March 7, 2023
Le’Shawnice Jones’ did not spend summer break doing typical summer activities.
Instead of vacations or working a summer job, Jones took part of her summer to complete Army Basic Training as a part of being in the Texas Army National Guard.
“It was definitely an experience,” Jones, who is a senior at Humble High School, said. “I’m so glad that I did it. I did so much and accomplished so much. There's a victory tower that is a 40-foot tower you climb up and jump off. I learned first aid.”
Her path to a military life can be rooted back to her mother Latonia serving in the National Guard for 20 years before retiring.
LeShawnice initially did not want to be in JROTC when she headed to Humble High School but Latonia encouraged her to do so and she joined in her freshman year. That decision shaped her path.
“JROTC has taught me almost everything,” Jones said. “From leadership to dealing with conflict. We learn better decision making and it just builds character.”
For her senior year, Jones is serving as the Executive Officer and ranks as a Cadet Major in the Humble High School Army JROTC program.
Prior to the start of her senior year, it was Sergeant Major David Watkins who suggested that Jones - who is currently ranked No. 11 in the Class of 2023 from Humble High - apply for the Army ROTC National Scholarship.
Jones applied in September, went through an interview process in November and in January found out that she had been selected as a scholarship winner. Not just any scholarship but a full ride, valued at $140,000, to Texas A&M University.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Texas A&M ever since the fifth grade,” Jones said. “We did a college project in which we looked up colleges that we might want to go to. During my research I found out that it had the best tradition, the corps of cadets. I loved the colors - maroon is one of my favorite colors.”
Humble HS Army ROTC Association Instructor First Sergeant Ramsey Flores added: "It feels great to know that our Cadets absorb and live the values we teach. She not only represents herself and family with her outstanding achievements, but also embodies the entire Humble JROTC program with her well earned success.”
Jones plans to pursue a career in the medical field to one day become a psychiatrist.
“I’ve always known I wanted to become a doctor,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to help people. I am interested in learning about the brain, why people may act the way they act and if I could be the one to make a difference in someone else’s life, that would be amazing in my eyes.”
While she has been pursuing all these dreams, in September of 2021, Jones joined the National Guard and has been serving in it since then. She will have to halt her service during her time at Texas A&M but plans to graduate as an officer in the National Guard and will serve part time in the Texas Army National Guard after college to pursue her medical career.
Latonia has watched her daughter put in the work since day one and to see it all pay off in the end is fulfilling.
“She’s had some long days and some long nights not knowing that this would get her this,” she said. “But I’m just proud of her for doing the things that she has done. She’s always busy at home, doing something for the school, something for the church or for the community. She’s always tired but I tell her that’s going to help you.”
On January 13, in a special ceremony at Humble High School, Le’Shawnice was presented her ceremonial check for winning the scholarship.
“It is something that you would think only happens in the movies,” she said. “It just felt like a special moment. Everything that I’ve worked for finally paid off in the end. It is a wonderful feeling.”
Humble High School Principal Dairus Cosby was on hand for the presentation and has gotten to know Le’Shawnice over the past few months, including doing the daily announcements together.
“I’m just proud of her with her student leadership on this campus and this is just icing on the cake for her and her family,” Cosby said. “Her community, her school is so proud of her and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things that she will do.”
Le’Shawnice Jones, Latonia Jones, Humble High School Principal Dairus Cosby and Sergeant Major David Watkins pose for a photo after a special celebration announcing the scholarship.