifier in track
• Merit awards in English 3 and BIM 2
• Rotary Club Award for scholastic excellence
• All A Honor roll all year
• Perfect attendance
• Certified Microsoft Office specialist

Jade’s Clubs and Organizations include:

• National Honor Society
• Meet in the Middle
• St. Helen’s Youth Group
• Basketball
• Track

In Community Service, Jade volunteers with Little Dribblers; volunteer with Teen A.C.T.S .; helped build a Rosary Garden at St. Helen’s Church; volunteered to work at Lady Bobcat Basketball Camp; helped serve at Soup Kitchen in Port Arthur; and worked with Vacation Bible School at St. Helen’s Church.

Mrs. Jennifer Rumsey, Jade’s English teacher, says “Jade Ousley is a mature, dedicated, and talented young lady. In my English class, she was a joy to teach. She is very intelligent, a talented writer, and she is willing to help other students. Jade excels in anything that she sets her mind to, and I know she has a successful future ahead of her.”

Julie Agee, Jade’s youth group director and registrar, says “Jade is a wonderful leader both at school and outside of school. She is an honor roll student and involved in several school organizations. Furthermore, she keeps her faith a priority in her life. Jade has a finish strong attitude and takes pride in being a Bobcat and the daughter of two amazing educators.”

After graduation, Jade plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in sports management.

Jessica McKinney of Bridge City, ris presented student of the month award from the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica McKinney and Jade Ousley received a certificate honoring them for their accomplishments along with gift certificates and gifts from The Classy Peacock, Wellspring Credit Union, Tiger Rock Martial Arts of Bridge City, Sabine Federal Credit Union, Central Office Supply, Geaux Mail, Complete Staffing and Five Point Federal Credit Union.