Senior Jessi Ferguson was recognized as the Runza Student of the Week, an honor that only 30 students in Nebraska each year are given and only three students out of the last five years at Central were also given.
Ferguson missed nearly a whole day of school interviewing, filming and showcasing why she was chosen as a Runza Student of the Week, which was then aired the following Sunday evening. “I got to be on TV and followed around. It was kind of scary because people gave me weird looks in the halls because of the camera following me, but the best part was my whole family getting together and watching it,” she said.
Ferguson enjoyed being on TV and the gathering that her family had, but along with that the award was significant in other ways. “Neither of my sisters got this award, and they are perfect, but I also got a 500 dollar scholarship from Runza,” she said.
Each year, there is only one person from each school who is recognized as a Runza Student of the Week. Ferguson became Central’s thanks to her nomination by her teacher and friend, Sara Evans. Ferguson says, “She asked me to send my resume in, and without knowing the purpose I got an e-mail congratulating me on becoming Runza Student of the Week.”
“They said that my leadership roles were a main part, especially for how involved I am in DECA, being the Nebraska President of DECA, it shows them I have a lot of potential,” said Ferguson. She has gone on each DECA trip, competing and winning awards for her innovative compromises and ideas.
For her high school career, Ferguson has been dedicated to everything she can, including her academics, swimming, DECA competitions and singing, all of which she has exceled and become a leader in. Ferguson said, “I kind of felt with this award that all my work had been recognized. With state swimming you get medals, and school you get good grades, but this is a combination that showed all of them coming together for one benefit.”
“I am able to put the award on all of my college applications now, which is really helpful, especially for going to Vanderbilt,” Ferguson said. For acceptance into an Ivy League school, awards and appointments in leadership separate students who are accepted and those who are denied. Ferguson’s award and position in DECA accomplishes this for her and gives her a higher chance for acceptance into Vanderbilt.
“This showed me that I am special enough to receive scholarships that I apply for in the future,” she said. As Ferguson applies for colleges, accomplishments like being Runza Student of the Week is a strong indicator to scholarship committees about her qualifications.